September 2017 Impact – A "Royals" Welcome

A “ROYALS” WELCOME

Regent’s intercollegiate athletic program takes another giant leap forward

In Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he explains that, in doing everything to spread the Good News, he runs to win. With purpose in every step, his goal is to discipline his body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. (1 Cor. 9:23-27, NLT).

Because sports impacts society perhaps more than ever, that 2,000-year-old biblical truth still resonates loudly in today’s world. That’s also why Regent University remains committed to building its intercollegiate athletic program, which takes a giant leap forward this fall by adding six new teams: men’s and women’s soccer and cross-country track, women’s volleyball and a cheer squad. During the fall semester of the 2017-18 academic year, student-athletes will compete as the “Regent Royals” for the first time ever. The university unveiled the official team name, logo and other branding elements at a raucous pep rally on August 25. More than

1,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni were on hand to celebrate and support these new teams. The event revealed the growing passion and enthusiasm for Regent sports.

According to Dr. Joseph Umidi, Regent’s executive vice president for student life, participation has more than tripled since the inaugural season of track-and-field competition this past spring. “We have seen quite a surge from 43 to 115 studentathletes,” he says. “We have also been fully approved by the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) after our first probationary year for the excellence of our administration and Christ-centered focus of our staff with our students.”

As the university’s founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson made the final decision on the “Royals” team name, which finds its origin in 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV). In that verse, believers learn they “are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” who have been called “out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

“Our athletes are high achievers, competing with honor, integrity and excellence,” Robertson says. “We’re proud of them and wish them well as they take the field as Christian leaders.”

It’s fitting that Robertson was asked to choose the moniker — not just because he’s the school’s founder. Umidi credits him with the decision to ramp up Regent’s sports program: “Our chancellor’s clarity of vision and leadership got us off the launching pad. We also had dozens of students coming to us from all corners requesting sports; along with qualified coaches and staff and alumni who wanted to help.”

“I’m still floored by the grace and hand of God on the athletic program at Regent,” says Roger Cheeks, the university’s interim athletic director and director of student activities & leadership.

“We started with a vision imparted to us by Dr. Robertson in April 2016, and to see the development of this program with outstanding staff of coaches and student-athletes is just amazing. We’ve started this journey with two teams, men’s and women’s track and field. Now, we have six more teams this fall.”

Regent track-and-field coach Ayanna Reece will also lead this fall’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams: “I truly enjoyed watching all the progress throughout the spring season. We had athletes who have never competed in a sport before step up and challenge themselves both physically and spiritually.” She adds, “My expectations for the first season of cross country

is that the athletes would grow together as a team and compete with courage and confidence.”

Women’s volleyball coach Roza Krasnova has high expectations for her team’s inaugural season, but wins aren’t her top priority. “Our goal is to establish an elite, Christ-honoring volleyball program that studentathletes would be proud to be a part of,” she explains. “My desire is to help student-athletes, not only to realize their full potential as athletes and as a team, but to also grow in their knowledge of what it means to be a true example of Christ on and off the court.”

Krasnova continues, “I don't believe that simply counting wins and losses is what results in a successful or unsuccessful season. It is also about where we start from and how well and how far we progress in our training and in our game by the end of the season. … My prayer is for God to enable us to establish an outstanding volleyball program that competes with excellence and enriches the lives of each team member, as well as the entire Regent community.”

For head soccer coach Samuel Okai, winning and losing will not determine his team’s success. It’s about young men and women reaching their potential as athletes, students and individuals: “Working hard to achieve our set goals as a team and institution is what I consider most important. … For us, it is all about developing winners and champions in the game and life — both on and off the field.”

Okai is working hard to lay a good soccer foundation and to create a spiritual atmosphere and a safe training ground for athletes to “grow spiritually, develop technically and have a great experience in this inaugural season.” He says, “We want to define a successful season by our positive influence on the game, great sportsmanship and growth in our spiritual life.”

Head cheerleading coach Hannah Harden expects the inaugural season for her squad to be a time of growth. “There will be a variety of challenges

for the team to work through, but I believe that each obstacle will make Regent Cheer grow spiritually, mentally and athletically,” she explains. “I want each cheerleader to feel confident within themselves and as a team to walk out on the floor at all practices, games, competitions and events with a positive attitude, high energy and ability to give it their absolute best. That is true success!”

Harden points to studies that indicate 75 percent of students who have pride in their school return for events after graduation: “I believe that including cheerleading as a part of Regent’s sports program is important to help increase this growing university's school spirit and involvement. Cheerleading helps boost athletes’ confidence and overall enthusiasm as they compete and perform at the collegiate level.”

Rodney Sanders, the strength-and-conditioning coach for all Regent sports teams believes that success relies on student-athletes doing everything with a purpose: “God is allowing them to be part of His divine plan and this is part of their spiritual journey. This is not the end but only the beginning, and through intercollegiate sports, God is growing their faith through discipline and obedience.”

He says what makes Regent’s teams different than those of other universities is their love for Jesus: “We may have ‘Royals’ on our uniforms, but every student-athlete knows they are an ambassador for Christ. We will represent Christ in everything we do, and others will see Him in every Regent student-athlete.”

It’s really no surprise that the role of intercollegiate sports at Regent is about much more than wins and losses on the field or on the court. “Our coaching staff is super clear that character, attitude, community

and commitment under the lordship of Christ will establish a sports-program foundation for both success and significance,” Umidi insists. “The growing victories at the games will be easy to measure. But the victories of how our teams represent the beauty and excellence of the Lord to other schools and spectators will be treasured long after they graduate.”

Cheeks sees sports as one of the most influential and behavioral-forming areas in our society: “I’m excited about entering into another arena in our culture to provide opportunities for our teams and student body to change the world of sports because of their influence as Christian leaders.”

But in order for Regent competitors to be successful, he agrees that they need to model Christ in everything they do: “Being ‘Regent Royals’ is not limited to just the athletic department but the entire community consisting of current students, student-athletes, faculty, staff and alumni. … We are not only building sports teams but I believe we are adding another level of excitement, vibrancy and school spirit to our campus community.”

“We need ‘iron sharpening iron’ opportunities (Prov. 27:17) to push us out of our mediocrity to pursue excellence,” Umidi adds. “The discipline and execution of harnessing our heart, mind and body in training and college-level competition will also energize our academic and professional levels of excellence.”

But in the midst of all the growth and excitement about an expanding intercollegiate sports program at the university, Robertson doesn’t want anyone in the Regent community to take their eyes off the most important thing. “When we see sports teams and buildings and all these great things happening, we give God the glory,” he insists. “Every bit of it belongs to Him. I don’t want to see one iota of credit taken away from the Lord. It's His work, His university. He's going to put us out in front of the pack if we just listen to Him, are obedient to Him, worship Him and honor Him.”

ADDING A WEALTH OF EXPERTISE

Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences welcomes a new dean with a fourpoint strategy to continue the school’s historic growth

Since 2010, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño has served a dual role as Regent’s executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). But in July, after an extensive national search, the university welcomed Dr. Robert Herron as the new dean of Regent’s largest school.

“Dr. Herron’s impressive career aligns well with Regent’s ongoing vision of exponential growth through high-quality academic programs,” says the university’s founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “He will build upon this trajectory of new, in-demand program development to prepare our students for leadership and success.”

For the past five years, Herron has served as provost/executive vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Rice University, brings advanced training as a distinguished Research Fellow at Universität Tübingen in Germany, and attended Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education Management Development Program.

Enrollment in the College of Arts & Sciences grew rapidly under Moreno-Riaño’s leadership, increasing by 26 percent in fall 2016 and 33 percent in spring 2017. Much of that growth was the result of a 100-percent increase in new academic programs in the first five years of Moreno-Riaño’s tenure as dean.

It’s a trend Herron expects to continue: “It was obvious to me early in the discussion that the CAS is on an aggressive upward growth curve. Because of my experience, I know aggressive growth can happen without sacrificing mission or quality. I welcome the opportunity to be part of that experience.”

At Oklahoma Wesleyan, Herron oversaw the development of 30 new or revised academic programs. He also expanded many programs into

effective and efficient online delivery formats. “What a privilege to be joining CAS at such a pivotal time of growth and expansion for both the college and the university,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the college’s wonderful faculty and staff, and most of all, I’m eager to start meeting Regent students and becoming part of the Regent community.”

Herron’s resumé also includes serving as vice president for strategic projects at Trinity International University, provost at Waynesburg University, vice president for academic affairs at Southeastern University, and several positions including vice president and executive assistant to the president at Lee University, where he began as a professor of religion.

Drawn to Regent by its “unapologetic Christian mission of equipping Christian leaders to change the world,” Herron says it will take four things to continue CAS’s historic enrollment and program growth: “First, an indefatigable focus on mission. Second, a determination to maintain high quality in our academic programming. Third, a sound business model that is keenly aware of its ROI (return on investment). And fourth, sensitivity to market.”

He continues, “There are very many courses of study and academic programs that Regent University can offer that students want. If we can offer those programs consistent with our mission, with uncompromising quality, and with a sound business model, there is no end to what Regent University can become.”

The College of Arts & Sciences offers 54 degree programs, including health care, cybersecurity, business, computer science, psychology, nursing and others. For information about enrolling in Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences, call 888.718.1222 or visit regent.edu/cas.

A PASSAGE TO ISRAEL

Regent student Jacob Ragsdale writes about a special program that allowed him and several classmates to uniquely experience the Holy Land

On Sunday, June 19, a group of 40 Regent students and staff landed in Tel Aviv International Airport ready to start a 10-day journey through the Holy Land. None of them would leave Israel the same. Our “Passages” experience will stay with us for years to come. This unique experience was organized by a budding nonprofit called “Passages Israel,” which sends Christian college students to the Holy Land to “discover their roots, encounter Israel, and tell their stories.” As one of the students who made the trip, I had the privilege of traveling with my wife Katie. Our time in Israel placed a burden in both of our hearts for the Jewish state, its people and the conflicts taking place in the Middle East.

Our group had the opportunity to walk where Jesus and the patriarchs walked, giving us the opportunity to sense the reality of the biblical stories for ourselves. We trekked to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up as a carpenter’s son, and walked through Capernaum and Magdala, where he called some of his first disciples. We immersed ourselves in the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized, and worshiped on the Sea of

Galilee, remembering how he calmed the storm. In Jerusalem, we marveled at the Temple Mount, wept in the Garden of Gethsemane and took communion together at the site where Jesus died and was buried. While it’s difficult to describe the spiritual gravity of some of these experiences, at every turn, the reality of the biblical story was coming to life before our eyes. But it wasn’t just the biblical sites that marked our group forever. Passages ensures that students also have the opportunity to experience the modern nation of Israel, connect with Israeli culture and understand the dire conflicts that surround the nation on every side. One particular encounter that overwhelmed our group took place along Israel’s border with Syria. Standing on a mountain, we could see and hear exploding bombs and rattling AK-47’s in the distance.

Instantly, we began to get a sense of how much suffering was taking place around us. Our group was overcome with emotion, and we interceded for the millions of people who have been killed and displaced by conflict in the Middle East. College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) student Cassie Frazer (’19) says, “When I saw and heard the bombs going off in Syria, my eyes were opened to the reality of war. I could not deny the trauma that the people face there every day. All I could do was weep for them.”

It was this same solemn attitude of prayer and faith in God alone that our group carried to Gaza and the West Bank. Our hearts broke for the Palestinian people there. So many of them struggle for the basic necessities of life.

Even as we felt the weight of these conflicts, group members also found hope in the tangible joy of the Jewish people. While the Israeli government is committed to finding ethical, peaceful solutions to the nation’s problems, there are certainly no easy answers for Israel nor the Middle East. But many of us on the journey pledged to become advocates for peace in the region, as we testify about what we saw and heard.

The Passages staff, our Jewish guide and I were blown away by the character and maturity displayed by the Regent group during our trip. My fellow students made a remarkable showing of what Christian leadership is all about. So many of us were not just moved with empathy, but we asked practical questions about what each of us, as Americans, can do to make some difference for Israel.

Another highlight was our group always reflecting the love and joy of Christ while in the Holy Land. We would stop to sing a hymn any chance we got. The Jews we encountered couldn’t help but share how moving it was for them to see our evident love for God and for each other.

Robertson School of Government alumni Malcolm Fitschen (’13) and Luke Moon (’10), who serve at Passages and its sister organization the Philos Project, helped make the trip a possibility. More information about Passages is available on their website, PassagesIsrael.org

“Journeying through Israel with Passages not only challenged me to grow spiritually and intellectually, it tied me personally to the land

of Israel and its people,” explains School of Divinity student Ashely Crouthamel (CAS ’15, DIV ’19).

Not only did we experience the ancient land in which God established our faith, but we gained a new perspective on our own world and a burden to be the change agents that it needs.

For more information about enrolling in a Regent degree program at one of the university’s eight schools of study, call 800.373.5504 or visit regent.edu/apply.

TIME TO GIVE BACK

The first-ever student and graduate of Regent (then known as CBN University) still has strong ties to her alma mater

On a quiet fall morning in 1977, Susan Brophy Bailey ’80 (Communication & the Arts) knelt down to pray for God's direction in her life. “Unexpectedly,” Bailey explains, “the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘Go to Virginia Beach.’”

She adds that after “pondering that message in my heart” over the next week, her mother called and told her Pat Robertson was starting a graduate School of Communications. Bailey remembers that her heart beat rapidly, because now she knew why God had spoken those words to her.

Even before that word from the Lord, Bailey had considered continuing her education in the area of filmmaking, but she was reluctant to attend a secular graduate program: “Regent offered me an opportunity to study film in a godly setting where I would no longer be subjected to the questionable and immoral content I endured as an undergraduate student.”

Nearly a year after God spoke to her, she and 76 other students arrived at an office building in Chesapeake, Virginia, to begin classes at what she calls a “new, visionary university.” Recalling those first days of then-CBN University, Bailey says, “Everyone involved — students, faculty and administration — felt God's call to pioneer an institution that would raise up leaders, people of influence, who could enter their chosen field and infuse godly values into their work life.”

She adds, “Like any immigrant or pioneer, this group of dedicated individuals paved the way and laid a foundation for the future of the university. As Scripture reminds us, ‘Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’ (Heb. 11:1). While we all hoped to fulfill God's purposes for our own lives, we simultaneously sensed a deeper call to establish the groundwork for those who would follow.”

As a graduate, Bailey has worked in the field of communication in various positions. At the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), she became a field reporter for The 700 Club, relating testimonies of God's grace in people's lives. Bailey says she felt privileged to share the gospel message through God's work in other people’s lives.

As the producer of CBN's radio show, “700 Club on the Line,” Bailey worked with hosts Ben Kinchlow and Dr. David Gyertson. Later, at Grove City College, she worked as the director of communications. She ended her career at the worldwide firm of Ketchum Public Relations. Among her numerous professional honors is the prestigious Silver Anvil Award for her work on the economic development program for the state of Pennsylvania during Governor Tom Ridge’s administration.

Having achieved her dreams, Bailey began looking to the future. Regent University had paved the way for every career opportunity God provided, so she felt it was time to give back. A family trust allowed Susan and her husband John to establish the Pioneer Scholarship Fund for the School of Communications & the Arts.

“We wanted to honor the pioneers who boldly came to CBN University,” she says. “We desired to dedicate the scholarship to Pat Robertson, along with the men and women students, administrators and faculty who ventured out — some risking careers — to come to an unknown, unaccredited university. Second, we established the scholarship for students exhibiting this pioneering spirit. Third, communication arts is often one of the least funded, yet most critical, of Christian endeavors.”

Bailey points out that God chose to relate His holy Word in the form of HIS-story. “Much of Jesus' teaching came in the form of parables,” she explains. “Jesus Himself was the Word. Indeed, C.S. Lewis noted that of all his writings, he felt his stories carried far more influence than his theological arguments.”

Insisting that one has only to look at the degrading influences of the media and Hollywood to see how pervasive and influential these arenas have become in the world, Bailey believes that “our story,” which is really God's story, is critical to reaching a lost world: “The Pioneer Scholarship tells the story of individuals who felt a call to change their world for Jesus. Once more, we have an opportunity to give to a future generation. Not by relaying the old foundation, but by laying a new one in the form of contributions to this and other scholarship funds.”

For additional information about how you can support Regent University’s many scholarship and grant programs, please visit regent.edu/give or call 800.335.4409.

REGENT WORLD CHANGER

Amy Modglin (CAS ’13, SBL ’16) grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and entered the state’s foster-care system when she was 13 years old. But she doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her because of that experience: “God trusted me, and chose me for the journey I have been on. I consider that an honor. It’s a huge part of my testimony and who I am today.”

When she was old enough, Modglin enlisted in the armed forces. “I served in the Navy for 11 of the best years of my life,” she explains. “I was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island; San Diego, California; Norfolk, Virginia on the USS Iwo Jima; and in Landstuhl, Germany.” Modglin credits the Navy for drawing her out of her shell and developing her passion for leadership.

After finishing her military service, she headed to Regent to study for a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and management and a master’s in organizational leadership with a coaching concentration. “I was looking to expound on my leadership experience with a leadership degree,” Modglin remembers. “When I learned about Regent, I knew it was the right place for me. The biblical foundation of the coursework helped me grow as a Christian and as a leader. Studying at Regent was amazing!”

Today, Modglin is a successful speaker, certified coach and trainer. She is an executive director with the prestigious John Maxwell Team, the owner of Modglin

Leadership Solutions and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

“I had the real-life experience,” she says. “But my education at Regent was the icing on the cake so to speak. I could apply the theory that I learned in the classroom to the experience that I had in the Navy.”

The driving factor behind everything Modglin does is: “I get to care for people and pour into people. One of my taglines from my company is ‘Unleash your inner amazing’ and that is what I get to do. I get to help people unleash their inner amazing.”

She adds: “I would not be where I am today if it were not for the education that I received at Regent University. … If you have a passion for people and for the Lord, Regent is the place for you. It is one large, loving family — there to support you through the journey.”

Please join the entire Regent University community in praying for Amy Modglin, September’s Alumni World Changer.

For information regarding degree programs at the university’s College of Arts & Sciences call 888.718.1222 or visit regent.edu/cas

To learn about Regent’s School of Business & Leadership, call 757.352.4400 or visit regent.edu/sbl.

"But you are a chosen generation, a

1 PETER 2:9 (NKJV)

THE REGENT ROYALS NEED YOU

Regent’s intercollegiate sports program represents a pivotal milestone for the university. But we need your support to make it a success! Your financial gifts at this critical time will help cover the ongoing costs associated with sustaining a competitive sports program, including uniforms, equipment, travel, and other expenses. Visit regent.edu/supportathletics to make your best tax-deductible gift today!

Between now and December 31, 2017, make a donation of $25 or more to support Regent athletics and receive a FREE Regent Royals T-shirt!

CENTERED AROUND GIVING

At the center of every Impact newsletter is a postage-paid envelope. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to support Regent University with your taxdeductible donation of any amount. Equip students to become future World Changers by enclosing a check or by completing the attached debit/credit card slip. To give instantly, call 800.33.4409 or visit regent.edu/worldchanger

DON’T MISS AN OPPORTUNITY

Did you know that you can schedule monthly gifts to Regent using your debit/credit card or checking account? Go to regent.edu/give to set up your recurring donation today, or call 800.335.4409 for more information.

A Message From the Chancellor

Dear Friend,

I told Regent’s faculty and staff recently that this is going to be a fantastic year at the university. In fact, I truly believe it will be our greatest academic year ever. We’re going to watch it; we're going to enjoy it; and we're going to praise the Lord in the middle of it. And when it's all finished and done, we’ll need to thank God for what he is doing and what he's going to do for each one of us in this place.

Here’s why I think the 2017-18 academic year is so very significant. We have, right now, more than 10,000 students enrolled at Regent University. That’s an increase of more than 20 percent over the previous year. As we look forward to the fall, if all goes well, that historic number could climb even higher by the time our second eight-week session starts in October. But even with these remarkable enrollment numbers, we’re not in any way diminishing quality.

Regent continues to prepare students to excel in both mind and spirit by providing affordable, high-quality degree programs in nearly 130 areas of study. Our students, faculty and administration share a calling and dedication that is founded on biblical principles and rooted in God’s Word. By offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees both on campus and online, Regent’s goal is to see our graduates make a significant difference in the world.

For nearly 40 years now, I have seen God’s favor on this university again and again. We can clearly see it now in our enrollment numbers. The average growth rate of U.S. colleges and universities is currently in the negative percentage (minus one percent per year). But Regent’s growth rate of more than 20 percent over the past year makes us the fastest growing university in the nation.

Why is this happening? It’s because of the incredible dearth of quality in American higher education. Schools are so fixated on political correctness that they have lost all vestiges of academic excellence and the quest for knowledge. We train students how to understand and deal with the world in which we live. The men and women who attend Regent learn how to make informed decisions and how to be Christian leaders to change the world.

This is going to be known as the greatest evangelical Christian university on the face of the earth, and we want you to be part of that miracle. Regent urgently needs your help to continue doing the work that God has called us to do. Please consider what you can do this month to support our efforts both financially and in prayer.

There is no end to the blessing that we're going to experience at this school. I thank God for the privilege of being where I am, and I thank God for having you as part of our team. Thank you for your friendship and support.

Sincerely,

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

“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”

1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT)

Christian Leadership to Change the World 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Regent University’s Impact is published monthly by the university’s Office of Alumni Relations and Special Events, free of charge, for alumni and friends of the university. 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 associate, baccalaureate, master's, 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. Regent University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability or veteran status in admissions, or in the administration of educational policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletics or other University administered student 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. 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 of Civil Rights at OCR@ ed.gov. 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. ADV170349