IMPACT A P U B LICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
VOL. 5 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2014
CONFRONTING A
CRISIS Regent offers hope for restoring biblical leadership in America
T
he saying “Leaders aren’t born; they’re made” is truth. And for the past 36 years, Regent University has been training Christian leaders who are changing the world. “Without question, Regent stands out among other universities,” says the university’s founder and chancellor Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “It’s amazing what our students and alumni are accomplishing in the fields of law, business, education and other disciplines.” But Robertson is among a growing number of Christians who believe there’s a leadership crisis raging across our nation. According to a recent study, 82 percent of
C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
Christian adults think the United States is facing a crisis of leadership due to a shortage of leaders. Dr. Benjamin Carson, a former pediatric neurosurgeon and possible 2016 presidential candidate, says America’s leadership decline has been going on for several decades: “A lot of people want to go along to get along, and that’s not a good quality when it comes to leadership. Nobody wants to be the odd
INSIDE: MIKE HUCKABEE: A CALL TO ACT
PAGE 4
SCIENTIFIC INVESTMENT
PAGE 5
T O
C H A N G E
T H E
W O R L D
CONFRONTING A CRISIS — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
man out, so no one really has the courage to step out on principle. That has created a real problem for America.”
So what do Huckabee, Carson and Robertson see as the answer to America’s current leadership crisis? Regent University.
“I’m convinced that we have a leadership During a recent visit to the Regent campus crisis in America largely because we have a (see page four), former Arkansas governor conviction crisis in America,” Huckabee says. Mike Huckabee warned of the dangers of “People don’t have a sense a leadership crisis certainty—certainty in America: “If you “The more young people of about what they believe don’t know what who can graduate and, more importantly, why you fundamentally believe, and it’s not from an institution like they believe it.” a conviction, and it’s Regent, the better our Huckabee insists that simply a convenience, students who attend a chances of maintaining then it’s hard to be university are a leader. You can’t the American way of life Christian better prepared to face the be a leader if you’re that was envisioned by world because so many of looking at the masses their peers have a shallow, our founders.” to find out what it is worldview: “If you Dr. Ben Carson limited you’re going to do.” have an eternal perspective and you see your life as While serving as something far bigger than even the amount governor, Huckabee called for a survey of of years you’ll spend on this planet, that is a the Arkansas Department of Correction that perspective that I believe is life changing. It’s yielded some shocking results: “It costs more the kind of perspective that causes people to money to put a person in prison … than it think bigger thoughts, do bigger things and would to send them to college, pay all their accomplish great things.” tuition, room and board, buy their books, and give them some spending money. “We must be able to prepare leaders of the Sometimes we say, ‘Gee, college is so very future,” Carson says, “not only to be wellexpensive.’ It’s not nearly as expensive as it rounded educationally, but also to have courage is to incarcerate people.” and to have conviction about what America is
2
REGENT UNIVERSITY
all about. I think Regent is uniquely positioned to do just that. The more young people who can graduate from an institution like Regent, the better our chances of maintaining the American way of life that was envisioned by our founders.” Carson, a former member of Regent’s Board of Trustees, says that the current “big crisis in higher education [is] because a lot of institutions now have an agenda. It’s really more about indoctrination than it is about teaching.” He’s convinced that America needs leadership that inspires people, gives them a can-do attitude and sparks self-reliance: “Leadership means going where others have not gone before and charting a course that others can follow.” Robertson goes a step further: “Leaders are trained, and they work with a worldview. We have a president now with a worldview that doesn’t support the idea that the JudeoChristian ethos is the superior one in the world. Today, we have multiculturalism. But historically, we had an ethos that was framed by the great thinking of the Enlightenment; the great thinking of Greece; the great thinking of the Christian and Hebrew traditions out of the Bible. We had what was called Western civilization, and we taught that in our schools. So our leaders came out imbued with that philosophy.”
Regent’s founder and chancellor warns that young men and women are exiting today’s secular universities espousing multiculturalism, radicalism, nihilism, even Communism, and America is paying dearly for it. “Look at what’s happening in the business community alone,” Robertson points out. “People on Wall Street are going to jail for cheating and breaking the rules. We teach ethics at Regent. Ethics are part of the Christian ethos. So our students learn ethical standards from the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, the Biblical Mandate. So it is vitally important in our society that we train leaders who embrace the Judeo-Christian culture. “But when you have leaders who are not trained in that, your nation is adrift. America is in terrible drift now, because we are not united. We don’t have a unifying ethos that brings our nation forward. We are divided, and a ‘house divided against itself shall not stand’ (Mark 3:25). I believe Regent can be a light that leads people forward.”
For information about applying to Regent University, call 800.373.5504 or visit regent.edu/admissions.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
3
A CALL TO ACT ON AMERICA’S BEHALF MIKE HUCKABEE KICKS OFF REGENT’S FALL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SERIES will save this great republic, and we will restore America to its greatness.” The greatness of America and God’s divine, providential hand in creating “this remarkable, amazing experiment in government” were the central themes of Huckabee’s ELS address. “I believe this nation cannot just survive, but it can thrive,” he explained. “I don’t think it can do it without God’s blessing, because it never has. But I believe if this nation is willing to understand where its real power comes from, then yes, we can see great days again. And we can stop looking in the rearview mirror and start looking through the windshield and see that the future is not hopeless.” While Huckabee provided an excellent, uplifting and patriotic start to the 2014 ELS season, he isn’t the only A-list speaker on the schedule this fall. Vice President for Advancement Ann LeBlanc promises that this year’s Executive Leadership Series will be the best one yet:
R
egent University’s Executive Leadership Series (ELS) has built impressive momentum and shows no signs of slowing down. On Friday, Sept. 19, former Arkansas governor and FOX News personality Mike Huckabee kicked off the 2014 fall season to a packed house inside the Founders Inn Grand Ballroom. In his opening remarks, the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, former pastor and six-time New York Times best-selling author complimented Regent as “one of the most picturesque and beautiful campuses in America,” while also commending the university’s “extraordinary commitment to … spiritual and academic excellence.” The powerful and inspiring speech that followed challenged the assembled academic and business professionals to engage more actively in American politics if they want to alter the current course of this great nation. “When people ask if we can change this country, here’s the deal,” Huckabee explained. “As long as people say, ‘I don’t want to get involved,’ then we probably can’t. But when people who have raised families, put food on the table and worked a job decide they’ve had enough, and they’re willing to get involved, we
4
“I BELIEVE THIS NATION CANNOT JUST SURVIVE, BUT IT CAN THRIVE.”
“We have a wonderful lineup ahead, including former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill, team leader of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. On Monday, Nov. 10, the senior chief petty officer— who’s also one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time—will detail how to move a team to success, because failure is not an option. I encourage everyone who can to join us as we also will honor our veterans and active-duty military personnel on the day before Veterans Day.” LeBlanc adds that on Tuesday, Dec. 9, Hollywood film producer, author and former senior vice president of production for Columbia TriStar Pictures, DeVon Franklin, will join ELS to share how his work ethic became the secret to his success. “You won’t want to miss either of these dynamic speakers,” she says. For more information or to purchase tickets for an upcoming Executive Leadership Series luncheon, call 888.372.1006 or visit regent.edu/els.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
SCIENTIFIC INVESTMENT COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES UNVEILS NEW SCIENCE LABORATORY TO BOLSTER STUDY IN CRITICAL NEW FIELDS
T
he College of Arts & Sciences’ (CAS) new Biophysical Sciences Program got a big boost on Sept. 9, when Regent dedicated its new Applied Science & Ethics Laboratory. Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and CAS dean, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, says that while the new Biophysical Sciences Program is currently limited to 25 exceptional freshmen, the lab will serve hundreds of students in the university’s general education program: “The lab will permit students to study critical scientific fields, such as biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry and microbiology. Consequently, our students will be well-prepared to pursue graduate work in dentistry, medicine, optometry, and the clinical laboratory and research sciences.” The Applied Science & Ethics Laboratory and the Biophysical Sciences major are essential to the continuous advancement of the mission and vision of the university. “Regent has been a Christian thought leader in many academic disciplines,” MorenoRiaño explains. “Education, law, psychology, communications, the arts, government, divinity, business, and leadership: All of these disciplines directly influence key areas of our culture. Science is no exception.” He adds that in recent years, science has become more and more prominent in shaping our society: “Acknowledging this influence, Regent has made a deliberate decision to invest in science education to develop Christian leaders who will be prepared to engage and transform the culture through scientific knowledge and Christ-like character.” Also in attendance at the science lab dedication was Regent’s founder and chancellor, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, and
Dr. Richard V. Homan, president and dean of Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). During the ceremony, Homan presented an inaugural lecture that discussed the need for qualified medical and health care professionals. He also congratulated Regent for building the lab and issued a challenge to students in the new biophysical sciences program: “Human beings have hearts and minds, and those who choose to go into medicine must be wellrounded. You need to find ways to connect with patients as people.” Robertson sees the new science lab as a very important step for Regent: “It’s just the beginning. Science has accomplished amazing medical feats and is on the way to do even more.” The Applied Science & Ethics Laboratory will also present Regent and EVMS with academic collaboration opportunities, which will be discussed in the coming months. Moreno-Riaño calls the completion of the science lab—and the opportunities it presents— a dream come true: “Administrators, faculty and staff worked very hard to design the lab. With the fervent support of Dr. and Mrs. Robertson and the Board of Trustees, it was built and completed just in time for our new students this fall. In terms of innovation, the lab is a science and applied ethics lab, offering an academic venue for students to integrate science and Christian thought, while also addressing great issues and enduring questions. This lab and the science program it supports will serve students who will influence the world for generations to come.”
To support Regent University’s College of Arts and Sciences with your tax-deductible gift of any amount, call 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/give.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
5
Regent World Changers
The Promise of Hope for a Better Tomorrow
Is America headed in the wrong direction? Seventy percent of Americans think so. The good news is that Regent University offers hope—training thousands of leaders who are taking a stand for what is right and good in our nation and the world.
Become a World Changer Sponsor Today! regent.edu/worldchanger 800.335.4409
REGENT WORLD CHANGER
Jessica Torres-Cedillo College of Arts & Sciences Student
Jessica Torres-Cedillo has wanted to attend Regent University since she was 9 years old growing up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This fall, she got her wish as a freshman in the Biophysical Sciences program at the College of Arts & Sciences. “The Lord was faithful to my childhood dream and even provided the major I desired,” Jessica says. “Regent University has played a huge role in my walk of faith with the Lord, even before attending! Now that I am here, Regent University is cultivating a strong foundation for my faith, with which I will be equipped to impact the world for Christ.” Please join the entire Regent community in praying for Jessica Torres-Cedillo, October’s Regent World Changer.
6
SPONSOR A WORLD CHANGER Join us in our mission to equip future leaders like Jessica Torres-Cedillo to impact nations and cultures for Jesus Christ. Call 800.335.4409 or visit regent.edu/worldchanger to give your best gift today.
WEB-ENABLED GIVING Did you know you can donate to Regent online? The university’s website offers a quick, convenient and secure way to make tax-deductible gifts via debit/credit card or electronic check. So grab your computer, tablet or smartphone and visit regent.edu/give today!
REGENT UNIVERSITY
A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friend, For nearly four decades now, Regent University has been a light and a beacon in higher education. Our faculty teaches students the fundamentals of freedom of expression, freedom of thought and action, and free enterprise. Regent also recognizes the importance of a free, self-governing people, while resisting the negative trends in higher education—most notably, political correctness. Frankly, I’m appalled at how far higher education has gone down that road. Political correctness is stultifying. Because of it, there is almost no freedom of thought on the average campus around the world. Professors are stuck in a mold, and if they deviate from the mold, they get cut down. Regent students are taught to think—and think creatively. They have God-given abilities, and they flourish on our campus. Students at other universities are constrained in what they believe, which will hinder their ability to express themselves. That’s why Regent needs to continue setting the standard in higher education. But the truth is, we can’t do it without your help. At the center of this newsletter is an envelope that you can use to support the university financially. Your best gift today will enable us to provide scholarships that will make a Regent education more affordable. Because I believe that our students are the hope of the future, I’m asking for your help to equip even more Christian leaders to change the world. Thank you for your continued friendship and support. Sincerely,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University
JESUS SAID TO THE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED IN HIM, “YOU ARE TRULY MY DISCIPLES IF YOU REMAIN FAITHFUL TO MY TEACHINGS. AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.” JOHN 8:31-32 (NLT) CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
7
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. ADV140927
regent.edu/impact
Blue: CMYK = 100-84-36-39
Green: CMYK = 90-34-99-28
Christian Leadership to Change the World
1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Norfolk, VA Permit 91
PAID
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage