Created to Glorify Him Regent University names Virginia’s Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears the 2022 Alumnus of the Year
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insome Earle-Sears, a 2003 graduate from the School of Business & Leadership (SBL), is a woman of many firsts. In fact, the Regent University 2022 Alumnus of the Year Award-winner has been breaking down barriers her entire adult life.
So, she shared her concerns with a professor. “We prayed together and realized I should be in the school for leadership,” she recalled. “So, I graduated from SBL with an M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Government. And here I am, the lieutenant governor.”
On November 3, 2021, Earle-Sears became Regent welcomed Earle-Sears, her husband, the first female in Virginia’s 400-year legislative history to be elected lieutenant Terence, and her family as distinguished governor. Born in Jamaica, guests to the 42nd Commencement on her family immigrated to May 7. After receiving New York City when she “For what purpose her Alumnus of the Year was 6 years old. That makes are you here? You are her the first naturalized Award, she delivered an here to glorify Him.” citizen to serve as the inspiring speech to graduates, urging them to embrace Old Dominion State’s WINSOME EARLE-SEARS their true calling in life. lieutenant governor. REGENT UNIVERSITY 2022 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Her other impressive accomplishments include: Serving as a U.S. Marine; becoming an electrician and small-business owner; leading a men’s prison ministry; working as director of a women’s shelter; and, in 2001, becoming the first black, veteran, Republican woman elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates. Earle-Sears began studying for her Master of Arts degree at the Robertson School of Government (RSG) in 2000. “I knew I wanted to be in government somehow,” she said. “So, I was getting a master’s in public policy. About a year after being there, it just didn’t seem right.”
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Earle-Sears cited Isaiah 43:7, explaining how God created the graduates for His glory—to glorify Him. “That’s it. So, it’s not to get a job. It’s not to get fame and fortune. No. Why are you here? For what purpose are you here? You are here to glorify Him.” She also challenged Regent’s newest alumni to remember Jesus’ prayer in John 17, so they can make a positive and lasting impact on the world around them: “As God talking to God, He didn’t pray that you would be taken out of the world. Jesus says no, no, no. Y’all are staying, and you have to know how to deal with it. And so, I say to you: Don’t lose
