Summer 2021 IMPACT – All Things Through Christ

IMPACT SUMMER 2021

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F R E G E N T U N I V E RS I TY

All Things Through Christ

Regent Celebrates Historic 41st Commencement

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here were plenty of reasons to celebrate at this year’s virtual graduation ceremony—more than 30,000, in fact.

Not only was the Class of 2021 the largest graduating class in the history of Regent University with more than 2,500 graduates, but this year the university also celebrated its 30-thousandth graduate.

Regent alumna and campus ministries worship coordinator, Joy Windham, opened the historic 41st commencement ceremony with the singing of the national anthem.

The ceremony was streamed from Regent’s beautiful Shaw Chapel, where Regent’s founder, chancellor and chief executive officer, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson—joined by the deans and directors—opened with prayer, congratulations and some good news

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surrounding Regent University and the Class of 2021.

“I commend you, Class of 2021, for displaying resilience and fortitude during the difficult months leading up to this special day,” Robertson said. “You have shown remarkable tenacity and strength, and your accomplishments are tremendous.

I am so proud of you.”

INSIDE: Rising World Changers Commencement Photo Spread Discovering Greatness Making Their Mark A Force for Good Regent World Changer The Chancellor’s Message

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Among the accolades Robertson shared, Regent is “among the fastest-growing Christian universities in the nation,” with an enrollment exceeding 11,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries. He also noted that U.S. News & World Report ranked Regent a top national university among colleges like Harvard, Yale and Princeton; and No. 1 in Virginia for best online bachelor’s programs. Additionally, Regent is one of only 23 universities nationally “A” rated for comprehensive liberal arts curriculum (American Council of Trustees and Alumni, 2020-21).

On behalf of Regent’s board of trustees, Chairman Phil Walker offered students congratulations and encouragement.

“As graduates of the Class of 2021, please accept my heartiest congratulations as you celebrate a most significant accomplishment. Your degree represents hard work and dedication to a most worthy goal,” Walker said.

as Secretary of State and led a team that executed America’s largest-ever global repatriation effort in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also graduated first in his class at the United States Military Academy at West Point and is also a graduate of Harvard Law School.

“I want to join the chorus in congratulating the Class of 2021,” Pompeo said. “Well done—this is indeed a day to bask in the praise because you have certainly earned it.

“Life will offer you lots of ways to use your education to achieve personal success how you “I commend you, Class of define it in your chosen 2021, for displaying resilience professions. And it will also offer you chances to and fortitude during the know far more lasting difficult months leading up happiness by serving to this special day ... You someone far greater have shown remarkable than yourself or your tenacity and strength, and self-interests: your God. Make the most of all your accomplishments your opportunities and are tremendous. I am remember that they are so proud of you.” all given to you by God,” added Pompeo.

DR. M.G. “PAT” ROBERTSON FOUNDER, CHANCELLOR & CEO REGENT UNIVERSITY

Robertson then introduced this year’s commencement speaker, the Honorable Michael Pompeo—a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute, 70th U.S. Secretary of State and former Central Intelligence Agency director.

Apart from focusing on national security, technological leadership and global engagement at Hudson, Pompeo helped craft U.S. foreign policy during his time

This year’s commencement theme was based on Philippians 4:13, which states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

It’s a scripture that resonates strongly with Pompeo, who gave his life to Christ more than 40 years ago as a young cadet at West Point. Relying on God’s strength, following His path and fighting to protect our freedom of worship were core themes Pompeo touched on during his address to the graduating class.

“Our freedoms, particularly our inalienable right of religious freedom, are increasingly under attack,” shared Pompeo. “Each of you can meet those challenges, but you will not be able to overcome them without Christ.

There’s not a chance.

“Every one of you will need the strength of Christ in you to achieve your goals and to live in a country where you can exercise your right to worship your God as you see fit,” he continued. “It will take all of you together— with believers—to protect our freedoms and to achieve your goals.”

For Pompeo, serving his country and his God have been enormous privileges he does not take for granted. These are privileges that future generations will need to guard and protect closely.

“Seven times, I raised my right hand and swore that I would defend America against all enemies: as a cadet, as a young cavalry officer, a handful of times as a congressman from Kansas, and then as the CIA director and 70th Secretary of State,” shared Pompeo. “Never forget that when I raised my right hand, my left hand was on a Bible.”

Pompeo concluded with a charge to the graduates to never forget the responsibility that they carry: “As you go out from this graduation to be a light yourself, you just never know when that moment will come, and you will make all the difference in the world to someone who is watching your character, your nature and your faith. Thank you for your good work here as students.

All kinds of good things await you, and humanity is impatient for your service.

Always remember Philippians 4:13 and take good care of that responsibility because everything depends upon it.”

Following the keynote address, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, former executive vice president for Academic Affairs, recognized the outstanding students graduating with honors, including joint degree earners.

Robertson then issued the chancellor’s charge to the graduates of 2021.

“I’m thinking of the Apostle Paul who suffered so much … and yet he overcame things,” shared Robertson. “Paul said, ‘I have learned how to be abased, and I know how to abound. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

“There will be times when you will be abased. There will be times when you may feel like you’re a failure. I want to charge you right now with the words of the Apostle 3

Paul, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’” exclaimed Robertson.

Class of 2021 representative, Jessica Grove-Herrera, Ph.D. (SPC ’21), echoed Robertson’s remarks in her student reflection and response to the chancellor’s charge, adding: “Through this journey, I have learned that it isn’t the best, brightest or strongest individuals that God uses, but those who are willing. I can say with full confidence that this class is one of resilience and fortitude. We’ve been molded by our experiences; and have come out stronger, wiser and prepared for the tasks ahead of us.”

Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Kelly A. James (SPC ’11), also noted in her address that the graduating class was prepared for their calling and completely able to do all things.

James earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Regent in 2011 and was named the Top Mental Health Professional for 2019-20 by the International Association of Top Professionals. Her son is also part of this year’s graduating class.

“Sometimes, the hardest part is starting,” James said. “The Scripture says you can.

‘Can’ as a verb means having the ability, power or skill. Knowing that you can is the first step you have already taken, and now that you have finished your program, you have the skills and abilities to do all things.”

Deans and directors of Regent’s 10 schools then presented their respective graduates to Chancellor Robertson to confer degrees.

Immediately following Robertson’s pronouncement and congratulations, a sea of green, blue and white balloons descended from the chapel ceiling. Graduates watching online joined in the celebration with their confetti wands, which were mailed to them days before the event as part of a special graduation package.

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Following Robertson’s closing benediction and singing of the Regent Song, the 41st commencement ceremony concluded with the reading of names. Each graduate’s name was read aloud, as it appeared on the screen accompanied by their photograph— reflecting a considerable effort on the part of Regent’s IT and media teams to make the virtual commencement a success.

In addition to the commencement ceremony, Regent also held virtual commissioning ceremonies the day prior. At the School of Communication & the Arts commissioning, professor and research fellow Dr. William Brown reiterated the theme of success through Christ alone, particularly in a year when the ongoing global pandemic significantly impacted many.

“It is God’s grace and favor that enabled us to accomplish all that we’ve accomplished despite the many challenges this past year,” shared Brown.

Similar words were echoed in a final message memorialized at the end of the printed commemorative program. The Class of 2021 was encouraged to remain steadfast in God’s calling for their lives: “In the face of unprecedented global events and personal challenges, you have remained anchored in Christ. You are a living example of this year’s commencement declaration that, in Christ’s strength, you can do all things. Well done. Class of 2021, Regent University has prepared you well to lead with excellence, innovation and integrity. Now, continue to work hard, rise above adversity, keep God first—and go change the world.”

To view this year’s 41st commencement ceremony, please visit regent.edu/commencement.

Rising World Changers Meet Nine Accomplished Graduates from the Class of 2021 who are Ready to Change the World

with teaching her how to navigate D.C. as a Christian leader. “The professors really integrated academic excellence with growing your faith,” she explains. “That set me up well for the job that I’m doing now.”

Sheila Atieno (CAS ’21) B.S. in Biophysical Sciences

Sheila is living proof that miracles exist. In middle school, a train wreck left Sheila with serious injuries and a low chance of survival.

Not only did she defy the odds and recover in less than a month, but that experience completely reinvigorated her faith.

“I physically and spiritually experienced God,” Sheila says. “He saved my life, and there’s no way I cannot serve Him.”

As assistant director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, Arielle sees the nonprofit sector as a powerful tool for creating policy solutions that benefit the U.S. and countries across the globe.

Every year, she sees reports of religious persecution increasing around the world.

Her goal is to advocate for those facing that persecution and give them the freedom to practice their faith in peace. It’s a calling she believes her time at Regent prepared and equipped her to do.

“The skills I learned at Regent are skills that I use every single day in my work,” Arielle says.

Sheila relied on this strong foundation for her faith when she faced the difficult transition of moving to the U.S. from her homeland of Kenya seven years ago. Despite her family’s hardships after this move, Sheila says she knows they were following God in obedience: “Every adversity has made me grow closer to God and built my character.”

Sheila’s passion for medicine developed as she watched how her mother, a nurse, cared so much for her patients. Having graduated with her B.S. in Biophysical Sciences at Regent, she’ll head to New York to pursue her master’s and doctoral in biomedical engineering. She hopes to help revolutionize the treatment of cancer patients using new technology.

Arielle Del Turco (RSG ’21, CAS ’19) M.A. in Government, B.A. in Politics & History

While working in the intense and sometimes hostile environment of politics in Washington, D.C., Arielle knows how to stand strong in her faith. She credits her education at Regent

Swapnil Gohil (SPC ’21) Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

With a successful acting career in Bollywood, Swapnil was living “the dream.” He had fame, money and connections—and yet something was still missing.

Swapnil shares, “I could feel God nudging me, telling me that my true purpose was elsewhere.”

Swapnil saw firsthand the many people in the entertainment industry who struggled with trauma and mental health disorders.

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding it made it difficult for them to speak out and seek help.

He felt he could step into that space with the proper training and offer up that help.

After much prayer, he decided to pursue his doctorate at Regent. “It was the hand of God upon my life,” he says.

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Many nights throughout his degree program, he would drive across campus to work at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) as a prayer representative when he finished up with schoolwork and patients. Through the empathy modeled by his professors and his job training at CBN, he learned how to be an effective psychologist and someone who could minister the love of Christ to those in need.

“I fell in love with my job; I fell in love with praying,” Swapnil says. “It made me aware of the kind of man I wanted to be.”

Yvette Motley (SOE ’21)

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

“How can someone be bored when there’s always something to learn?”

These were the words of Yvette’s grandmother that would sustain her throughout her educational journey as a first-generation college student. Her mother—a single parent—also worked hard to provide for their family, always encouraging Yvette to pursue her dreams.

Eugene Holloman (SBL ’21)

Doctor of Strategic Learning (DSL)

Entering his senior year of college, Eugene was a star running back for a Division 1 school with big dreams of playing in the NFL. But after a career-ending knee injury, his plans came crashing down.

“I was just devastated,” says Eugene. “This was my dream since I was five years old, and I felt like I was worthless because my identity was so wrapped up in it.”

A friend suggested that Eugene go to church.

It was the words of his pastor, who told Eugene that his worth is not found in athletics but Jesus Christ alone, that helped him overcome his depression.

Eugene accepted Jesus as his Savior and began to see his life in a different light. He knew that he had so much more to offer the world and credits Regent—and the encouragement of his professors—with helping him discover what he believes is now his true calling: writing.

While pursuing his degree, he started writing his first novel, The Athlete-Student: Freshman Year, using his own experience to craft a story that he hopes will show student-athletes the value of education.

“It’s the most beautiful thing in the world when you discover what you feel like you were put on this earth to do,” Eugene says. “It’s done some incredible things in my life by just saying yes to Regent.”

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“I knew I couldn’t stop at high school,” Yvette says. “I felt I owed it to my family to continue.”

Yvette found God’s calling for her life in her 21 years as a teacher and administrator. It was the perfect fit for a lifelong learner—a place where she could help others in their education while also growing on her own. “I’ve always found it important to partner with my students,” she says. “I’m actually teaching and learning with them.”

While pursuing her doctorate at Regent, Yvette saw as she was poured into by Regent faculty, she too became more equipped to pour into others. The support of her professors, her husband Daryl, and sons Darius and Darian, propelled her to the finish line.

“This degree doesn’t just belong to me; it belongs to my family,” she says.

Devin Petricca (LAW ’21) Juris Doctor (J.D.)

In 2020, Devin’s summer plans changed when he received a long-awaited email response from the office of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence: they had a place for him on their staff.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for the vice president during a pandemic, civil unrest, a Supreme Court nomination,

and an election. Fortunately, the challenges of such an unprecedented year didn’t deter Devin but instead strengthened his desire for public service and to one day run for elected office.

“It gave me a bigger vision for life and for what purpose the Lord might have for me,” Devin says. “But it was also a powerful reminder that my hope, my identity and my worth are not in civil government, but in God alone.”

During his time working in Washington, D.C., Devin often felt led to pray. So he’d go for runs around the city, praying over the branches of government and the American people.

The importance of prayer was something he saw time and again while pursuing his degree at Regent, a process he called both humbling and rewarding.

“I’m thankful for a legal experience that challenged me, shaped me and sanctified me,” says Devin. “It’s been a great place to grow to become more like the Lord.”

Odell Riley (DIV ’21) & La Freada Riley (DIV ’21) Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Odell and La Freada Riley are a true power couple. Serving as pastor and first lady of Powers House Church of God in Christ in Monroe, Louisiana, they used their inspiring partnership, built on 39 years of marriage, to finish strong in their most recent endeavor: pursuing their doctorates at Regent.

As they pursued their educational development, the Rileys wanted to invest that back into their community. They have walked alongside many members of their congregation who are going back to school to get their GED and college degrees, continually encouraging them in their pursuit of knowledge.

Odell is especially passionate about teaching others financial literacy through godly principles. “When you teach people to live financially debt-free, what you’re doing is teaching them to be spiritually free from the traps of the world,” she says.

classroom. The learning environment strengthened their theological knowledge and also fostered their personal and spiritual growth.

“It was Kingdom-focused; about contribution to the Kingdom at large,” says Odell.

Michelle Schindler (SON ’21) M.S. in Nursing (MSN)

As a daughter of a migrant family, Michelle knows firsthand the realities of working hard and making sacrifices for a better life. After high school, she joined the Navy, serving her country for four years.

“The Navy opened the door to opportunities that I never knew were possible and instilled the leadership values that have helped me thrive even now,” says Michelle.

But her ultimate purpose—the call to nursing—came when her brother Henry experienced a life-altering accident that put him in a coma for nearly five months. He awoke to a different life, a poor prognosis and challenges surrounding basic functional living skills. “It was in this season, helping my brother relearn his alphabet and taking him to physical therapy, that God placed nursing on my heart,” Michelle shares.

After serving as a clinical nurse and now armed with a master’s degree, Michelle works full time as a clinical leader in the mother-baby unit of a hospital.

“This degree is opening up new opportunities and positioning me to influence policies and patient care,” she shares.

It’s also reminding Michelle to look to God as the Great Physician. “Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart.’

We must continue to trust God as we depend on science and knowledge.”

We’d love to hear from you! Email our alumni team your World Changer story at alumni@regent.edu.

At Regent, the Rileys felt the professors truly cared about their students inside and outside the 7

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Discovering Greatness As Jalyn pored over the scriptures, seeking clarity on which college to attend, the answer kept coming back the same: Christian leader.

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.’”

Jalyn is just one of many incredibly gifted and talented Honors students at Regent.

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.

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 That cemented professionals, such Jalyn’s decision to as the Hon. John enroll as an Honors JALYN DIO, HONORS STUDENT Ashcroft, 79th student at Regent United States and pursue a B.S. Attorney General; the Hon. Robert in Biophysical Sciences.

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, The Honors College attracts high-achieving which is especially important for someone like students, providing mentorship opportunities me who wants to go into STEM research.” 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.

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“With remarkable curriculum, instruction, faculty, and setting great expectations, the Honors College seeks to change the way

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

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

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.

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.

“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.

Making Their Mark How Regent Honors Students Are Finding Success Beyond the Classroom

For Hodgkins, the experience was a natural stepping-stone from her Regent Honors classes, which she credits with helping prepare her for success.

Finding creative solutions to world problems, however, isn’t just for these talented mathematics grads.

ABIGAIL LINDER

Abigail Lindner has always been good with numbers—but after earning a highly competitive spot on an eight-week research experience last summer, she’s discovered a new passion: research.

“This Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) was my first exposure to ‘real’ math research, and it delighted me,” says Linder (CAS ’21), who just graduated with her B.S. in Mathematics.

Most recently, Honors student and business major Cassandra Hansen (CAS ’21) led Regent’s Enactus team to a second-place win in their league at the Enactus United States National Exposition for their lifesaving project “Healthy League.”

“Enactus is a campus club, internship opportunity, and entrepreneurial start-up all rolled into one,” says Dr. Brian Baugus, associate professor of economics in the Department of Business, Leadership & Management for the College of Arts & Sciences.

Linder worked on an applied math team with the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, studying agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa and its impact on the economy and human development in the area.

That experience, coupled with her time as an Honors student at Regent, helped inform her decision for a career in applied mathematics research.

ALLISON HODGKINS

Fellow Honors student and mathematics graduate Allison Hodgkins (CAS ’21) also earned a coveted research spot doing computational research with Virginia Commonwealth University.

Hansen served as Regent’s Enactus project manager for the award-winning project, which focused on a preventative hookworm initiative in Haiti. The award is Regent’s best showing in their 23-year history of the expo, and the first time the school’s Enactus team won prize money at the national level.

“We created a novel mathematical model of the Guinea Worm Disease that explains the reoccurrence of the disease along the Chari River in Chad,” she explains.

Want to read more success stories of Regent graduates and fellow world changers? Visit regentalumni.org to get the latest updates, alumni resources, and more.

“I gained an appreciation for how complicated data analysis can be,” says Linder.

A Force for Good

She’s a cancer survivor, champion fisherman, licensed pilot, & CEO—but for Cheryl McLeskey, the greatest achievements are the ones accomplished on behalf of others.

Reeling in fish from her boat’s fighting chair; flying patients to medical facilities while seated in her cockpit; negotiating real estate deals from her office chair; or choosing a recliner at a cancer center for chemotherapy treatments.

Whenever Cheryl McLeskey takes a seat, she means business.

She established a deep-sea fishing tournament to honor her late husband, who passed away in 2012 from lymphoma. And after being diagnosed with breast cancer herself in 2017, Cheryl is now a survivor and tireless advocate, having helped raise over $1 million for cancer research.

Her adventurous and fearless spirit is a legacy she inherited in part from her dad, a World War II frogman. Later, after marrying her husband, F. Wayne McLeskey Jr., an aviator and avid angler, Cheryl developed a passion for flying and competitive fishing. These interests prompted her to earn her pilot’s license. Eventually, she landed a 94-pound billfish in the White Marlin Open and became the first woman to win in the tournament’s 42-year history.

She’s also a lifelong friend of Regent University and its founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. McLeskey served on the board of trustees for Regent from 2006-2013 and is a longstanding financial supporter of the university and its students.

Yet through all these achievements and successes—including taking the helm as President and Chief Executive Officer of McLeskey, her late husband’s commercial and residential real estate development and leasing company, Cheryl’s focus remains fixed on how she can impact others for good.

“I believe God blesses people with financial resources, not as a reward for their good works, but as a tool to do good for other people,” says Cheryl.

And good she has done.

Cheryl helps fly patients in need of medical treatment through the Angel Flight program.

She serves on more than half a dozen boards, including Operation Blessing, Crush Cancer, Stop Abuse, and Military Aviation Museum.

“The ability to really impact the world can best be accomplished by investing in smart, well-trained, critically thinking Christian leaders, who can be a remarkable force for good,” she says. “To contribute to Regent by helping to build up the quality of the programs, bring in worldclass faculty, and provide students with scholarships so they can afford to get a higher education degree ... these are all things that are very meaningful to me.”

In all of these endeavors, she values most the opportunity to serve the Lord from the best “seat” in the house—the seat of servant leadership.

“It’s all about serving others to lead effectively rather than leading so others can serve us,” says Cheryl. “Regent teaches students to carry with them the very important attribute of servant leadership ... to be humble, like Jesus.

That doesn’t mean to take a back seat and not express your ideas—it just means you think about serving others first.”

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When extraordinary commitment to Regent’s mission and powerful academic impact intersect, you’ll find Dr. Ingo Tophoven—chair of the Counseling Ministries Department in Regent’s School of Psychology & Counseling and this year’s Chancellor’s Award recipient.

“It’s a great honor,” says Tophoven. “I am humbled by God’s faithfulness in ways I could not have foreseen.”

Tophoven received his M.A. in Counseling from Regent University in 1996 and finished a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Regent in 2014.

Throughout his career, he has directed a large church-based Dr. Ingo Tophoven (SPC ’96 & ‘14) counseling center in Texas, founded a private practice, senior2021 Chancellor’s Award Recipient pastored two churches, and co-produced a live call-in radio show on faith and counseling issues. From 2008 until 2017 the Tophoven family lived and worked in Berlin, Germany, as bi-vocational counseling, coaching and consulting missionaries.

In 2017, Dr. Tophoven joined the Regent University faculty to teach in the new counseling ministries department and lead the ongoing development of the department’s three graduate programs (M.A. in Human Services, M.A. in Pastoral Counseling, and Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies) as department chair.

It’s now the fastest-growing department at Regent, with a 172% increase in enrollment over the last four years. Tophoven credits much of that to Regent’s quality of education and the School of Psychology & Counseling’s talented faculty and staff.

“Regent has done and continues to do a great job in offering quality education. My goal is to make sure we continue high-quality education in our scaled programs today,” he says.

In addition to leading the charge for academic excellence, Tophoven’s passion is to continue bringing healing to the broken through the ministry of the global Church.

“One of our greatest ministry opportunities is to educate local and global leaders who can build bridges and support churches and pastors who are willing to create armies of healing. If we do that in an informed way, we can succeed in supporting the Church to minister more effectively and win souls for God.” The key here of course, for all of this to succeed, is God. “God is good. God is safe. God loves. The world does not. We can only win with God in this,” adds Tophoven.

The Honors College transforms the nation’s best and brightest students into great learners, great thinkers, and most importantly, great Christian leaders.

Your gift to the Honors College provides critical scholarships, technology, and mentorship and training from some of the country’s most astute faculty.

GIVE NOW

regent.edu/givetohonors

Dear Friend, About 40 years ago, the Lord spoke to me, and He said, ‘Build a school for My glory.’ I didn’t realize in those days how important Regent University would be. Who could have foreseen a time when the world would be so torn apart with conflicting ideologies and basic assumptions of our life challenged.

That day is now, and yet as I look at the Class of 2021, I’m filled with hope. Like Esther, I believe our graduates are prepared for such a time as this.

Congratulations to the more than 2,500 graduates being sent out as Christian leaders to change the world. Regent’s Class of 2021 represents all 50 states and 25 countries—from Bermuda and Ghana to Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

About 20% of our grads also have a direct military affiliation.

And in a year where the COVID-19 pandemic impacted many, our excellent staff and faculty were able to seamlessly pivot between distance and on-campus instruction, allowing our students to continue their educational journey with no disruptions.

The Class of 2021 has been diligent in pressing on toward their calling, and I truly believe that Regent University will play a significant role in seeing this world changed to the glory of God. Thank you for your continued prayers over Regent and our faculty, staff and students. Your support is helping to equip Christian leaders to reach our country—and the world—with Christ’s powerful message of hope and reconciliation.

May God bless you!

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

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

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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. View the full nondiscrimination policy at regent.edu/nondiscrim. 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 for Civil Rights at OCR@ed.gov. To learn more about Disability Services or to contact Regent's Section 504 coordinator, visit regent.edu/disability. Regent University is authorized to operate in the state of Virginia and is exempt from the requirements of certification by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. 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. ALM210437

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