Learning is a lifelong process, especially in the business world, where information and technology are crucial keys to success. To respond to the needs of today’s marketplace, Regent has launched two certificate programs.
The Daymond John Certificate in Entrepreneurship: Building Your Business with a Shark is a collaborative effort with entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker and star of television’s “Shark Tank,” Daymond John.
“I’m very excited about my collaboration with Regent University,” John says. “If you don’t educate yourself, you’ll never get out of the starting block, because you’ll spend all your money making foolish decisions. This partnership will help individuals expand their potential.”
Launched last October, the program consists of seven distinct four-week online courses that cover the foundational bases of entrepreneurship, as well as some of the more advanced nuances of start-up companies. John also makes periodic on-campus visits as a guest lecturer for the university’s business degrees.
The program is designed for beginning-to-intermediate-level managers or entrepreneurs who want to launch new ventures or grow their existing business. As part of their coursework, which is led by Regent School of Business & Leadership (SBL) faculty, international business leaders and executive coaches, students create real business plans for their existing company or desired start-ups. If they can prove to have what it takes to “swim with the shark,” John will review their plan.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field,” says Dr. Doris Gomez, dean of SBL. “This program can help further equip and support seasoned and emerging entrepreneurs to identify, evaluate, strengthen and act upon entrepreneurial opportunities.”
“This program can help further equip and support seasoned and emerging entrepreneurs to identify, evaluate, strengthen and act upon entrepreneurial opportunities.”
-Dr. Doris Gomez
Gomez adds that today’s fast-paced business environments demand individuals well equipped to respond quickly and who can plan strategically: “The need for training provided through our programs is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to stay current, engaged and informed.”
Understanding that almost all “business” in the 21st century transcends international borders, Regent has launched a second high-profile certificate program in the Far East. More than 400 students are taking part in the Marketplace Leadership Institute (MLI) in Singapore. MLI is a comprehensive leadership program to develop and equip professionals in Asia with biblically based competencies, so they can make an impact in cities and nations for the glory of God.
Dr. Corné J. Bekker, a Regent professor and MLI instructor, says: “Singaporeans consider Regent one of the premier Christian universities in the world, and the response to our initiatives has been very favorable. Believers in the region have expressed a deep hunger for robust Christian higher education.”
MLI’s 2015 Summer Intensive is a weeklong study of three modules taught in Singapore. Multiple course offerings are held in cohort settings over three to five days. Individuals interact with other experienced leaders in sessions designed to transform their leadership skills and increase personal effectiveness.
With many believing that the business marketplace will be the greatest mission field in the future, Bekker insists that the program will prepare Christian leaders in any profession to flourish.
“East Asia is an important focal point for the next wave of economic and political growth,” he says. “Training and equipping Christian leaders to not only be the best in their field, but to challenge culture through Christian service, will make a great impact in that area of the world.”
“The Great Commission commands that we go into all nations to equip and make disciples,” Gomez explains. “Regent University’s presence in Singapore is part of this missional call.”
For more information about either of these certification programs, contact Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership at regent.edu/sbl or call 800.373.5504.
