If you’re someone who thinks academic prestige is all about Ivy League schools or national ranking lists, Regent University might not even be on your radar.
But here’s the truth: I wouldn’t trade my experience at Regent for anything.
I first came to Regent for my undergraduate degree, drawn in by the values-based education and the promise of personalized attention. What I didn’t expect was the overwhelming level of care and support I’d receive from the faculty. My professors knew my name. They challenged me academically. They supported me personally. They helped guide me, encourage me, and helped me grow into someone I was proud to become.
By the time I graduated, I wasn’t just walking away with a diploma — I had a deep love and respect for Regent University. So when it came time to pursue my master’s degree, returning to Regent felt like the obvious choice. And somehow, the experience was even better.
Now I’m back again — this time as a doctoral student. I know it’s “more appropriate” to hop around to different institutions for each degree. That’s what the advisors and forums will tell you. But I’ve never once questioned my decision to return. I’ve always believed that you get out of school what you put into it, and at Regent, I’ve found a community of faculty and staff who match that effort with genuine support and a deep investment in your success.
One of the most meaningful parts of my doctoral journey has been reconnecting with professors who taught me during my master’s program. Not only did they remember me, but they celebrated that I had come back. That sense of continuity, of being seen and supported, is something extremely rare in higher education.
And it’s not just the familiar faces. Every professor I’ve had, across all three degrees, has taken a genuine interest in my education and well-being. They’ve taken the time to learn about the research areas that excite me and have gone out of their way to connect me with opportunities aligned with my passions. They’ve called me just to check in on my physical health, my mental outlook, and even my spiritual walk. They’ve prayed with me and for me, followed up, and reminded me over and over again that I’m not alone in this journey.
Regent may not be the most talked-about name in academia, but it’s a place where students are truly known, supported, and empowered. It’s the only school that’s ever felt like home. That’s what drew me back, again and again. And that’s the kind of education that matters.
Lydia Pert 