Robertson School of Government Newsletter – January 2021

In this issue:

• Featured News of the Month
  • Michele Bachmann will begin as RSG’s new Dean in January!
• Dean’s Corner
• More from RSG Social Media
• Recent Events
  • Papal Encyclical
  • Social Media
• Student Highlight: Kendall Turner

Featured News of the Month

Michele Bachmann will begin as RSG’s new Dean in January!

Regent University and its Board of Trustees have named U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as the new dean of the Robertson School of Government, effective January 1, 2021. Dr. M. G. “Pat” Robertson, Founder, Chancellor & CEO of Regent University, made the announcement.

“Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is a distinguished leader of national and global reputation,” said Robertson. “She has displayed exemplary vision, character, integrity, and skill throughout her career in government. We are delighted to welcome to Regent this remarkable public servant whose vast experience and principled leadership will provide an extraordinary role model for our students and graduates to emulate.”

“On behalf of the Regent University Board of Trustees, I welcome Michele Bachmann to Regent University’s Robertson School of Government,” said Phil Walker, Chairman of the Board at Regent University. “Her service to our great nation is an inspiration to us all. I know that the Regent community will greatly benefit from her outstanding leadership.”

Michele Bachmann was born in Waterloo, Iowa. She received a B.A. in Political Science and English from Winona State University in 1978. She married Marcus Bachmann, a clinical therapist who holds a master’s degree from Regent University. In 1986, Bachmann received a Juris Doctor degree from Oral Roberts University. She was a member of the ORU law school’s final graduating class, and was part of a group of faculty, staff, and students who moved the ORU law school library to Regent University. Two years later, she completed a Master of Law in taxation at the College of William & Mary. She worked for four years as a lawyer for the Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Chief Counsel in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bachmann and her husband have five children. They also worked with a private foster care agency to house 23 children in their home during the 1990s. Bachmann’s children were home schooled and also attended private Christian schools, and her political career stemmed from her interest in education reform.

In 2000, Bachmann defeated a longtime moderate incumbent for a state senate seat in Minnesota. In 2006, Bachmann entered the race to represent her suburban Minneapolis congressional district. She won 52 percent of the vote, becoming the first Republican woman from Minnesota elected to the House of Representatives. She easily won reelection in 2008 and 2010.

Bachmann’s extensive career highlights include:

● Bachmann was the first Republican woman from Minnesota elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
● Bachmann served as a United States Congresswoman representing Minnesota’s 6th District from 2007 to 2015.

● She quickly became a national figure in the Republican Party and a founding member of the congressional Tea Party Caucus.
● In 2011, Bachmann announced her bid for the Republican presidential nomination and ran for president in 2012.

Bachmann is a highly respected leader who is deeply committed to conservative values in government.

“It has been the highest honor to serve the American people and to uphold conservative principles on a national scale,” Bachmann stated. “I am thrilled to now direct my focus to preparing the next generation of government leaders at Regent University.”

The Robertson School of Government is an institutional member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and the American Political Science Association (APSA). Students learn from prominent faculty members and practitioners and participate in meaningful internships in Washington, D.C. and across the country. Over 1,100 alumni occupy strategic positions in state/national legislatures, the White House, local/state government, and the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services. The school offers practice-oriented, research-based degrees including the M.A. in Campaigns & Political Leadership, M.A. in Government, M.A. in National Security Studies, and Master of Public Administration, online and on campus.

“Now, more than ever before, our nation needs principled leaders in government and Regent University is committed to providing a superb education to the future leaders of our great nation. I can think of no one better suited to lead the Robertson School of Government than Michele Bachmann,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Regent University. “Bachmann’s distinguished career in state and national governments will be invaluable to our students, alumni, and the Regent community.”

Dean’s Corner

Dear friends, Each month as we send out our newsletter, it has been a pleasure to emphasize the advances made by our students, faculty, and alumni. With the transitions in government in January as Congressional, Senate, and even Executive branch offices swap out one elected official for another along with their supporting staffs, there are many folks learning new roles and bringing in new vision and new leadership.

Here in RSG it is no different. It has been a privilege to serve for 2 ½ years as the Interim Dean in the Robertson School of Government. The faculty, staff, and students have been amazing to work with, as have the alumni I’ve met. But the good news is that we have secured that permanent leader the school so desperately needed. I will transition for the next few months to the role of Interim Senior Associate Dean to make sure things continue smoothy, and I will have the privilege of serving alongside our new dean, former Representative Michele Bachmann, whose story led off this newsletter.

Representative – and now Dean Bachmann – is a visionary and doer and will get things done for the Robertson School of Government. The people I’ve worked with and met during my tenure as dean have enriched my life. I know Dean Bachmann will enrich my life and the lives of many through the Robertson School of Government in the coming months and years. Under her leadership, we will continue to make Christian leaders in government and not-for-profit sectors to change the world.

Sincerely,

Stephen D. Perry, Ph.D. Interim Dean and Professor

More from RSG Social Media

America’s Theological Social Contract: The Mayflower Compact by Eric Patterson

Blind Politics: The Union Forever

Blind Politics: What 2020 Election Might Tell Us About the Future of Politics

Predicting Year 1 of the Biden Administration: 12/9/2020

Bill of Rights “restrictive clauses” to stop Federal Government’s “abuse of its powers” by Bill Federer (Board of Trustees)

Recent Events:

How Should Christians Respond to the Papal Encyclical All Brothers?

The Robertson School of Government and Providence Magazine co-hosted a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Mary Manjikian. Panelists Dr. Eric Patterson, Dr. A.J. Nolte, and Dr. Jeff Gardner shared their perspective on Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti (translated All Brothers). The encyclical explains that fraternity and social friendship are the ways to build a better, more just and peaceful world, with the contribution of all: people and institutions. The panel reflected on the ecumenical nature of the encyclical, what it says about interfaith relations, the Muslim Imam Pope Francis credits in the encyclical, and what the encyclical means to policy makers as well as Catholics and non-Catholics. Watch this panel here! 

RSG Launches Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin

In order to keep all of our wonderful RSG supporters up-to-date with our latest happenings, RSG is launching Facebook and Instagram accounts! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to hear all about our latest updates!

Student Highlight: Kendall Turner

Kendall Turner encourages all Americans to learn more about United States foreign relations and discusses his study abroad experience! Watch the video here!