Robert “Bob” F. McDonnell ’89, the 71st governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will join the Regent faculty in January 2017. As a distinguished professor in the Robertson School of Government, McDonnell will establish the Governor’s Center for Federalism and Civility, which will publish extensive and analytical studies on our federal system of government in the United States.
“I’m eager to engage with Regent students and faculty in and out of the classroom, and I hope that my experiences can inspire others to consider careers in public service.”
“I am delighted to welcome Gov. Bob McDonnell back to Regent,” said the university’s founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “As we train students to serve in government, law and other disciplines, McDonnell will bring his extensive public-service experience as an Army officer, prosecutor, state legislator, attorney general and governor.”
A key goal of the Governor’s Center for Federalism and Civility is to assist states in understanding their role in a federal society. “During my painful journey through the justice system after I left the Governor’s office,” McDonnell explains, “I came to the realization that politics and polls are much less important than people and policies.”
A champion of high-quality education, teaching is something that McDonnell has considered often during his many years of public service. This move into academia is the former chief executive’s next step in his long history of paying it forward. “I’m eager to engage with Regent students and faculty in and out of the classroom, and I hope that my experiences can inspire others to consider careers in public service.”
Please join the entire Regent community in praying for Bob McDonnell, Impact’s alumni World Changer.