RSG Newsletter – September 2018
Robertson School of Government Dean’s Corner
Dear Friends,
This month saw Florence lead to class cancellations for on-campus students for three days. Some students who lived in rental housing in low lying areas were required to evacuate and others (like me) chose to evacuate. Little did we know that only hours after the campus closing and heading out we would see a new forecast sending Florence straight into the Carolinas rather than near Virginia Beach.
While campus students were safe, online students were surely in the path of the storm in the Carolinas. We hope and pray that each of this newsletter’s readers has recovered or will soon finish that process if you were affected.
While the storm delayed some things, it did not stop the important celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of founding the university, nor the Constitution Day remembrances, nor the chance to have dinner with General and Mrs. Ashcroft. The General brilliantly articulated the need for liberty as the highest calling of society and as a form that derives from faith. May we not fall prey to the idea that democracy is the highest goal, since a run a way democracy can still keep people from being free. Thus, may we support liberty at home and abroad.
Warm regards,
Interim Dean and Professor
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For more details as well as our calendar of events, please see our website.
Featured Story
Regent University Celebrates 40 Years of Spiritual Vitality at Annual Founders Chapel
When reflecting on his 40-year journey, one that has led to a university of nearly 11,000 students and 150 disciplines, Regent University Founder, Chancellor, and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson has one word of advice:
“Despise not the day of small beginnings.”
Robertson shared the story of Regent’s own “small beginning” at the annual Founders Chapel on Wednesday, August 29. Students, faculty, and staff came together for a special time of worship and reflection just a few days into Fall Semester 2018.
Four decades ago, however, Regent was merely a whisper, a direct order from God spoken to Robertson as he sat down to a simple meal that has become a legend to those who’ve heard the story time and time again – a breakfast of cottage cheese and cantaloupe.
“I heard the Lord say, ‘Build a school for my glory,'” said Robertson.
And he did.
Four decades later, Regent stands with the largest enrollment in history; and it all began with 77 students and seven faculty members.
“Thing big! Don’t think small,” said Robertson. “We have a God who created the Universe, and with Him all things are possible. You are a part of an exciting adventure in education, in leadership and in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.”
Alumni Highlight
Jolly ol’ England
“Never stop dreaming” is a quote Nathalie Jeter posted on her Facebook page. In fact, her dreams did come to fruition. Nathalie Jeter, (MA ‘04) has been accepted to the University of Oxford, St. Cross College. Jeter is pursuing an MPhil degree in Medieval and Modern Languages, with a focus in French.
Nathalie Jeter earned dual Master’s degrees in Public Policy and Journalism from Regent University. After graduating, Jeter served for seven years in the Robertson School of Government, as the Assistant to the Dean to Distinguished Professor, Dr. Charles Dunn, and former Interim Dean, Dr. Gary Roberts.
Student Highlight
Step by Step
His professional career consisted of a progression from one step to another. Szish earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing, from the University of Pittsburgh, at Johnstown. After earning his undergraduate degree, he served with two newspapers, the Beaver County Times and Valley News Dispatch. Szish was assigned to cover schools, where he interviewed superintendents. He met Superintendent, Bill Kerr, who created the School and Community Relations Coordinator position. This role prepared him for his current employment. Szish presently serves, as the Executive Assistant/Board Secretary, with the Norwin School District.
His words of wisdom to fellow students is to “trust that God will really get you through the hard times.”
Recent Events
Constitution Day
Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft Hosts Dinner for Robertson School of Government Students
General Ashcroft, who is in his fourteenth year of teaching at Regent, and Dean Stephen Perry, served barbecue and dessert to faculty and students alike. The evening included current events-related discussion of government affairs. The General offered valuable insight to the students based on his time as governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General. The night concluded with numerous songs including Regent’s official school hymn, “Regent, Host of Faith and Learning” (text written by General Ashcroft). The lyrics remind Regent students that they are called to a lifetime of service as Christian leaders.
General Ashcroft teaches two classes at Regent, Case Studies in the Development and Implementation of National Legal Policy and Human Rights, Civil Liberties & National Security. Beyond his time in the classroom, he annually hosts up to ten events like the government dinner which allow him more time with students.
Faculty Update
Dean Stephen Perry co-authored an article on conceptualizing peace and war in studies of peace journalism. It was accepted for publication in Media, War, and Conflict.
Practitioner-in-Residence, Sam Gaston, serves on the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Advisory Board on Graduate Education. At the recent conference, he served as a panelist discussing Managers as Faculty. Gaston also served as a panelist at the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration (SeCOPA) Conference on preparing MAP students for the future.
Upcoming Events
- Book Launch with Dr. Gary Roberts – October 9, 2018
- Defense Against the Dark Arts with RADM William McCarthy (USN, ret.) – November 13, 2018
- A. Willis Robertson Lecture on Virginia Politics with Gov. Bob McDonnell – December 4, 2018
- U.S. Army TRADOC Band Holiday Concert – December 11, 2018