IMPACT SPRING 2021
A P U B LI C AT I O N O F R E G E NT U NI V E RS I TY
A New Dean RSG Dean Michele Bachmann Talks Vision, Truth & the Power of Saying Yes
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ichele Bachmann never planned on becoming dean of an esteemed school of higher education. But like any successful marriage proposal, when asked if she would accept the position of dean of the Robertson School of Government for Regent University, her answer was a resounding yes. In fact, throughout Bachmann’s distinguished career as a federal tax litigation attorney, former U.S. Congresswoman (and first Republican woman from Minnesota elected to the House of Representatives), a founding member of the congressional Tea Party Caucus, and Republican presidential nominee, her plan has always been this:
Bachmann. “I came to know Christ when I was 16 years of age, and since that time, through His still, small voice, He has called me into various adventures. I’ve said yes, by faith, and at each turn, the door of opportunity has been something that I couldn’t have designed or imagined. That lifelong journey has now brought me to Regent University and the opportunity to serve as dean of the Robertson School of Government.”
INSIDE: Advancing Human Flourishing Biblical Solutions for World Issues Reason & Faith Feature Virtually Connected Regent World Changer The Chancellor’s Message
Say yes. “My career plan has essentially been saying yes to the leading of the Holy Spirit,” shares
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Since assuming her new role in January, Bachmann has big plans for the Robertson School of Government, including supporting Chancellor M.G. “Pat” Robertson’s vision of matriculating 300,000 graduates from Regent University.
what was unique about Regent was the fact that students were also taught the timeless truths of what the Bible teaches.” As the Robertson School of Government’s dean, Bachmann is committed to sharing those same timeless truths with current and future world leaders.
“My plan is to build on the already excellent foundation laid at the Robertson School “Regent offers students a significant, of Government and focus on training tens competitive advantage to their peers in the of thousands of men and women in the marketplace,” states Bachmann. “Why? effective biblical truths of government Because our academic to change not only excellence is so high, and America but nations our parallel focus is on the around the world with “At the Robertson School of practical application of biblical leadership. If Government, we maintain eternal biblical truths. For we truly want to change fidelity to principles of success 5,000 years of recorded the world, governance and principles that work. human history, these is a powerful tool timeless truths have worked Those are the principles to do that.” every time. That’s a pretty espoused in the Bible, chief good record.” It’s a tall order—but one among which is equal that Bachmann seems protection under the law.” Now more than ever, to have been preparing according to Bachmann, for since her very first MICHELE BACHMANN the world needs to hear pivotal leadership role: DEAN, ROBERTSON SCHOOL those truths. OF GOVERNMENT becoming a mother to five biological children In March, Bachmann and and 23 foster children. the Robertson School of Government hosted a virtual conference “I think that profound experience of being a on election integrity featuring nationally mother is what led me to want to be involved renowned speakers and expert panelists in politics,” shares Bachmann. “I didn’t have such as Dr. Ben Carson, Mark Steyn, Eric a personal interest in politics, but when I saw Metaxas, Secretary Jay Ashcroft, and others. what the influence of the public school was on the choices that my children would have With close to 60,000 viewer impressions in their future, I became quite concerned.” nationwide the day of the event, this public conference discussed the importance of In addition to Bachmann’s early passion for freedom of speech and election integrity in a education reform, earning her Juris Doctor representative democracy, as well as addressed degree from Oral Roberts University (whose rising concerns around election irregularities, law library and students transferred to voter fraud and the future of America’s Regent Law in 1986) was equally impactful. electoral process. “That truly changed the course and direction “There’s really no other industry that is of my life,” she says. “Until Regent, I had encountering more change today than never encountered learning from a biblical American governance,” Bachmann says. worldview. We were taught the black letter “We live in a postmodern world where truth law the same as any other law school, but
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This virtual conference explored the tenets and challenges to preserving free and fair elections. To watch this timely event, featuring nationally renowned speakers and panelists, please visit regent.edu/electionintegrity.
and law are taught as relative, where all subjects are taught as relative knowledge, and there is a belief that all people should not be equal under the law. This is dangerous ground because of the uncertainty that thinking creates. Let alone, inequality under the law is antithetical to American tradition and thought.” She adds, “At the Robertson School of Government, we maintain fidelity to principles of success and principles that work. Those are the principles espoused in the Bible, chief among which is equal protection under the law.” These very principles have served Bachmann well through a storied career that has taken her from activist mom to serving in state and federal government, to ultimately serving in international settings at the United Nations and speaking to kings, crown princes, prime ministers, and presidents around the world. Today, she is championing future Christian leaders to follow in her footsteps—that is, to experience the miracle-working power of God and to ultimately change nations with the transformative power of the Gospel. “I pray every day for God to speak to the brightest minds in America, calling them to attend the Robertson School of
Government, to learn from our godly, brilliant, practical faculty, then go out and apply those godly principles to change their world,” says Bachmann. To successfully do that, says Bachmann, they’ll have to tackle what she believes is the singular problem in governance across the globe: corruption. “Corruption emanates from the heart of sinful man, but we have the anecdote to that,” she shares. “Only changed hearts and changed lives revolutionized by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit can challenge and corral corruption.” And who better to carry that message to the world than the tens of thousands of Regent students who will leave equipped with a biblical understanding of governance and apply those principles for the betterment of people’s lives and happiness. Adds Bachmann, “There is an even greater need to expand our ranks of people who know what is true, who will speak what is true, and who will act within the safeguarded limitations of what is true because that leads to the betterment of society—and ultimately—the betterment, happiness and redemption of mankind.”
Are you called to join the ranks of our alumni who are Christian leaders changing the world? To learn more about the programs offered through Regent’s Robertson School of Government, visit regent.edu/rsg. The Robertson School of Government is an institutional member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and the American Political Science Association (APSA). Students learn from prominent faculty members and practitioners and participate in meaningful internships in Washington, D.C.; and across the country. Over 1,100 alumni occupy strategic positions in state/national legislatures, the White House, local/state government, and the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services. 3
Advancing Human Flourishing REGENT UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES TWO NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS Beginning Fall 2021, the Robertson School of Government will expand their reach with two new degree programs: Master of Arts in International Development and Master of Arts in Campaigns & Political Leadership. “Wherever there have been poor, vulnerable and marginalized people being lifted up out of poverty, empowered to assert their human dignity, and advancing their human rights, you’ve also found Christians leading the charge,” explains Dr. Andrew Nolte, assistant professor and program director for the M.A. in International Development in the Robertson School of Government. And Regent is doing just that—leading the charge by becoming the only Christian university to offer a graduate-level international development program in a school of government. Nolte says this program is a response in part to the desperately needed academic and professional formation for international development professionals rooted in a Christian worldview. “We’ll be teaching students about the positive impact Christian values have in the international development space and how to apply that real, deep understanding of human dignity to all aspects of the field—from the sanctity of life to international religious freedom to economic and political empowerment,” says Nolte. “We’re hoping we can fundamentally start to change the conversation and demonstrate the basic truth what 2,000 years of history makes abundantly clear: Christianity is the single greatest force for human development and human flourishing in the history of the world.”
Likewise, the M.A. in Campaigns & Political Leadership has some big goals too: create champions for Christ in the political arena. To do that, the program will not only teach students how to manage and run winning political campaigns for election to public office but how to maintain their faith in an often hostile and difficult battleground. “Followers of Christ led to serve in politics face intense challenges to their faith,” explains Henry Jones, adjunct professor in the Robertson School of Government. “The very nature of political engagement is pursuit of power, which can quickly become a gateway to pride and a temptation into a multitude of sins that blunt or even derail a leader’s capacity to serve as a champion for Christ.” Jones says that courses in the program will utilize immersive simulation to blend the elements of winning campaign techniques with policy and situational responses to help empower and equip Christians to compete in the electoral arena. “Students will have learned to successfully face the personal challenges to their faith and public challenges unique to Christian candidates that are now commonplace in today’s campaign environment, whilst running a winning political campaign,” explains Jones. “And in so doing, these Regent graduates will, by God’s grace, truly be equipped as Christian leaders prepared to change the world.” To learn more about the M.A. in International Development or M.A. in Campaigns & Political Leadership, visit regent.edu/rsg or call 800.373.5504.
Center for Christian Thought & Action:
Biblical Solutions for World Issues
If there’s one thing a polarized America can agree on, it’s this: we’re divided. However, that chasm of political, social and theological division is the very space that Regent wants to enter through the Center for Christian Thought & Action (CCTA). “Through the CCTA, we want to provide not only a moderating, thoughtful Christian voice but real solutions that can help move us forward as a culture,” says CCTA Director Rob Schwarzwalder. “We have to understand the times, what the issues are, what caused the problems we’re experiencing, and then integrate reason with faith … knowledge with our Christian understanding of the world.” To do that, the CCTA features leading scholars and thinkers—the top minds in the fields of politics, law, economics, and more— who, through their detailed analyses and a Christian worldview, can help improve public policy and tackle the major issues plaguing our country. Some of these commentaries include interviews with world leaders such as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, author and social critic Os Guinness, former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, and New York Times best-selling author Jon Acuff. But as Schwarzwalder notes, the goal of the CCTA is to provide more than just an opinion or educational commentary. They’re aiming for practical solutions that bring change. “We want to provide policymakers not just with analysis but with ideas that they can implement into actual policy,” he explains. CCTA’s contributors—including Schwarzwalder—combine their academic discipline and real-world experience to identify the inherent biblical principles in an issue and cultivate a solution that represents those principles.
“These ideas are informed by not only fidelity to scripture but by rigorous scholarship and leadership in a professional endeavor,” says Schwarzwalder. As the CCTA director, Schwarzwalder brings all of that to the table. Before coming to Regent, he served as senior vice president at the Family Research Council for over seven years and worked as chief of staff to two members of Congress. Having been involved in the political realm, Schwarzwalder also understands the sensitivities involved with tackling such pressing and often divisive issues—from the stability of marriage to the morality of American military operations—and that they must be approached with civility and what he calls “principled compromise.” “We can, by our conduct and by our spirit, stand for truth unequivocally but graciously,” he says. “And through principled compromise, still stand strongly by moral principles in an argument, yet be able to compromise on how to implement those principles in public policy.” Most recently, the CCTA launched the webinar series Great Talks® where guest experts bring fresh perspectives to issues ranging from navigating COVID-19 to an upcoming forum on religious liberty. CCTA thought pieces will also be featured in issues of Impact (Page 6). All of this, says Schwarzwalder, aims to bring solutions that “we believe will bring healing and hope to the issues that so desperately need it in our country and our world.” Regent’s Center for Christian Thought & Action is the premier resource for Christian-thought leadership, inspiring leaders to understand their world and make it better. To learn more, including access to Great Talks® webinars, visit regent.edu/ccta.
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Reason & Faith Feature
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eadership is a holy calling founded upon eternal theological and natural law principles that all humans are made in the image of God. That humanity is endowed with faith and reason to make free will ethical and moral decisions in the sacred trust of selfgovernment. These tenets of the consent of the governed possess deep roots in the Pilgrims’ journey to the New World in 1620 as they sought religious freedom and the ability to selfgovern. The Mayflower Compact illustrated the Pilgrims’ ironclad commitment to these values. It was the first document in history to set forth the principles of equality under the law and that government is based upon the consent of the governed. The signers of the Mayflower Compact—John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, and 38 other courageous men—understood that self-government required a moral people under God, as they modeled the foundational principles of servant leadership in which they collectively pledged to promote God’s greater will and glory. Christian servant leadership consists of two major elements: servanthood (promoting the growth and well-being of others); and stewardship in the skillful management of the resources that God provides with integrity and competence. Servant leaders promote altruistic ends, sacrificing personal comfort and self-interest for the greater good. As Scripture notes, the greatest sacrifice and gift is to lay down your life for others. We see this fleshed out during that first terrible winter when almost half of the 102 Pilgrims lost their lives in establishing a colony in a new land that would change the world. The Mayflower Compact’s emphasis on self-government became the foundation of our nation as further developed and refined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. As with our personal Christian sanctification development, it is an ongoing and never perfected process as these eternal principles of self-government are imperfectly implemented and require continuous growth, struggle, and repentance for falling short. Scripture and history demonstrate that to implement and maintain the holy principles 6
of self-government and the consent of the governed, we need people of godly character and competence to combat the centrifugal forces of evil that govern this fallen world. Self-government and the consent of the governed are continuously under assault. We need men and women of exceptional servant leadership, character and competency in each generation to maintain the foundation and build
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upon the framework using what the Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 3:12 as the truth and love-based materials of “precious metal, jewels and stone.” Our nation was blessed with God-fearing, founding, servant leader fathers such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Witherspoon, followed by Abraham Lincoln—who preserved the union and its democratic principles. Another excellent example of servant leadership in government is the work of William Wilberforce, the great British statesmen and committed Christian who led the effort to abolish slavery. The Robertson School of Government (RSG) has the great and humbling honor and privilege of instructing students in governmental servant leadership principles from a Christian worldview. As our mission states: The Robertson School of Government trains leaders who desire to
strengthen the ethical and moral foundation of Judeo-Christian principles in government and who are called to preserve individual freedom, representative democracy, and constitutional government. The educational process at RSG provides students with the foundational Christian servant leadership principles to be “light and salt” in the governmental sphere, to be that next generation of Josephs, Daniels, and Esthers who possess the ability to lead, change the culture, and serve both “God and Caesar” without compromising biblical principles.
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The principle of self-government and the consent of the governed remains an imperfect ideal, as evidenced by our nation’s ongoing political, social, economic, and religious conflict. RSG students are taught to seek and promote the truth where it leads; to be able to speak truth to power in love; and to “test the spirits” to ensure that motives, means and ends of personal and professional conduct and policy promote greater good and honor God. There is no Democratic, Republican or Independent vision of reality from a Christian worldview, but only Christ’s eternal truth. The ideals that the Pilgrims eloquently stated in the Mayflower Compact were purified in the tests of the fires of death, suffering and self-deprivation. Those ideals are still at the heart of political debate today as both major political parties seek a more perfect system in implementing the consent of the governed, as illustrated by their respective focus on election integrity and voter access.
RSG students understand that today’s leaders in government must seek both knowledge and wisdom. And only godly wisdom can preserve our nation’s values-based foundation. It requires leaders dedicated to all three forms of ethical reasoning, deontology (or principle-based conduct, i.e., thou shall not lie), teleological reasoning (or promoting the greater good), and character virtue such as humility, integrity, courage, and forgiveness producing the fruit of the Spirit. Without a nuanced understanding of morality based upon prayer and leading of the Holy Spirit, we will not be able to resist the cunning and camouflaged allure of pride which exalts the self and reduces the ability to resolve conflict and compromise appropriately. This was the genius of William Wilberforce and his principled approach to politics, which is summarized below: • Our Christian faith is a deep personal commitment that transforms all our lives: no compartmentalization of the sacred and secular. • Work collaboratively according to 1 Corinthians 12 and the Body of Christ analogy principles, emphasizing humility, teamwork, networking, and cooperation. • A student biblical ethos to work for the greater good of society. • Act thoughtfully on every issue, study wholly and thoroughly before assuming a position, pray and reflect, test ideas and spirits (1 John 4:1). • Approach the study and practice of government from a biblical framework while avoiding strictly partisan positions and interests. RSG is dedicated to these principles of Christian leadership in government, a sacred trust, and a humbling undertaking that requires the power, strength, and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to honor prior generations’ sacrifices through an unswerving commitment to individual freedom, representative democracy, and constitutional government, as epitomized by the words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” 7
Virtually Connected KEEPING ALUMNI AND STUDENTS CREATIVELY ENGAGED DURING THE PANDEMIC In a year when COVID-19 has been synonymous with cancellations, quarantines and social distancing, staying connected has become more important than ever. With the aid of Zoom technology and lots of creativity, Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations has successfully kept alumni and students engaged through hosting unique virtual events ranging from nights of prayer and worship to leadership forums, regional networking events and even a chocolate tasting. “We had to quickly pivot to new ways of working and connecting with our alumni,” says Lynanne Kaiser, executive director of Alumni Relations for Regent University.
37 states and 14 countries—Regent’s highest forum turnout to date. But as the pandemic progressed, so did Regent’s long-term strategy. “At first our focus was to help alumni and the broader Regent community get information, resources and support to maneuver through the challenges brought on by the pandemic,” shares Kaiser. “As time went on and it became clear that lockdowns and social distancing would continue indefinitely, we began to fully embrace platforms like Zoom to reimagine our events and meetings.”
Such events have included: a virtual version of Regent’s HARRIET WATKINS (SOE ’16) signature United Night of Worship (NOW) event with 20 churches represented In the immediate wake of the pandemic, the and more than 8,500 video views via social alumni relations team launched a campaign— You Are Not Alone—to encourage and pray media sites and Regent’s website; an evening of unifying prayer prior to the November for students and alumni. They also hosted election, featuring key leadership from the a leadership forum: “A Christian Leader’s Response to COVID-19.” The forum, led by areas of business, church, government, and the key faculty from Regent’s School of Divinity medical community to pray over our nation; and inspiring “Zoom Room” interviews with and School of Nursing, saw registrants from 8
Regent by the Numbers
6
consecutive years of recordsetting enrollment growth
12
prestigious credentials
150+
areas of study that prepare you with skills employers seek
$23M+
alumni who are making a difference in their careers and areas of influence. Team alumni kicked off 2021 with a virtual vision board event to help alumni focus on their New Year goals and in early March they hosted their sweetest event yet—a virtual chocolate tasting where guests were shipped a box of chocolates in advance to sample during the tasting and learned about the confection’s journey from bean to bar.
in institutional scholarships and aid
Alumni Spotlight
29,000+
alumni from 50 states and 143 countries
1,075
pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders
635
C-level leaders “We are using these virtual gatherings to foster joy and community at a time when we need each other more than ever,” says Kaiser. And it’s working. Participants across the board have responded with gratitude for the resources and support they have received through these events, for the opportunity to connect, and for the enjoyment and fun the virtual gatherings have provided. To stay connected and learn more about future events, visit regentalumni.org.
875+
Teachers of the Year
60%
of Fortune top 100 companies employ our graduates
55
sitting judges
Regent World Changer Sharon Weston Broome (SCA ’84) knows what it takes to face a challenge head-on. As the city of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge parish’s first African American female mayor, she successfully secured a second term as mayor-president last December after defeating seven challengers, including winning a runoff election. It was a capstone to an even more challenging term that witnessed historic flooding in her city, social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet through it all, Broome kept her head up and her faith strong. “I’ve often heard people say, ‘We’re not perfect servants, we’re public servants’,” Broome shares. “As Christians, we should be leading the way and demonstrating to people by our lifestyles and by our love what is really needed in our nation—and right now that’s prayer.”
Sharon Weston Broome (SCA ’84) Mayor-President of Baton Rouge-East Baton Rouge Parish
Before entering public service, Broome’s passion was communications—a path that led her to pursue a master’s in communication from Regent University. “One of the themes of my experience at Regent, beyond the degree, was that it was always instilled in us to be in positions where you can make decisions. That’s how you can really change the course of things.” In her more than 30 years of public service, Broome has been leading from positions of influence. From serving on the city’s Metro Council to serving in the House and Senate—including becoming the first female to hold the second-highest leadership positions in both legislative chambers (speaker pro tempore and president pro tempore)—Broome has proven herself to be a skilled decision-maker. Most recently, in her role as mayor-president, Broome has made it her mission to enhance the quality of life for the more than half a million residents of the city of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish. In her first term, she helped secure over $2 billion in infrastructure investments, implemented an initiative to help cover lost tips and wages suffered by the hospitality industry, and launched a $1 million microgrant program to help locally owned small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Broome believes there is still so much more to do, thanks to her passion for people and the calling of God on her life. “I never thought about having a career or being in public service for most of my life. I was simply being obedient to the call,” she explains. “This has all unfolded because of the personal relationship I have with Jesus Christ. I love people, and I tell my staff we are in the people business. I want to see people’s lives improve. While I know that government cannot solve all the problems, we are certainly a conduit to uplifting and empowering people’s lives.”
SPECIAL OFFER I Love Regent month was a great success because of YOU! Thanks to everyone who participated to show your appreciation and love for the Regent community. Due to the popularity of our I Regent water bottles, we are extending our special offer. Make a gift of $100 or more to the World Changer Scholarship Fund by the end of May and you will receive an I Regent water bottle of your own and an I Regent magnet! Give today at regentalumni.org/iloveregent.
The Chancellor’s Message Dear Friend, It has always been my heartfelt belief that God has a special calling for Regent University—a calling and a purpose to be a leading academic center of Christian thought and action. I believe the Lord wants to position Regent University to take its place as one of the great educational institutions in the world—and already we see His incredible favor. As seen on this issue’s cover, former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann began serving as dean of the Robertson School of Government on January 1, 2021. She is a distinguished leader of national and global reputation and has displayed exemplary vision, character, integrity, and skill throughout her career in government. Her experience and principled leadership will provide an extraordinary role model for our students and graduates to emulate. I believe even more resources, more faculty, and more students will continue to build Regent as one of the best in the world. We’re going to see the influence and impact like never before, particularly in the field of government. Jesus said, “With man, it’s impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” Your support is what equips us to fulfill God’s calling for Regent and ensure that students have an opportunity to attend one of the most influential, transformational, Christian universities in the world. Thank you for your prayers and faithful partnership. Your support is helping to send out Christian leaders to change the world. Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO
… and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9:6
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 is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. Regent University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, age or veteran status in admissions, treatment or access to its programs and activities, or in the administration of educational policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletics or other University programs. In addition, Regent does not discriminate based on religion, except as necessary to comply with Regent’s Standard of Personal Conduct and Statement of Christian Community and Mission. View the full nondiscrimination policy at regent.edu/nondiscrim. Questions or concerns regarding discrimination based on sex may be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinator at T9Coordinator@regent.edu, or the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at OCR@ed.gov. To learn more about Disability Services or to contact Regent's Section 504 coordinator, visit regent.edu/disability. Regent University is authorized to operate in the state of Virginia and is exempt from the requirements of certification by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. 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. ALM210173
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