International Student Profiles
The following are profiles of current students from around the world and their unique perspectives on their academic programs and experiences at Regent.
Alexis Stovell | David Jimenez | Ra Hee Jeon | Abigail Oduro | Anders Oen|Deborah Arnett
Alexis Stovell
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Hello Everyone! My name is Alexis Stovell, and I am from Bermuda. I am currently a sophomore here at Regent, where I am pursuing a degree in Communications with a minor in English. I can honestly say that God brought me to Regent, as a matter of fact; it was the prompting of my mother, a current online Regent student, which convinced me to give Regent a try.
My experience here has been truly life changing! Here at Regent, I have found that there is a truly unique dynamic, where in the classroom your faith is challenged and you are compelled to grow both intellectually and spiritually. My first encounter with the Regent community was at the International Student Orientation with the OISS, and immediately I knew that I had encountered some of the most genuine and caring people around, and this trait carries out throughout the entire campus! Professors are especially helpful and friendly, as are most people on campus. Regent University fosters a deep sense of community, where one can find a friend around every corner. Getting involved in the spiritual community here on campus has allowed me to grow closer to the heart of God, as well as understand my place in the world as a child of God. I have been afforded opportunities here that I would not have ever imagined, such as leading a Life Group in residence halls, or serving on the Regent University worship team. I have truly been blessed by my time here at Regent, it has helped me to develop and grow. I am looking forward to all of the things that God has here for me in the future.
David Jimenez
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Hello mates, My name is David J. Jimenez Cardenas. This is my second semester in the Divinity program; I am pursuing a Masters in Divinity. I am from the north part of Mexico, from a little town named Piedras Negras, due the coal mines in the surroundings. My parents are pastors in a Church they planted nearly 30 years ago; I spent most of my childhood in church, and I enjoyed. When I reached my youthful years I decided that I want it to be in the ministry, it was not just an emotion but a decision that grew up along with me. Due this reason I finished my bachelors in Mexico and I embarked into a seminar in Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas Texas.
After finishing there I went back to Mexico and started doing ministry. Soon after that I realized that I needed a higher education with regards to ministry, that is when I decide to come to Regent U. When I came to see the campus and the classes, the thing that most impacted me was the faculty and staff. Everyone - administrative, professors, etc. - were always making themselves available to me, even though I was not yet enrolled in the school. That made a big difference deciding whether to come or not. Once I got accepted and came to Regent, the OISS assisted me all the time - I even got an opportunity to work and serve here. So far it has been an amazing experience, the classes are amazing, the professors care about me - they even ask me if go to church every day, or if I need help with something, or just if I am doing ok (Yes that is Dr. Twelftree.) Through the OISS and ISO communities I have been able to connect with other International Students, and get to know them better. My experience so far has been very good and pleasant. I highly recommend considering Regent U. as your Alma Mater for your studies. Thanks
David Jimenez
Ra Hee Jeon
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I love law school. Yes, as strange as it might sound, I can confidently say that because I am at Regent University. When one is working, studying, and dealing with one’s daily life, it is easy to feel discouraged and forget the priority of the life. Regent not only provided me with a great friendship and education, but it also helped me to set the priority in my life: God. I charge my mind during the devotion in every class and I charge my soul at the weekly chapel where students and professors gather to praise God. When I set my priority right to develop relationship with God before anything else, He comforted my heart above and beyond and He opened my eyes so I could learn His wisdom through the laws and the scripture. I doubt that I could have felt the same if I were at another school.
I used to stress myself over the grades, because our eyes tend to focus on the digits of the grades. However, that is not what God sees. He does not concern with whether I have five talents or ten talents, as long as I put an effort to double whatever He has given to me (Matthew 25:14-30). Even though the schoolwork is challenging, I feel content and comfort as I know I am at the place where God prepared for me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Full of supporting and competent students and faculty, Regent is a garden where you can grow not only intellectual fruits but also the fruits of life that will last eternity.
Abigail Oduro
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Hello. My name is Abigail Oduro and I am from Ghana, West Africa. This is my second semester at Regent and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business. I have always had a passion to make an impact in the world and let my life and actions draw many to Christ. The Bible says in Psalm 27:23 “the steps of a good man are ordered by God.” I believe that God ordered my steps to this place. During my final year in high school, while I was deciding which colleges I wanted to go to, I met an alumni of Regent University and she told me all about this school. When I checked it out, I fell in love with the school and I am glad I decided to come here.
This is the first time I have been to America and I have been blown away by the hospitality I have received since I came here. The professors are extremely helpful and are truly involved in the lives of students. I marvel at the sense of community and the friendly atmosphere between students. I have realized that this is a close-knit community where everyone is ready to help and we are all a group of friends growing together. The International Student Organization has been very instrumental in helping me to adjust to the cultural differences and have been ready to assist me in any way possible. I have not only gained knowledge in my field of study but also spiritually and in life as a whole. I have been presented with many opportunities I never dreamed of and I have been able to go on mission trips and be a part of something. My dreams are being made manifest. Regent is indeed a place that trains Christian leaders to change the world and I can testify to this because my life has been touched in more ways than one.
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Anders Oen’s Profile
Hello, I'm a Norwegian student currently enrolled at the School of Business and Leadership (SBL). Regent University is the place to be if you want to be surrounded by highly competent staff with Christian values.
I wanted my faith linked to what I was doing for a living, but I didn't know how. I left a regular job pursuing the direction, without seeing the direction clearly. Coming here to Regent helps me to see the picture clearer. The school models what it is like to integrate the word of God in all the things you do. The professors practice what they preach and they are willing to go an extra mile for you to succeed. They combine the biblical practice with strong business knowledge.
I have a background in computer systems and left that feeling that it was not the place God wanted me. After a long time looking I ended up earning a bachelor in Media and Communication. I used that knowledge in my job as responsible for public relations in a church while at the same time working as a consultant.
I didn't know anything about Regent before a professor in Norway suggested to me that I should apply here. We were talking about the future and my place, and I think he acted on behalf of God when he said that he thought Regent was the place for me and I should look into applying for an MBA there. I'm excited by this study and this has broadened my view of what I can do both as a Christian and as a businessman.
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My story of becoming a student at Regent University is not a “fluffy romantic” one. There are no extraordinary circumstances involved in the process. As a matter of fact, in 2006 when I first viewed Regent’s website, in response to the gentle encouragement of a family friend and former Regent Professor, I was unimpressed and quite frankly dismissive. Nevertheless, God kept gently palpating my heart through conversations about Regent University - which He orchestrated. At some point, I had to admit that often in my past I have not had the inclination to go where God wanted to lead me, but when I surrendered and submitted His desire became mine. This is a journey of obedience. It is a story of true Love patiently and faithfully pursuing my heart.
Presently (in 2013), I am a second year student in the Doctoral Program of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.). As a member of the 2nd year cohort I have been granted the opportunity to develop and refine my skills in a program with passionate, capable, competent, and committed faculty and staff. In this program I have been challenged and stretched spiritually and intellectually. I can say unreservedly that the professors deeply desire to provide the training and support needed to produce students of excellence. I must provide a quick disclaimer though; we are not “perfect." We are, however, evolving as a community into distinctively astute Practitioner-Scholars. Scholars that I hope will learn to embody the Image of Christ, while engaging the potent lifestyle of obedience to God as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego did.
I do not know where God may be gently leading you to pursue your education, but I want to encourage you to surrender your will and your future. There is no place comparable to that of being in God’s Divine will. While challenges will come, know that “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NASB). In addition, know with confidence if God directs you to study here at Regent, He has gone ahead of you to prepare the way and He will provide for all your needs. Finally, if He has called you here, know that here is not restricted to the school or to the campus, He has called you to this city to be a part of the community, purposefully engaged. Your Divine mission does not commence when you return to your home country, neither does it go on hiatus while you are here it is unfolding now. And I am confident that if you are faithful with investing in another man’s city, God will entrust you with territories of influence in your own - when He wills to. Walk with Him.
