Impact Volume 5 Issue 7 - July 2014 Highlights

IMPACT A P U B LICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y

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VOL. 5 ISSUE 7 JULY 2014

Learning to Lead Regent opens its doors wide to train military leaders before, while and after they serve

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he last sentence in the Armed Forces Code of Conduct states, “I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.” Faith and service to this great nation go hand in hand, which is exactly why Regent University is steadfast in its support of the men and women of our armed forces.

“Part of Regent University’s commitment to America is its determination to reach out to our military,” says Regent Distinguished Professor and retired Admiral Vern Clark, former Chief of Naval Operations and a member of George W. Bush’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Whether it’s on campus in Virginia Beach or through its highly

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rated online programs, Regent is a great place for military members to invest in their future.”

A fully accredited Servicemembers Opportunity College, active-duty military, veterans, spouses and dependents account for nearly a quarter of the university’s entire student body. More than half of them study online, which is good news according to U.S. News & World Report.

INSIDE: SAFEGUARDING REGENT’S FUTURE

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ROTC & GOARMYED

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LEARNING TO LEAD — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In May, the digital magazine ranked Regent among the best online programs for veterans and service members. The university was the topranked school in Virginia for graduate education, placing eighth nationally, and was the only school in the Commonwealth to land in the top 20 for bachelor’s programs, again placing eighth in the nation.

“That recognition validates Regent’s strategic commitment to providing excellent online education to our military and veterans who are already Christian leaders changing the world,” says Regent Director of Military & Veterans Affairs David Boisselle. “Nowhere else can military students find our unique combination of top-flight online delivery, Christian scholarship and substantial military benefits.”

Those benefits include generous transfercredit policies, tuition assistance for all of Regent’s 40+ associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, 25-percent tuition discounts for

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graduate programs, and even 15-percent tuition discounts for military spouses.

Current Regent student and military spouse Sarah Jane Arnett is a huge advocate of continuing education for those who live a similar lifestyle.

“Military life is definitely a calling, and it takes a positive mind-set to navigate successfully,” she says. “The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program has given me the tools to grow as a leader and the intuitive skills to encourage other military spouses to take the leap and continue their education as well.”

“I want people to know we have Special Forces personnel, boots-on-the-ground infantry, ship drivers, aviators, cooks, supply corps, corpsmen, etc., attending Regent while they serve as active-duty military,” explains Vice President for Enrollment Management and Information Technology Tracy Gregorio. “They’re studying while deployed and working long hours and

REGENT UNIVERSITY

“Part of Regent University’s commitment to America is its determination to reach out to our military.”

BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS VETERANS BACHELOR’S

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grueling shifts. They want to better themselves and make an impact through Christian leadership.”

Christian worldview and approach allows people like me to fortify our leadership foundation through biblical principles.”

But being a “military-friendly” university involves more than just offering a military discount, distance classes or a convenient schedule. It’s about creating an environment, both on campus and online, where service members can excel in whatever situation they find themselves.

“Every college student or working professional aspires to be a better leader,” says Boisselle.

“Not only do our military students become experts in a discipline and grow in their faith, but they also become leaders who are equipped to navigate and change the world.”

“At Regent, ‘military friendly’ also means ‘military supportive.’ Our faculty have taught military students for years and understand their unique situations and needs,” Boisselle says. “Young men and women join the armed forces because they want to serve a cause bigger than themselves. So it’s only logical that they’d be drawn to a university that espouses Christ-first, excellence and leadership.”

Yvette Tyson ’14 (College of Arts & Sciences) came to the university after serving eight years in the U.S. Army: “Regent makes a genuine effort in helping active, reserve and veteran students adjust to a new environment.” She adds that the university’s focus on developing Christian leaders is consistent with the military’s ultimate goal for its service members: “Leadership—GOOD leadership—is the primary focus of the military, so Regent’s

But to continue as a leading, global Christian university serving active-duty military, veterans, spouses and their dependents, Gregorio says the university needs the prayer and financial support of Regent alumni and friends: “I want the readers of Impact to know that their financial support allows us to lower tuition for active-duty military. Regent has a significant need for scholarship donations.

When people give, it helps us provide tuition relief so the university can train those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

Learn more about Regent University’s military programs and benefits at regent.edu/military or call 757.352.4757.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD

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ACTIVE AND ENGAGED

NEW CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO KEEP GRADUATES CONNECTED TO REGENT

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id you know there are at least 10 ways for Regent alumni to stay active and connected? Keeping as many alums as possible engaged on a regular basis, no matter where they live, is key to the university’s current and long-term success.

That’s why the Alumni Office recently launched “Be an Active Alum,” a new campaign that highlights the many ways graduates can engage with fellow alumni and the university. “From putting a Regent bumper sticker on their car to joining the Regent Leadership Society, alums are sure to find some way to stay connected,” says Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Fuquay ’01 (Robertson School of Government).

Fuquay and her staff recently mailed and emailed thousands of colorful “Be an Active Alum” postcards, illustrating the top 10 ways alumni can stay connected to Regent. “With nearly 19,000 alumni and our 10 chapters covering over half of all alumni, there’s a powerful network to tap into,” she says.

“The Office of Alumni Relations does a wonderful job communicating and creatively connecting all of us alums,” says Eunice Barruel ’01 (Business & Leadership), a former member of the Executive Alumni Board. To her, staying connected also means supporting Regent financially: “As the world says, ‘Pay it forward.’ I count it an honor to pour into and invest into the lives of leaders who will make a change for Jesus.”

Gary Ottman ’07 (Business & Leadership), currently a member of the Executive Alumni Board, also believes in paying it forward: “Most alumni like to cite their reasons for donating to Regent as ‘giving back’ something in return for the equipping and education God provided them. I like to explain it as storing my treasures in heaven to help others be equipped as leaders who change the world.”

Thanks to the Internet, social media and multiple alumni chapters nationwide, anyone can conveniently connect with fellow alumni in their local area or on the other side of the world.

“An engaged alumni is a sign of a healthy university,” says Vice President for Advancement Ann LeBlanc. “The efforts of Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations are primarily about building and renewing

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relationships. While soliciting financial support is only one component, it’s an important part of what we do; even $5 can make a huge difference.”

“Alumni giving, whatever the amount, opens doors for students with a vision to change the world for the better,” says Bryce Vinson ’89 (Communication & the Arts), a video editor at FOX News. “I choose to give to Regent because I want other students to have the same access to financial aid that I had. I want students to have the opportunity to attend a private school with Christian values, a beautiful campus and a student body with oversized dreams.”

Alumni gifts finance scholarships, building projects and other on- and off-campus initiatives, such as mission trips and summer internships. A high level of alumni engagement, both socially and financially, is key to building a lasting legacy of support that will ensure a stronger, better university for generations to come.

“I give to enhance the standing of Regent among all universities, which benefits students and graduates alike,” Vinson adds. “Regent alumni share a common belief that binds us together, a genuine desire to help each other succeed, and a common interest in the success of the mission of the university and the success of its graduates.”

“My staff and I are doing everything we can think of to keep alumni active and engaged,” Fuquay says, “because we know that the only way to ensure Regent’s future is to keep a strong connection with the past.”

How to Be an Active Alumnus 1. Join an alumni chapter.

2. Refer a student.

3. Connect through social media.

4. Show your pride with Regent gear.

5. Submit “Class Notes.”

6. Email your story.

7. Join the Regent Leadership Society.

8. Support the online job board.

9. Mentor a student.

10. Get a Regent license plate.

For more information about the “Be An Active Alum” campaign, visit regentalumni.org or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 888.294.ALUM.

REGENT UNIVERSITY

FULL SPEED AHEAD REGENT ROTC AND GOARMYED PARTNERSHIPS CREATE BRIGHT FUTURES FOR MILITARY STUDENTS

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egent University’s ROTC programs, though still in their infancy, are attracting and developing highcapacity leaders-in-the-making. Rising junior Joshua Duran is the first-ever Navy ROTC midshipman at the university.

Having received a rare and coveted Marine Corps scholarship to complete his degree at the College of Arts & Sciences, Duran says he’s doing his “absolute best to set the standard as high as I possibly can for the purpose of building a respect for future midshipmen from Regent.”

“I entered the ROTC program because I believe that God is leading me to be an officer in the United States Marine Corps, and He has shown me the path here at Regent University,” Duran says. “I chose Regent because I enjoy learning in a Christ-centered atmosphere. We are taught in a way that molds us into effective leaders for Christ.”

Regent’s Army ROTC program is available through a joint agreement with Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Va. Students can take courses toward a degree at Regent while fulfilling their Army ROTC commitment at ODU. Cadets say the program requires a great deal of determination, desire and discipline.

Jonah Bryant is a rising sophomore and leader of the Army cadets at Regent. He’s wanted to be a U.S. Army officer since he was a freshman in high school. “Deciding to go into ROTC while I was in college was a no-brainer,” Bryant insists. “As a soldier, I face an enemy that is flesh and blood. I chose Regent because, here, I’m also learning to wage war against the ‘spiritual forces of evil’ that Paul wrote about in Ephesians 6:12.”

Besides its growing ROTC program, Regent has another partnership that will cater to

men and women currently serving in the U.S. Army to help them transition into civilian life.

Launched on July 1, GoArmyEd is a virtual gateway that enables service members in the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve to request tuition assistance for classroom and distance education.

“This partnership is truly an answer to prayer,” says Regent Director of Military & Veterans Affairs David Boisselle. “GoArmyEd also puts us on equal footing with our competition for the great students coming out of the military, and we’re honored to help serve Army men and women as a ‘Letter of Instruction’ school.”

The GoArmyEd program makes finding and registering for classes a simple, seamless process for service members, their spouses and their dependents. “We look forward to meeting and serving many more soldiers because of this initiative,” says Jessica Reid, Regent’s V.A. certifying official and GoArmyEd program manager. “Serving those who serve is what this is all about.”

Whether it’s through ROTC, GoArmyEd or some other future military-friendly program, Regent Vice President for Enrollment Management and Information Technology Tracy Gregorio says the university’s goal is to make each service member’s path to education as smooth as possible: “The demographics of the military align to the demographics of the students we are trying to reach and enroll at Regent: strong Christian faith, family values and commitment to country. It’s a privilege to serve them.”

Learn more about the university’s GoArmyEd partnership at regent.edu/goarmyed.

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REGENT WORLD CHANGER

Lt. Col. Chad Roehrman U.S. Army

A graduate of West Point and King’s College in London, Lt. Col. Chad Roehrman could have pursued his doctorate almost anywhere. He chose Regent for the breadth and depth of faculty experience in the Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) program, the international exposure through professors and fellow students, and the Christian foundation resident in every course. Regent is equipping this soon-to-be battalion commander for his role leading and training more than 500 military personnel: “The DSL program is preparing me to be the leader God wants me to be and that my future soldiers deserve.” Please join us in praying for the work and safety of Roehrman and our military service members.

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HELP CHANGE THE WORLD As a World Changer Sponsor, you can give your best gift now to support students like Lt. Col. Chad Roehrman and Regent scholarship programs.

Visit regent.edu/worldchanger or call 800.335.4409 for more information.

STANDING BY FOR ALUMNI The Office of Alumni Relations is ready and able to help Regent graduates stay connected to the university and each other. Visit regentalumni.org for alumni news, events and job listings.

For more information, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 888.294.ALUM, email alumni@regent.edu, or log on to regentalumni.org.

REGENT UNIVERSITY

A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friends, Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Guardsmen have fought and died to protect our freedoms since the birth of our great nation. As a Korean War veteran, I fully understand the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces and their families. That’s why Regent takes such great pride in our commitment to train past, present and future military leaders to change the world.

Our faculty and staff work hard to make higher education more accessible and affordable to our active duty, reserve and veteran students and their spouses wherever they are around the world. Your continued prayer and financial support helps Regent provide scholarships, discounts and programs geared specifically toward helping military personnel and their family members pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the premier global Christian university.

Thank you for your faithful and generous support.

Grace and Peace,

Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University

BE DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE. HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES. NEVER BE LACKING IN ZEAL, BUT KEEP YOUR SPIRITUAL FERVOR, SERVING THE LORD. BE JOYFUL IN HOPE, PATIENT IN AFFLICTION, FAITHFUL IN PRAYER. ROMANS 12:9-12 (NIV)

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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.

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