More Than Conquerors

How you helped shape 2,316 new servant-leaders for God’s glory

On May 9, 2026, under blue Virginia Beach skies, Regent’s newest graduates boldly stepped into their callings. Thanks to friends like you, they go out prepared to change the world for God’s glory.

For the Regent community, it was a day of celebration, gratitude, and unshakeable hope — expressed perfectly in the Class of 2026’s signature verse, Romans 8:37 (NKJV): “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

The Class Your Generosity Made Possible

Chancellor Gordon Robertson opened the ceremony by congratulating Regent’s new graduates and offering a prayer that captured the spirit of the day.

“You called us, back in 1977, to build a university for Your glory. So Lord, may Your glory be here on this campus,” Robertson prayed. “May it rest on every student. And may the fire of Your glory go with every graduate today. May they become Christian leaders to change the world.”

Robertson then put the impact of your generosity into numbers: 2,316 graduates from all 50 states and 20 nations — one of the largest and most diverse classes in Regent’s history. Behind every one of those numbers is a life forever changed.

The Fruit of Your Investment

The ceremony continued with the keynote address from Regent’s 2026 Alumnus of the Year, Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas (LAW ’13). Kamoutsas is Commissioner of Education for the state of Florida and former Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Ron DeSantis. Shaped by purpose, conviction, and service, he is the living fruit of a Regent education — made possible by friends like you.

“Today is more than a milestone,” Kamoutsas insisted. “Today is step one in God’s plan for your career, which I am confident is a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Now, that does not mean you will enter a career free of trials and tribulations, but it does mean that in all things, ‘God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose,’ (Romans 8:28).”

Kamoutsas ended his address by encouraging the Class of 2026 to stand firm, persevere in faith, and always rejoice in hope: “Be patient in tribulations. Be constant in prayer. May God bless you and guide you and use you mightily in the days ahead. … Stay hopeful, stay purpose-driven, stay prayerful, and stay focused.”

Equipped to Lead, Called to Serve

Jesse Winston Jr., a doctoral graduate from the School of Education, delivered the Graduate Reflection with the weight of someone who came to Regent with a purpose and is leaving with a mission refined.

Winston spoke to the heart of what a Regent education produces. “Today we celebrate our journey toward purposeful, value-driven leadership, built on dedication, perseverance, and faith,” he said. “Regent reaffirmed Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ Throughout this journey, I’ve come to see that leadership is not about titles but about influence, accountability, and service demonstrated through humility.”

In closing, Winston said, “Thank you, Regent University, for preparing us to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference. Let’s go forth resolving to serve the Lord and others wherever we go. Lead with passion, actively work to strengthen your communities, and take concrete steps to create lasting impact. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”

Chairman of Regent’s board of trustees, Phil Walker, then brought a message of congratulations and blessing to graduates from Regent’s executive leadership.

“You may actually see many challenges in your walk with the Lord as you go out and into the marketplace. But I want you to know there’s assurance,” Walker explained. “David wrote in Psalm 121:1-2, ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.’”

He continued, “Know that Jesus Himself said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you,’ (Hebrews 13:5). When you go out into the marketplace, be bold. Know that God is with you, that God is for you… He will raise you up, and He will put you before the calling and fulfill that calling that He knows He has in store for you.”

Live for Liberty

Chancellor Robertson returned to the podium to deliver his Commencement charge — a message rooted in a prayer first offered by English settlers more than 400 years ago at Cape Henry, just 17 miles from Regent’s campus.

His charge to the Class of 2026 was simple: “live for liberty” and carry the gospel into all the world. (See page 11.)

After the reading of each graduate’s name and the conferring of degrees, the highly anticipated moment of “turning their tassels” was met by the celebratory release of blue and green confetti that covered the entire Library Plaza.

Those assembled then sang the Regent Anthem in unison, and the Chancellor ended Commencement 2026 with the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6:24-26: “May the God of heaven, the maker of heaven and earth, may He bless you and keep you. May He cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.”

Because of You

Every name called, every tassel turned, every life changed — your partnership makes it possible. When you support Regent with your prayers and your gifts, you help change the world for God’s glory.

The Class of 2026 is a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites in purpose and vision. Faithful friends like you paved the way for these graduates to step into their callings equipped with knowledge, faith, and a commitment to serve. Your sacrificial giving empowers them to fulfill the Great Commission and to bring the love, hope, and light of Jesus Christ to the world.

Thank you for your friendship and your commitment to advancing God’s work by supporting Regent University.