Regent University Launches On-Campus Military Resource Center

Holding onto the “military friendly” claim in higher education institutions requires much more than offering tuition discounts or flexible online classes.

On Thursday, September 29, Regent University’s Office of Military & Veterans Affairs launched its Military Resource Center (MRC) – an on-campus support for military affiliated students and their families, who make up more than 28 percent of its current student body.

“I do believe that the principles of Regent University coincide so clearly with what is taught in the military. They’re taught discipline, love of country, taught the cohesion of a group and the idea of looking after their comrades in battle, and the idea of leaving no-man-behind,” said Regent founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “They’re taught honesty, integrity, all the things that we believe in. They make ideal students when they come to Regent. So it’s my thrill that nearly a third of our total student body are made up of people in the armed forces.”

Through the MRC’s efforts, military students will have access to free professional counseling, coaching and tutoring; military benefits advising; military academic advising; dedicated veteran collaboration, study and lounge space; career counseling and preparation; military community events and other options for support.

“Our new Military Resource Center will make it easier for students to find the resources they need and will utilize the most,” said executive vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño. “Our leadership team, benefits team, outreach team and advising team are all centrally located to serve our military students in all capacities.”

The launch of the “one-stop” resource center paired with Regent’s recent Green Zone status adds another layer of dedication of Regent to its military service people.

“We are passionate and dedicated and totally committed to every student we come across, we want to transform lives to be Christian Leaders to take on the world,” said Bob Habib, senior director of traditional and military admissions and United States Army veteran. “We empower the military community by providing support and resources to assist in the transition to student life and to promote academic, professional and spiritual growth. We provide a community of support throughout the entire life cycle of each student to ensure the holistic success of our students.”

Student veteran Rebekah Lloyd ’17 (Robertson School of Government) said that having the MRC on campus is “invaluable” to her. Apart from the convenience of the location, which provides seamless answers to her questions as a student, she appreciates the military experience MRC participants, like Habib, bring to their service.

“As Christians, we understand this to be one of the wonderful characteristics displayed by Jesus Christ and often seek to emulate it in our relationships with others,” said Lloyd. “Servant leadership is a guiding principle of many within the military as we lead by serving others, and I’ve witnessed this continue to be expressed by the individuals who work in the MRC in their assistance to us as student veterans.”

Learn more about Regent University’s Office of Military & Veterans Affairs.