Regent University Launches Institute for Israel Studies

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (May 8, 2024) – Today, Regent University announced the establishment of the Institute for Israel Studies within the Robertson School of Government. This distinguished program will be home to the nation’s leading Biblical studies—enriched education on the history, culture, society, and politics of contemporary Israel.

“This profound initiative amplifies Regent University’s unwavering commitment to Israel,” said Gordon Robertson, Chancellor at Regent University. “You can’t understand today’s headlines without a thorough knowledge of the modern history of Israel. This institute will give students a scholarly grasp of the origins of Zionism and its impact on our world today.”

Dr. A.J. Nolte, who has an extensive academic background and proficiency in world affairs, will lead this milestone project. He currently serves as an Associate Professor and Director of the M.A. in Government and the M.A. in International Development programs at Regent, accumulating over 10 years of teaching experience on Israel and the contemporary Middle East at Regent University, George Washington University, and Messiah College. Additionally, Nolte is a member of the Virginia Israel Advisory Board and co-director of the Academic Engagement Network’s Christian cohort.

“We are pleased to have the Institute for Israel Studies under the direction of Dr. Nolte, who greatly recognizes the divine responsibility of believers to support Israel,” said the Hon. Michele Bachmann, Dean of the Robertson School of Government. “The coursework will help expand national and global understanding of the Jewish state, its people’s right to their land, and the good Israel does for the world.”

Nolte graciously added, “I would like to thank Chancellor Robertson, Dean Bachmann, Provost Hathaway, and Susan Michael from the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem U.S. for their support in launching this Institute.”

The Institute for Israel Studies is expected to fully launch in the fall of 2024.

About Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 13,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online around the world. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University has been ranked the #1 Best Accredited Online College in the United States (Study.com, 2020), the #1 Safest College Campus in Virginia (YourLocalSecurity, 2021), and the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 12 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).

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