Superb Bar Pass Rate

We received some terrific news from the July Virginia Bar Exam today. First-time takers from Regent University School of Law passed at an outstanding rate of 85.7%. This was well above the state average (79.8%) and the third highest rate in the state (behind only William & Mary and UVA). I am deeply proud of our students. Whether winning national championships or shining on the bar exam, they display excellence in everything they do. I am also thankful for our outstanding faculty. This achievement reflects their tireless commitment to train our students with depth and rigor. Above all, praise God for His blessing!

Quick Thoughts from Michigan

I am in Michigan this week visiting colleges and introducing prelaw students to Regent University School of Law. A few quick thoughts as I travel:

• It has been beautiful here. Sunny, cool, with leaves turning vibrant colors. I had forgotten from my Wisconsin years just how gorgeous a bright red maple tree can be this time of year.
  
  
• This state loves education. I think every small town has its own college or university.
  
  
• Here as everywhere, prelaw students care about global justice and human rights. More than that, they are ready to act. I continue to be encouraged as I meet the next generation of Wilberforces who will combat oppression, abuse, and slavery around the world. And they are VERY encouraged as they learn about our new Center for Global Justice. I can't wait to welcome them to Regent and equip them for their work.

Great ABA Report on Regent Law’s Strasbourg Program

This year 33 students studied with us in our International Human Rights Program in Strasbourg, France. One of the unique features of the program this year was that we had an accreditation visit from the American Bar Association. The ABA visits our program—and all such study abroad programs—every seven years to evaluate the quality of the program.

We just received the report from the site visitor. The report is excellent—it contains no negative findings at all! The site visitor rated the classes as a 4.8 on a 5 point scale. Here is his overall summary of the program:

The program was well organized and well administered. Students were engaged in an active teaching/learning process in all four classes. The program was located in a very rich environment to study international law and human rights. Facilities were very good and appropriate for the program; students and faculty alike expressed great satisfaction with their participation in the program. Because the program has been in operation in Strasbourg since its inception, the Law School has had much experience implementing it and working with local and Virginia officials to ensure its success. The instructional staff and curriculum are very strong and appropriate for achieving the goals of the program.

Many people are responsible for this success. Thanks to Regent professors John Ashcroft, Tom Folsom, and Dave Velloney for their outstanding teaching and interaction with students. And thanks to Francois Vierling, Jim Murphy, and Mary Bunch for taking care—in an excellent way—of many administrative aspects of the program and our students.

If you are reading this as a student or prospective student, join us next year! Regent Professor Dave Velloney will be directing the program as we go back to Strasbourg to study international human rights from a Christian perspective.  Visit www.regent.edu/strasbourg for more details.