IMPACT A P U B LICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
VOL. 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2014
Answering the Bell After 30 years of unprecedented success, Regent’s School of Education is still going (and growing) strong
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hen morning school bells ring across the nation, more than 3,000 Regent alums answer the call to teach. Since its founding in 1980, the university’s graduate School of Education (SOE) has experienced outstanding success, training teachers and administrators to become Christian leaders who are, quite literally, changing the world. In May, U.S. News & World Report named Regent’s School of Education the highest-ranked Virginia university for faculty credentials and training. The digital magazine also ranked SOE’s online graduate program first in Virginia and eighth in the nation overall.
C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
Dr. Alan Arroyo, dean of SOE, says the school’s “four pillars” are the driving force behind its three decades of success: “In everything, we endeavor to seek knowledge and wisdom, as well as serve and edify others with Christ at the center of all we think and do. Our courses are built around that framework, and alumni tell us that they learned to live and apply the pillars in their personal and professional practices.”
INSIDE: TEACHING THE TEACHERS
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SALUTE TO TEACHERS
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ANSWERING THE BELL — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
SOE’s values and principles have influenced thousands of Regent alumni, including Dr. Cheryl Askew (’02, ’12), principal at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which received the prestigious National Gold Council of Excellence Award from the National Association of Student Councils this past May. “I believe very passionately in servant leadership. Every day and in every way, I strive to exemplify this concept,” Askew says. “Regent reinforced this belief for me—that those who lead must first serve. I always tell my assistant principals, teachers and staff that I will never ask them to do anything that I am not willing to do myself !” While several factors influenced Askew’s decision to attend Regent for both her master’s and doctoral degrees, one SOE distinctive stood above the rest. “I was drawn to the professionalism of the staff when I visited the campus. I was also impressed by the scope and sequence of course offerings,” Askew explains. “[But] the most obvious and important reason for my selection of Regent was the Christ-centered focus. It was important to me to have that as part of my graduate experience.” 2
Arroyo insists that it’s more than just a university-wide commitment to excellence that enables Regent to be so effective in training “world changers” in the field of education. “We have faculty and staff who
“I believe very passionately in servant leadership. Every day and in every way, I strive to exemplify this concept.” -Dr. Cheryl Askew SOE Alumna, ‘02 & ‘12
are highly talented and dedicated to the proposition that God called each of them to the university to prepare future educators and to further equip current educational leaders to be powerful influences in the lives of their students,” he says. After 34 years of powerful influence, SOE shows no signs of slowing down. Arroyo says the school’s innovative approach to session length (eight weeks for major and non-doctoral programs) has led to strong
REGENT UNIVERSITY
enrollment numbers: “We have found that eight-week sessions allow for more frequent starts for new students. Also, many students report that they learn better from taking courses in higher concentrations allowing
for one course at a time. SOE enrollment has increased steadily since the beginning of the year, and we have achieved a near-record fall term.” Regent’s School of Education is dedicated to excellence in teaching, interactive online learning, faculty research, and faithbased service, with the goal of developing Christian leaders for both classroom and administrative leadership. SOE efforts have been so successful that a recent study
determined one out of every five principals or assistant principals in Southeast Virginia has been trained by Regent University. “One city has 50 percent of its school administrators coming from Regent,” Arroyo adds. “We have several central office administrators, including a deputy superintendent and an executive director of human resources. This speaks to our outstanding programs in educational leadership.” The School of Education believes in what their faculty and staff call “the Regent difference.” It’s best described as a calling to train teachers and administrators to a high standard of academic excellence and biblical character modeled inside and outside the classroom. The real-life application of those efforts has resulted in a generation of students reaching higher and achieving more both academically and personally.
For more information on the School of Education’s master’s (M.Ed.), specialist (Ed.S.), and doctoral (Ed.D.) degree programs, call 888.713.1595 or visit regent.edu/education.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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TEACHING THE TEACHERS Regent’s Educational Leadership Program impacts students and educators both locally and globally
Learning never stops—especially for teachers. While requirements differ from state to state, most teachers must complete additional professional-development activities, including coursework in their field, for recertification every few years. That’s where Regent University’s School of Education (SOE) comes in. “To fulfill this requirement many teachers pursue a master’s, specialist or doctoral degree,” says Dr. Glenn Koonce, director of the university’s Educational Leadership Program. “Higher pay and promotion are also incentives, but the main reason I hear for our students pursuing advanced degrees is that they desire to make a difference in the lives of young people and in the communities they serve.” For more than three decades, Regent has been educating educators. Many have been recognized for their outstanding performance and commitment to teaching.
Koonce adds that SOE’s “conceptual framework” sets Regent’s Educational Leadership Program apart from other universities: “Seeking knowledge and wisdom in order to serve and edify others is the foundation for student learning. We also are blessed that all our core courses are taught by dedicated and knowledgeable professors, who at one time in their career were practicing principals or superintendents and who meet regularly to improve the program.” Another distinctive is that Regent isn’t just training educators in Virginia. SOE’s leadership programs are impacting teachers and administrators nationally and globally as well.
Dr. Glenn Koonce
“We already have concentrations of alumni around the country and the world where cohorts of Regent students have impacted a state, a region or their nation,” Arroyo explains. “We had cohorts in Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Houston, Texas; and in Richmond and other parts of Virginia. We even had a cohort in Brazil.”
“In 2014 alone, Regent graduates and students won 65 out of the But to make an even bigger impact 320 teacher-of-the-year awards and to train even more Christian Dr. Alan Arroyo in Southeast Virginia,” says educators to change the world, SOE’s dean, Dr. Alan Arroyo. Arroyo says the university needs the financial “That brings the total to nearly 650 teachers and prayer support of Regent alumni and friends. of the year since 2004 in the Hampton Roads “The key is to have affordable education from the area.” Christian, biblical perspective that is provided by grants and donations for student scholarships” he Koonce attributes that remarkable success says. “The School of Education can serve more to both the quality of students that Regent students and begin even more cohorts with this attracts and the quality of the programs type of assistance.” offered by the university: “I believe the central quality found in our graduates is that they care about the students they teach and lead. Caring is central to our Christian beliefs. To support Regent University’s School People intrinsically know if you truly care. of Education with your financial gift, call As a result, people gravitate to a successful, 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/give. ‘caring’ program.”
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
A Reason to Celebrate
ANNUAL EVENT WILL HONOR EDUCATORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF STUDENTS On Friday, September 26, Regent University will celebrate more than 300 of Hampton Roads’ top teachers and school administrators. The School of Education’s (SOE) 16th annual Salute to Teachers event, held at the beautiful Founders Inn and Spa, will feature hors d’oeuvres, a live jazz band, dinner, prize drawings and an awards ceremony. Hosted by local television personality Cheryl Tan, event attendees will also hear from guest speaker Dr. Steven Staples, superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education.
the year,” explains SOE’s dean, Dr. Alan Arroyo. “We realized at that time, with the onset of the accountability movement, the media focus was on underachieving schools and wayward teachers, not on the vast majority of educators who are talented, self-sacrificing professionals who view teaching as a call and a purpose in life.” Thanks to a generous gift from the Coca-Cola Company, the event is completely free to teacherof-the-year award winners, their personal guest and their school administrator. Local sponsors are providing more than 20 prizes, which include gift baskets and gift cards. There’s even a drawing for a 100-percent scholarship to the School of Education at the master’s or doctoral level.
“Even the best “Even the best teachers don’t teachers don’t get nearly the recogget nearly the recognition they nition they deserve, deserve, and I am grateful to and I am grateful to Each teacher of the year Regent University Regent University for its efforts who attends also receives for its efforts over the special “Golden over the years to remedy this.” Regent’s years to remedy this,” Apple” award, plus a Staples says. “I look -Dr. Steven Staples 25-percent scholarship to forward to celebrating the School of Education. Virginia Dept. of Education the successes of some “The Salute to Teachers of Virginia’s finest event draws from 20 or more community teachers and to sharing some thoughts on sponsors to provide a wonderful, honoring event how the realities of teaching differ from public for those voted teacher of the year in the 350 perceptions.” surrounding-area schools,” Arroyo says. “It has Regent is rolling out the red carpet at this prestibecome one of Regent’s signature events and is gious, invitation-only event to recognize the greatly appreciated by those who attend.” importance of celebrating those in the education community who are exemplary educators. Salute to Teachers is SOE’s way of honoring and For more information, including recognizing public- and private-school teachers sponsorship opportunities, please of the year in the Hampton Roads area for a job call 757.802.1583, visit regent.edu/ well done. salutetoteachers, or email Regent’s “In 1998, Regent University was the first school of education in the state to honor teachers of
School of Education at teachersalute@ regent.edu.
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Leading With Integrity Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee hosts the number-one-rated weekend hit, Huckabee, on the FOX News Channel. An accomplished leader and author, Huckabee will kick off the 11th annual ELS season to share: The value of placing service before selfinterest to achieve a “win-win” The power of consistency in earning the respect and trust of others Keys to leading with integrity, even when it is not popular or comfortable
Friday, September 19, 2014 | 12 p.m.
MIKE HUCKABEE Former Governor of Arkansas, Author, Radio & Television Host
Tickets: $35 | Luncheon Included Presenting Sponsor
The Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, Va. Seating is limited.
regent.edu/els • 888.372.1006
REGENT WORLD CHANGER
Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan School of Education
An associate professor and director of Regent University’s Martinson Center for Math & Science, Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan ‘07 (Education) is president elect for the Virginia Association of Science Teachers. She also has been appointed to the Standards of Learning Revision Committee. “During my doctoral program, I learned how to plan programs to meet the needs of students the same way Christ met the needs of those who followed him—through relationships,” she explains. “We can have the best programs, metrics, goals and work ethic. But if we don’t have a relationship with God and if we don’t have a relationship with those we serve, then we have nothing.”
SPONSOR A WORLD CHANGER You can sponsor a Regent student to become a World Changer like Jenny Sue. By supporting one of the university’s many scholarship programs, you play a vital role in training and equipping Christian leaders. Visit regent.edu/worldchanger or call 800.335.4409 for more information.
CENTERED ON GIVING At the center of this and every Impact newsletter is a postage-paid envelope that makes it easy for you to support Regent. You can also donate online at regent.edu/ give, or call 800.335.4409 to learn other ways you can support the university.
Please join the entire Regent community in praying for Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan, August’s Alumni World Changer.
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friends, Responding to God’s call to train teachers and school administrators, Regent founded its School of Education in 1980—two years after the university opened. It was Regent’s second graduate school for a reason. I knew that, if Regent was going to significantly impact our culture, we would need to raise up a generation of educators who could teach young people from a biblical perspective. The School of Education’s first graduating class more than 30 years ago was just one student. Today, the school not only has the most alumni at Regent, but also, its graduates are enjoying wide success serving as teachers, principals, superintendents and in other key roles in school systems across the country. Your prayers and financial support are greatly needed to ensure that Regent University can continue to equip Christian leaders to change the world. With your help, the School of Education will provide excellent, biblically based education for generations to come. Thank you for your friendship and support. Grace and peace,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University
AND THE THINGS THAT THOU HAST HEARD OF ME AMONG MANY WITNESSES, THE SAME COMMIT THOU TO FAITHFUL MEN, WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS ALSO. 2 TIMOTHY 2:2 (KJV)
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Regent University’s Impact is published monthly by the university’s Office of Advancement, free of charge, for alumni and friends of the university. Regent University admits students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion or national or ethnic origin. Regent University is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate campuses within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. Opinions expressed in Impact are those of individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of Regent University’s board, faculty, administration or staff. Regent University accepts news submissions from readers but reserves the right to edit based upon clarity, length and content. The university may decline to print material at its discretion. ADV140611
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