Research Symposium 2026

Current Trends in the Field of Education

Friday, April 17, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.”
Proverbs 16:16

The School of Education will have a Research Symposium in Spring 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for faculty and current students, dissertation candidates, and alums to become involved in research presentations. We invite scholars and practitioners to attend virtually and present their research, dissertations, papers, conceptual discussions, book or article reviews, etc., or attend just for great conversation and networking. We will work with presenters on a joint symposium discussion for publication.

The Regent University School of Education Research Symposium offers research presentations from faculty, graduate students, and alumni to present their latest research through building a culture of scholarly inquiry and engagement. In advancing excellence in investigation, we show how the Regent School of Education research is making a transformative impact on education and society through Christian Leadership to Change the World. Sessions are designed to facilitate faculty in presenting their research and to assist students/alums in various aspects of graduate studies and career development.

Cost: Free (Presenters and Attendees)
Important Dates:

Event	Date
Abstract Submissions	February 2-20, 2026
Presenters Notified of Acceptance/Rejection	February 27, 2026
Presenter Registration Deadline	March 9, 2026
Final Program of Presenters Posted	March 16, 2026
Registration Opens for Attendees	March 16, 2026
Registration Closes for Attendees	April 13, 2026
Symposium	April 17, 2026

Mission Statement

We pledge ourselves to transform education worldwide by promoting biblically compatible, research-based solutions to challenges in education through bridging theory and practice, and by building effective partnerships with schools and their community.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.”
Proverbs 16:16

The School of Education Research Symposium is an exciting opportunity for faculty, current students, dissertation candidates, and alumni to participate in research presentations. Scholars and practitioners are invited to attend virtually and present their research, dissertations, papers, conceptual discussions, book or article reviews, etc., or attend for great conversation and networking.

The Regent University School of Education Research Symposium features presentations from faculty, graduate students, and alumni, showcasing their latest research and fostering a culture of scholarly inquiry and engagement. In advancing excellence in investigation, we show how the Regent School of Education research is making a transformative impact on education and society through Christian Leadership to Change the World. Sessions are designed to facilitate faculty in presenting their research and to assist students/alumni in various aspects of graduate studies and career development. Sessions are live-streamed for remote viewing.

Symposium Strategic Goals

Goal 1: Foster a Collaborative and Inclusive Community

Cultivate a supportive and collegial environment for faculty and students to connect and share expertise on the theme Current Trends in the Field of Education, lending to a wide range of topics.
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration focused on advancing knowledge and wisdom to serve and edify others (SOE Conceptual Framework).
Integrate doctoral students/alumni into the research community to foster mentorship and professional development.
Center the voices and scholarly experiences of faculty, students, and alumni to enrich our collective quest for continuous improvement (CAEP National Accreditor).

Goal 2: Amplify Impact and Drive Innovation

Enhance the visibility of Regent University faculty, students, and alumni to extend the reach and influence of the School of Education’s mission (Vanguard Focus).
Stimulate critical dialogue and knowledge exchange on pressing and current educational challenges impacting education and beyond.
Build partnerships with K-12 community members and other higher education institutions (Cohort Focus).
Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging the exploration of new ideas and approaches to benefit faculty professional development (Innovations Steering Committee).

Goal 3: Biblical Perspective & Faith Integration

This symposium is designed to enhance Regent University’s mission of “Christian Leadership to Change the World.”
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.” – Proverbs 16:16
“They will soar on the wings of eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Research Symposium Proceedings

Greetings from the School of Education,

It is with great pleasure to share a significant achievement following the tremendous success of the inaugural (2025) Regent University School of Education Virtual Research Symposium, which together we welcomed over 100 participants, including 21 presenters. We want to grow a reputation for scholarly research and academic excellence. Presenters can view their presentation abstract in this proceedings document.

Download the 2025 Research Symposium Proceedings

We are excited to inform you that we have scheduled a second Regent University School of Education Virtual Research Symposium for Friday, April 17, 2026. This ongoing commitment further exemplifies Regent University School of Education’s leadership in sustainable research and reinforces our dedication to fostering collaboration for continuous improvement in current trends in the field of education.

Symposium Team

Dr. Glenn Koonce, Co-Chair
Dr. Katie Goldman, Co-Chair
Dr. Brenda Vaughan
Dr. Sonja Maggi
Dr. Mitzi Fehl-Seward

Guest Speaker

Dr. Keri D. Ingraham
Senior Fellow, Discovery Institute
Director, American Center for Transforming Education
Senior Fellow, Independent Women’s Forum

Dr. Keri D. Ingraham is a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute and Director of the Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education. She is also a Senior Fellow at Independent Women’s Forum.

Dr. Ingraham is a regularly requested guest for national television and podcast interviews, as well as for conference and event speaking engagements. Her articles have been published by The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Federalist, The Washington Times, The Epoch Times, Washington Examiner, The Daily Wire, Real Clear Education, The Daily Signal, National Review, The American Spectator, Daily Caller, and a host of other media outlets. Her work has been featured by Fox News, referenced in The Wall Street Journal, and cited in countless publications.

Dr. Ingraham has received several invitations to the White House and is quoted on the White House website. Additionally, she has advised Cabinet Members, Governors, and Members of the U.S. Congress.

Prior to joining Discovery Institute, Dr. Ingraham spent nearly two decades leading within the field of education as a national consultant, requested conference speaker, head of school, virtual and hybrid academy director, administrator, classroom teacher, and athletic coach.

She holds a Doctor of Education degree and a Master of Education degree from Regent University. Her Bachelor of Arts degree was awarded by George Fox University, where she was named an Academic All-American and was a four-year athletic team member. In addition, Dr. Ingraham earned an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Professional Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and the Stanford University School of Engineering.

Closing Remarks

Dr. Beth Ackerman
Virginia Board of Education

Appointed to unexpired term – July 1, 2025
Date of Expiration – June 30, 2028

Dr. Beth Ackerman was appointed to the Board of Education by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Dr. Ackerman serves as the Senior Vice President of Rivermont Schools, which seeks to empower children and young adults who face behavioral, emotional, and educational challenges to reach their highest potential. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Ackerman began her career as a special education teacher at Centra Rivermont School in Lynchburg, Virginia. She then went on to become principal of the Chatham Rivermont School and then served as principal at the Lynchburg school. While serving in these capacities, Dr. Ackerman obtained her master’s degree in special education at Lynchburg college and then her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Virginia. Next, Dr. Ackerman helped launch the Special Education Program at Liberty University where she worked as faculty and in administration for 15 years. Dr. Ackerman received a postgraduate professional license from the Virginia Department of Education, which endorses her to teach elementary education, K-8 students with learning, emotional, and intellectual disabilities as well as serve in administration and supervision of K-12 students.

Dr. Ackerman resides with her husband in Campbell County, Virginia (Superintendent’s Region 5). Dr. Ackerman enjoys serving her community by volunteering with CASA as well as taking in foster children through DePaul Family Services.

Call for Abstracts

Abstracts will be accepted February 2-20, 2026. Proposals should be 250-300 words written in APA style (download template) and submitted using the form below. All accepted proposals will be notified via email on February 27, 2026. Broad topics to consider include Teacher & Admin Preparation, Mental Health for K-12 and Higher Education, Financial, Funding, & Policy Issues, and AI Education.

Abstract Submission Form

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Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.

Registration

Registration is required for all presenters and attendees. There is no registration fee.

Presenter Registration

All presenters must register by March 9, 2026.

Attendee Registration

Registration for attendees will open on March 16, 2026, and close on April 13, 2026.

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with event details and joining information. You will also receive reminder emails as the symposium date approaches. You may update or modify your registration at any time.

Contact

For further information, please contact Brenda Vaughan:

Brenda Vaughan, Ed.D.

Director of Operations
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Regent University School of Education
1000 Regent University Drive, ADM 266, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
phone: 757.352.4744 | fax: 757.352.4147
bvaughan@regent.edu

Schedule

The Symposium will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET via Zoom. We will have a welcome/prayer and our plenary speaker from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by 18 presenters (20-minute sessions/presenter).

Friday, April 17, 2026

Presenter	Presentation Topic	Time (Eastern)
Welcome/Prayer	Welcome/Prayer	9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Plenary Speaker	Topic TBD	9:05 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
TBD	TBD	9:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
TBD	TBD	9:50 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.

Schedule for Friday, April 17, 2026

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