Discovering Greatness

Regent’s Honors College Offers a Challenging Curriculum for the Nation’s Best & Brightest Students

As Jalyn pored over the scriptures, seeking clarity on which college to attend, the answer kept coming back the same: Christian leader. Jalyn is just one of many incredibly gifted and talented Honors students at Regent.

She had already received several full-ride scholarships to other colleges to study biochemistry and engineering, as well as several scholarships to attend Regent as an Honors student. But there was still a shortfall in funds. As the oldest of six children in a single-income household, Jalyn knew that a fully funded education was the only way to achieve her goal to attend a university.

“I began journaling to allow the Holy Spirit to just talk to me,” says Jalyn. “In a conversation with the Lord about my financial worries, God told me: ‘Do not worry about earthly matters. Let My will—not your own—be done.’” Last August, on the heels of their robust and successful Honors Program, Regent University launched the Honors College on their Virginia Beach campus—one of the most exciting academic ventures in the university’s recent history.

The inaugural class—71 freshmen strong— represents some of the brightest students in the nation. With an average incoming GPA over 4.0, they’re in the top 15% of all SAT test-takers in the United States.

That cemented Jalyn’s decision to enroll as an Honors student at Regent and pursue a B.S. in Biophysical Sciences.

Regent’s Honors students explore the true meaning of greatness through a rigorous curriculum and are taught and mentored by some of the most astute faculty in the nation, including sessions with notable professionals, such as the Hon. John Ashcroft, 79th United States Attorney General; the Hon. Robert McDonnell, 71st Governor of Virginia; “The program has greatly challenged my way Rear Admiral Bill McCarthy, USN (Ret.); of thinking while inspiring me to learn why I Mollie Hemingway, senior editor for The believe certain things and to be strong in my Federalist; and Dr. Mary Manjikian, one faith,” shares Jalyn. “It has taught me about the of Regent’s five Fulbright Scholars. importance of apologetics in the real world, which is especially important for someone like The Honors College attracts high-achieving me who wants to go into STEM research.” students, providing mentorship opportunities and an advanced honors curriculum based on Best of all, she earned enough scholarships its unique educational L.I.F.E. model: great to fund her four-year education fully. Learning, Instruction, Faculty & Expectations.

“The tuition discount and other scholarships allowed me to attend Regent and fulfill God’s plan for me,” adds Jalyn. “With remarkable curriculum, instruction, faculty, and setting great expectations, the Honors College seeks to change the way

students view the world while preparing them to meet it with greatness,” says Dr. Josh McMullen, dean of Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences.

In less than a year, the Honors College is already achieving success—having been recognized by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni’s (ACTA) Hidden Gems initiative in Spring 2021.

ACTA’s Hidden Gems initiative directs students’ attention to exceptional honors programs grounded in the study of American government, history, and the great books and programs at colleges nationwide that cultivate critical analysis and excellent oral communication and intercultural fluency skills. Beyond its exceptional programs, however, Regent’s Honors College also strives to prepare students to lead, overcome and bring honor to God in all things.

“The world needs dedicated Christians with disciplined minds, exceptional spirits, battletested hearts to challenge the culture; lead and serve others for God’s glory,” says McMullen.

To make this program available to more deserving students like Jalyn, visit regent.edu/givetohonors to give to the Honors College scholarship fund.