IMPACT
VOL. 6 ISSUE 5 AUGUST 2015
A P U B L I CAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
AMAZING GROWTH Regent University launches major growth initiative to build on record spring enrollment
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any colleges and universities are downsizing in the face of stagnant enrollment and declining revenue. Not so at Regent University. The institution is making significant investments in several areas to continue providing high-quality education at an affordable price. The goal is to position Regent to remain an industry leader through quality-driven, sustainable and exponential enrollment growth.
“We want the Regent community to be aware of the specifics of this plan and its effects,” says Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “This growth initiative is essential to the university’s future and our leadership in higher education.”
“The landscape of higher education in America
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is drastically changing,” explains Regent founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “Ballooning costs have become the number-one issue that prevents students from accessing high-quality education. At the same time, costs are also the number-one challenge affecting universities. “Seeing schools close their doors should be a wake-up call for every college and university to review their operations and offerings,” he continues. “Regent is addressing this issue by proactively investing in sustainable growth, now, so that we are much better positioned
INSIDE:
A STUDY IN GREATNESS
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CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE
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to offer accessible, quality education at an affordable price for students.”
#11 school in the nation for online bachelor’s degrees in 2015.
“The university has introduced 40 new degree programs, concentrations and certificates,” Robertson says. “We have new undergraduate programs in accounting, computer science, cyber security, early childhood education, and healthcare management. New graduate programs include master’s degrees in franchising, healthcare management, innovation management, wealth management & financial planning, political communication and general psychology, just to name a few.”
“At the same time, Regent has significantly improved student support, as well as the enrollment process. These changes position us to provide the highest level of education at an affordable price and continue to grow in a sustainable fashion.”
In May, the university awarded degrees to 1,500 graduates, the largest class ever, which raised the alumni total to more than 20,000. Now, after record-breaking spring enrollment, Regent has introduced a host of new graduate and undergraduate programs in an effort to attract and equip even more future Christian leaders to change the world.
To make Regent most attractive to today’s students and continue the enrollment growth from the spring and summer semesters, the university researched the most popular traditional and online academic programs in America.
By adding these programs, Regent will bolster its current, award-winning online program, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as the
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“With a stated goal of more than 100 programs by 2016, we are adding new degrees that our research shows are some of the most in-demand nationwide,” Moreno-Riaño explains.
Robertson points out that, over the past year, the university has shifted the emphasis to online enrollment, adding: “The results are extraordinary. We are currently at 101 percent of our summer-enrollment goal, and newstudent enrollment is up 68 percent compared to the 2013-2014 school year. Our goal is to move from 6,000 students to 9,000 for the fall semester, which is a 50-percent increase in enrollment.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
“One year from now, we anticipate 15,000 students – most of them online.”
“Following a major, yearlong outreach, we had the best spring enrollment in the university’s history,” Moreno-Riaño adds. “It’s the first time in a decade that our spring enrollment growth
“We are currently at 101 percent of our summerenrollment goal, and new-student enrollment is up 68 percent.” -Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson
topped the fall enrollment, and we are projecting double-digit increases in the fall.” In 2014, the board of trustees voted to increase the university’s advertising budget substantially to invest in media campaigns. The effort has been extremely successful in drawing students to Regent.
“What’s been done over the past year is nothing short of fantastic,” Robertson says. “The results are tremendous, and the university has been taking off like a rocket. We’ve added 70 new
positions, while downsizing some programs where interest was lacking in order to balance our budget.”
Regent is adding staff to directly support enrollment, admissions, advising, student services and new academic programs. The university also will consolidate enrollment, recruitment and advising services to gain efficiencies and offer a streamlined application process and better customer service.
Other changes coming this fall include a newly created academic support center specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s students 24/7. “The management book From Good to Great says that great corporations have a ‘bias toward action,’” Robertson notes. “Regent has that. We are dynamic; we are moving; and we have a bias toward action. I can’t believe what’s been accomplished in the past year!”
With record-breaking enrollment numbers and new undergraduate and graduate programs ready to roll, Regent’s future is as bright as ever.
For information about enrolling in one of Regent University’s eight schools of study, call 800.373.5504 or visit regent.edu/apply today!
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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A STUDY IN GREATNESS Regent students head to Oxford, England, to re-trace the life and work of C.S. Lewis
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.S. Lewis is one of the world’s best-known and most-celebrated Christian authors. From his hugely popular children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia, to his “grown-up” works, such as Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters, the prolific British writer brilliantly communicates what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ.
of a wood stove at my aunt’s home reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time,” Myers remembers. “Secondly, I’ve always wanted to travel to the places I’ve read about in Lewis’ works. I was hoping to experience the cultural context more fully — and I did!”
“We love teaching this class, and most students say it is one of their favorites,” says Fraser. “C. S. Lewis is one of the great communicators of the 20th century.” Fraser adds that Lewis mastered several different writing styles and has proved to have lasting power. “More than 50 years after his death, his books still sell in the millions and are as popular as they were when he died.”
Myers encourages donors to support study abroad programs like this, because they allow students to learn through experiencing. “No degree of book learning can replace personal and spiritual experience, which this program provides in abundance,” she says.
That’s why Regent offers students an annual opportunity to participate in the C.S. Lewis Oxford Study Abroad course. School of Communication & the Arts (SCA) professors Dr. William Brown and Dr. Ben Fraser lead the one-week program that retraces the great author’s footsteps in Oxford, England.
“The program offers students a unique perspective on this major literary light,” says SCA dean Dr. Mitch Land. “His writings exemplify how to communicate the gospel through indirect means: fantastical stories whose heroes reflect the very heroes of the faith, especially Jesus Christ.”
This year, eight doctoral candidates and two undergrads from Regent, spent a week walking the hills and valleys where C. S. Lewis strolled with other literary giants, including J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. “I want our students to understand that Lewis was a man of reason and imagination,” says Fraser. “I also want our students to know the power of myth and imagination to communicate truth and faith. Reason has it place, but well-crafted stories and imaginative writing grips the heart and transforms man.”
Ph.D. in Communication student Mary Myers participated in this year’s study abroad for two reasons: “First, one of my fondest childhood memories is sitting in a rocking chair in front
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Students touched down in the U.K. with a course syllabus for “C. S. Lewis & Friends: Communication, Myth and Imagination.” They earned three credits for attending classroom sessions and lectures about the author’s major works, touring his home, interacting with noted Lewis scholars, and visiting famous Oxford landmarks, including Magdalen College, where Lewis taught.
Another Ph.D. candidate, Heather Stilwell, says the trip challenged her communication style. “I knew C.S Lewis to be a meaningful writer within the Christian faith,” she explains. “But after an intimate study of his works and seeing aspects of his life, which were so influential to him, I have a new appreciation for him and his works. He was deceptively simple, yet marvelously deep.”
While this trip was funded solely by participants, Stilwell encourages future donors to see the significance of their gift more broadly. “It’s an opportunity to help students experience God and to find His calling in a whole new way,” she says. “The Lord is able to do amazing things when we get away from all that is familiar and gain fresh perspectives on life.”
You can play a crucial role in equipping Christian leaders with your tax-deductible gift to Regent University. Become a World Changer Sponsor by calling 800.335.4409 or visiting regent.edu/worldchanger.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE Two Regent certificate programs offer business training from high-profile and global perspectives
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earning is a lifelong process, especially in the business world, where information and technology are crucial keys to success. To respond to the needs of today’s marketplace, Regent has launched two certificate programs.
The Daymond John Certificate in Entrepreneurship: Building Your Business with a Shark is a collaborative effort with entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker and star of television’s “Shark Tank,” Daymond John.
Understanding that almost all “business” in the 21st century transcends international borders, Regent has launched a second high-profile certificate program in the Far East. More than 400 students are taking part in the Marketplace Leadership Institute (MLI) in Singapore. MLI is a comprehensive leadership program to develop and equip professionals in Asia with biblically based competencies, so they can make an impact in cities and nations for the glory of God.
Dr. Corné J. Bekker, a Regent professor and MLI “I’m very excited about my collaboration with instructor, says: “Singaporeans consider Regent one Regent University,” John says. “If you don’t eduof the premier Christian universities in the world, cate yourself, you’ll never get out of the starting and the response to our initiatives has been very block, because you’ll spend all your money makfavorable. Believers in the ing foolish decisions. This partnership will “This program can help further region have expressed a deep hunger for robust Christian help individuals exequip and support seasoned higher education.” pand their potential.”
and emerging entrepreneurs to MLI’s 2015 Summer InLaunched last Octoidentify, evaluate, strengthen tensive is a weeklong study ber, the program consists of seven distinct and act upon entrepreneurial of three modules taught in four-week online Singapore. Multiple course opportunities.” courses that cover the offerings are held in cohort foundational bases -Dr. Doris Gomez settings over three to five of entrepreneurship, days. Individuals interact as well as some of the more advanced nuances with other experienced leaders in sessions designed of start-up companies. John also makes periodic to transform their leadership skills and increase on-campus visits as a guest lecturer for the personal effectiveness. university’s business degrees. With many believing that the business marketThe program is designed for beginning-toplace will be the greatest mission field in the intermediate-level managers or entrepreneurs future, Bekker insists that the program will prepare who want to launch new ventures or grow their Christian leaders in any profession to flourish. existing business. As part of their coursework, “East Asia is an important focal point for the next which is led by Regent School of Business & wave of economic and political growth,” he says. Leadership (SBL) faculty, international business “Training and equipping Christian leaders to not leaders and executive coaches, students create only be the best in their field, but to challenge real business plans for their existing company culture through Christian service, will make a great or desired start-ups. If they can prove to have impact in that area of the world.” what it takes to “swim with the shark,” John will review their plan. “The Great Commission commands that we go “This is a tremendous opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field,” says Dr. Doris Gomez, dean of SBL. “This program can help further equip and support seasoned and emerging entrepreneurs to identify, evaluate, strengthen and act upon entrepreneurial opportunities.” Gomez adds that today’s fast-paced business environments demand individuals well equipped to respond quickly and who can plan strategically: “The need for training provided through our programs is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to stay current, engaged and informed.”
into all nations to equip and make disciples,” Gomez explains. “Regent University’s presence in Singapore is part of this missional call.”
For more information about either of these certification programs, contact Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership at regent.edu/sbl or call 800.373.5504.
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REGENT WORLD CHANGER
Mike Brooks
Mother Tongue Based-Multilingual Education Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia Mike Brooks ‘85 (Education) is a mission aviation specialist and missionary in Southeast Asia. An Air Force pilot prior to attending Regent, Brooks says he’ll never forget God speaking to him during a chapel service at CBN studio headquarters: “The Lord wanted us to prepare for the mission field and our calling to overseas missions.” Brooks and his wife, Eve, served with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Papua, Indonesia, and in Kenya, East Africa, from 1989 to 2010. They joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 2010, where Mike became director of JAARS Aviation (Jungle Aviation And Radio Service) and assisted Wycliffe translators with transportation. In a new mission, the couple recently joined Mother Tongue Based-Multilingual Education in Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia. Brooks says, “I can’t thank my [Regent] professors and instructors enough for their professionalism and imparting their wisdom to me.” Please join the entire Regent University community in praying for the work and safety of August’s Alumni World Changer Mike Brooks and his wife, Eve.
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A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friend, At least half of the 5,000 colleges around the country could be closed within the next 10 years because they can’t cut it financially. That statistic is staggering, and we’ve made a clear decision at Regent that we aren’t going to be in the company of those who are failing. We’re moving forward, not backward. Regent has made some dramatic shifts and changes from last June until right now. I’m very excited about what’s happening, and that the university is moving forward as never before. By significantly cutting costs and reducing expenditures, Regent’s budget is balanced for the first time in decades. This accomplishment enables the university to use less of our endowment, which we previously had been spending at a pace that was unsustainable. Right now, there’s a sense of excitement, a sense of movement, and a thrill in relation to the balanced budget and our many areas of growth. The university’s investment in the 40 new programs, certificates and concentrations mentioned in this month’s cover story is part of a major strategic initiative to maintain our record enrollment levels. At the same time, we will continue to provide high-quality education at an affordable price. That’s why we’re not going to stop at 40 programs. In the fall, we’ll offer students more than 85 total degrees, and we’re on our way to 100 very shortly. In a couple of years, we’ll be offering 200 programs, certificates and concentrations. To put into place everything that has been done in just one year is nothing short of miraculous – and more is on the way. But we need prayer. While Regent is on the move, our goals are big, and we’ll never be all the way there. We’re praying very hard for 9,000 students this fall and as many as 15,000 next year. The faithful prayers and generous financial gifts from friends like you will help us get there. Thank you for your continued friendship and support. God bless you. Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University
“EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 (NKJV)
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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. ADV150712
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