Former Attorney General to Teach at Christian Graduate School
By Heather Murphy, 03.24.05

In the days after 9/11, John Ashcroft’s leadership guided the United States security effort in the dawn of the war on terror. Now, the former Attorney General has decided to use his skills and experience in a new forum: the classroom.

This summer, Professor Ashcroft will join the faculty at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., where he will teach law and government courses.

“We so desperately need institutions across America that have a commitment to inspiring the next generation to focus on the principled and noble, rather than the pragmatic and doable. Regent University does just that,” Ashcroft said in a Regent press release.

Students and faculty alike are happy to have Ashcroft join their community.

“He has exemplary character and Christian moral leadership that we as a faculty seek to impart to the students,” government professor, Dr. Bob Dyer said.

Alumna Nathalie Jeter also noted Ashcroft’s character. Jeter briefly met Ashcroft on a Regent School of Government trip to the Dept. of Justice. At the time, she was struck by his humble and personable nature; she hopes current students also will benefit from his example.

“Students have a lot to learn about his character,” Jeter said. “I think his priority will be the students, mentoring and preparing them for the real world of government and law.”

Fellow alumnus Justin Eastwood also thinks Ashcroft’s presence will help prepare students for life after graduate school. 

“He brings a wealth of experience to compliment the education students are receiving,” he said.

Besides his experience, Ashcroft will bring notoriety to the school. Many agree that he will serve as a well-known representative of Regent.

“He will be a tremendous asset,” Jeter said. “And it’s no secret that he’s a great recruiting tool.”

Regent students are already anticipating future course schedules so, they can sign up for Ashcroft’s classes. This summer, he will teach his first course abroad in Strasbourg, France. The course is designed for the school on international human rights issues.

Second-year law student, Nicole Jacobo, attended that class last summer and remembers it as one of the best experiences she has had at Regent. With Ashcroft’s real world experience, Jocobo predicts this summer’s class will be even better.

“He will be great for the program,” Jacobo said.

If her schedule permits, Jacobo plans to sign up for Ashcroft’s fall course on law and terrorism.

“I definitely want to take a class from him,” she said.