Regent University Expands Undergrad Arts Program

For the first time ever, Regent University’s School of Communication and the Arts is offering four new on-campus undergraduate majors. They are designed to train young media professionals for the 21st Century.

“We’re offering four new Bachelor degrees this fall -- degrees in Animation, Cinema-Television, Journalism, and Theatre," says Michael Patrick, Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts.

The world of animation is changing dramatically from the Internet to film.

"We have the best computers and the latest and greatest software which is available. I can tell you that for a graduate student they’re going to be, they’re very impressed when they come to Regent at the equipment they’re going to be able to use. But, for an undergraduate student … they’re going to be blown away by the equipment," says current student, John Bray.

The Chair of the Cinema-Television department, Lorene Wales believes in giving the students real world, professional experience.

"Just this past year, two of our films were distributed nationally on cable networks. One of them was Life’s Other Side which has already won three national and international awards. The other one was First Landing which was a great experience."

"We were hired by CBN to produce a one-hour movie, we hired local professionals and then had our students mentoring underneath them. They got a professional credit on their resumes, real world experience on a demo reel thsey can show someone and say, 'Here’s what I did while at Regent.' And, that will help them get a job."

Student Liz Taylor feels inspired by her professors. "They are working professionals who know their craft and they’re approachable. If you need to know how something works, they can tell you."

"Our Journalism students are multi-skilled storytellers. And, right now there’s a huge demand in Journalism for people who understand the emerging Internet, who understand print, and who can work in broadcast," says Dean Patrick.

"Our Theatre students here have a tremendous opportunity to have an impact on culture. They are going into the fields of acting, both for stage and film. They’re going into ministry to use the skills they have to translate a message across cultures. "

"I love this campus. Between the student body and the absolutely gorgeous campus that we’re on, you’re completely inspired to learn. If you’re looking for a BA in Communication and the Arts I would definitely recommend Regent," says student Monique Coleman.

Norm Mintle is the Academic Dean of the department. He says, "there’s not another Christian university in the country, probably the world that combines the talent of faculty, of technical facilities, and the opportunity for graduate students and especially undergraduate students to come into this environment and get a top-notch education that prepares them to go out into all the different media industries and change the world."