Vincent Le isn't a typical resident in the Regent University Commons. Not only is he a School of Divinity Ph.D. candidate among undergrads, but Le is also one of only four recipients of the John Stott/Langham Partnership International scholarship around the world.

John Stott Ministries, in conjunction with the late evangelical leader's missions organization Langham Partnership International (LPI), awards scholarships each year to evangelical leaders seeking doctoral degrees. Through the program, these leaders are trained as pastors in "Majority World" churches—those on the continents of the south and east, including Asia, Africa and South America.

Le came to Regent from Vietnam and began his studies this fall. He will return there for ministry after he has earned his degree. He will be the first John Stott Scholar to complete a program at Regent. Other scholars have chosen such institutions as Princeton, Westminster, Wheaton, Fuller and Columbia.

"In a sense, Vincent is a perfect fit as the first Stott Scholar here at Regent, bringing the best of global evangelical Christianity to our campus and simultaneously expanding the horizons of the Stott circle to include voices and perspectives from the Pentecostal and charismatic Christian movement that is exploding around the world," said divinity professor, Dr. Amos Yong.

Elaine Vaden, Director of the Scholars Program and Church Relations for John Stott Ministries, is also confident that Regent was an excellent choice for Le. "I think the first [reason] is Regent's investment in the charismatic Pentecostal world, which is a huge part of the global south," she explained. "Second, the quality of the divinity faculty—I feel very good about their ability to mentor and build up the next generation of scholars."

Currently, the program has 35 scholars in the United States working toward their degrees and 80 scholars internationally. These scholars will go on to lead churches in countries that are underserved in the Christian community and need strong pastors and teachers to guide them.

"John Stott had an inspiring vision for the maturity of the global Christian church, and it is something that I have always wanted to be a part of," said Le. "The fact that LPI, a well-known evangelical organization, partners with Regent University suggests an increasing attention to the global renewal movement and a recognition of Regent's serious scholarship."

"The fact that he's from Vietnam obviously made [Le] stand out from other candidates," said Vaden. "The church in Vietnam is at a disadvantage and has not placed a great deal of investment in Biblical scholars. Vincent is very connected to the house church movement, which is growing in Vietnam."

Le is directing his research in the area of renewal theology and social transformation in an Asian context. After graduation, he will return home to get involved in theological education in Vietnam.

"Vincent is exemplary both of the committed evangelicalism that is at the heart of the Stott Scholarship and of what is happening at the vanguard of the renewal Christian movement in Vietnam," said Yong.

Learn more about Regent's Ph.D. in Renewal Studies.

PR/NEWS CONTACT:
Mindy Hughes, Public Relations
Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888
E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

In one of a handful of electoral races that captured national attention this year, Robert F. "Bob" McDonnell '89 (Law and Government) has been elected the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the first alumnus of Regent University elected to a state's highest office.

The results of The Chronicle of Higher Education's survey of Great Colleges to Work For 2009 were released July 6, with Regent ranking among the top ten colleges in the following categories for a "medium-sized" institution (3,000-9,999 students):

Physical Work-Space Conditions
Facilities and Security
Supervisor-Department Chair Relationship
Perception of and Confidence in Fair Treatment

Regent University Law School is one of the nation's most outstanding law schools, according to The Princeton Review—a company that assesses school districts across the United States and networks prospective students with college and career resources. Regent Law ranked second for "Candidates for Heritage Foundation Fellowships" and seventh for "Best Student Life" in Princeton Review's latest book Best 174 Law Schools: 2009 Edition.

Regent University's School of Law is one of several Christian law schools discussed in an article, "Redeeming Law," in the August 2008 issue of Christianity Today. The article notes that of nearly 200 law schools approved by the American Bar Association, about 15—including Regent—claim a Christian mission.

In addition, Regent law school alumnus Stephen Pfeiffer ('07) is featured in a sidebar to the Christianity Today article about how he integrates his faith into the daily practice of law. To learn more about Regent's School of Law, visit www.regent.edu/acad/schlaw

Regent University has been ranked No. 3 in the Online Education Database's top accredited online colleges based on scholarly citations. This recognition confirms Regent's commitment to academic excellence. We applaud our outstanding faculty for their ongoing dedication to uncompromised quality. View the rankings

Regent also placed very well in the overall rankings.

Tad Agoglia '01 (Divinity) will be featured on CNN Heroes beginning June 19. Agoglia, Regent University's Alumnus of the Year for 2008, is being recognized for the humanitarian aid he provides to communities in crisis.

According to CNN's broadcast schedule, the special report CNN Heroes will go live first on www.cnn.com/heroes at approximately 1:00-2:00 p.m. EDT, and premier on the air on Larry King Live from 9:00-10:00 p.m.