Top 150+ Degrees at Regent University: Virginia Beach’s Premier Christian University

Virginia Beach just became the epicenter of a cultural moment that’s as much about faith as it is about philanthropy. Regent University, the Christian institution perched along the Chesapeake Bay, has transformed its annual Night of Giving into a full-blown spectacle—dubbed the “Grand Slam”—that’s drawing attention from well beyond the 757 area code. For locals, this isn’t just another charity event; it’s a signal of how faith-based institutions are redefining community impact in a city where military families, beachside entrepreneurs, and faith leaders often move in overlapping circles. If you’ve driven past the university’s campus near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, you’ve likely seen the banners flapping in the salt air: “Make Heaven Crowded.” That’s not just a tagline—it’s the mission statement of Turning Point USA Faith’s 2026 tour, which Regent hosted as the kickoff to this year’s Night of Giving. The convergence of these two events isn’t accidental. It’s a calculated play to merge the energy of a political movement with the generosity of a faith community, and the ripple effects are already being felt in neighborhoods from Lynnhaven to Princess Anne.

Regent’s decision to align its Night of Giving with the Make Heaven Crowded Tour isn’t just about raising money—it’s about rebranding philanthropy as a form of cultural resistance. The university, which offers over 150 degrees both online and on its 70-acre campus, has long positioned itself as a bridge between academic rigor and Christian values. But this year’s Grand Slam takes that mission a step further by framing generosity as a competitive sport. Think of it like the Little League World Series, but instead of baseball, the prize is eternal impact. The event’s name itself—”Grand Slam”—isn’t just a nod to baseball; it’s a metaphor for the four pillars Regent is emphasizing: scholarships, community outreach, campus expansion, and what they’re calling “faith infrastructure.” That last one is particularly telling. In a city where megachurches like Rock Church and Wave Church dominate the spiritual landscape, Regent is staking its claim as the institutional backbone of Virginia Beach’s faith community, one donation at a time.

The Grand Slam’s Four Pillars: What’s Really at Stake

Let’s break down what each of these pillars means for Virginia Beach—and why they matter beyond the university’s walls.

1. Scholarships: The Military-Faith Pipeline

Virginia Beach is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. The military presence here is impossible to ignore, and Regent has spent years cultivating relationships with service members and their families. The Night of Giving’s scholarship fund isn’t just about tuition assistance; it’s about creating a pipeline for veterans and active-duty personnel to transition into civilian life with a faith-based education. This isn’t fresh—Regent has been a Yellow Ribbon School for years—but the Grand Slam is scaling it up. The university is framing these scholarships as a way to “reclaim” higher education from what it sees as secular overreach, and the messaging is resonating. Local military families, many of whom already lean conservative, are viewing Regent as a safe haven for their kids’ education. For a city where the military is the economic engine, Here’s a big deal. It’s not just about filling seats in classrooms; it’s about shaping the next generation of leaders in a community where the Navy and the church often share the same pews.

But there’s a catch. Regent’s scholarships come with strings attached—namely, a commitment to the university’s Christian mission. That means chapel attendance, faith-based coursework, and adherence to a code of conduct that includes abstinence from premarital sex and same-sex relationships. For some military families, this is a selling point. For others, it’s a dealbreaker. The Night of Giving’s success will hinge on how well Regent walks that tightrope.

2. Community Outreach: The Beachside Benevolence Boom

Virginia Beach is no stranger to charity. From the annual Neptune Festival to the VB Rescue Mission’s work with the homeless, the city has a strong culture of giving. But Regent’s approach is different. Instead of focusing on direct aid, the university is positioning itself as a hub for “strategic benevolence”—a term it’s using to describe initiatives that tackle root causes rather than symptoms. One example: the Grand Slam is funding a new “Faith and Work” incubator aimed at helping local entrepreneurs launch businesses with a Christian ethos. Think of it as Shark Tank meets Sunday school. The incubator is already drawing interest from small-business owners in the ViBe Creative District, where faith-based startups like Christian coffee shops and nonprofit consulting firms are popping up alongside vegan bakeries and craft breweries.

The university is similarly doubling down on its partnership with the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services to address what it calls the “fatherhood crisis.” The idea is to use faith-based mentoring programs to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for at-risk youth. It’s a controversial approach—critics argue that mixing government funding with religious programming blurs the line between church and state—but in a city where the opioid epidemic has hit hard, many are willing to give it a shot. The Night of Giving’s community outreach pillar isn’t just about writing checks; it’s about embedding Regent’s values into the fabric of Virginia Beach’s social services.

3. Campus Expansion: The Battle for the Oceanfront

Regent’s campus is already a landmark in Virginia Beach, but the university has bigger ambitions. The Grand Slam is funding a new “Center for Faith and Culture” that will serve as a hub for conferences, concerts, and political events. The location? A prime piece of real estate near the Oceanfront, just blocks from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This isn’t just about adding square footage; it’s about staking a claim in one of the most tourist-heavy areas of the city. The Center for Faith and Culture is being marketed as a “third space” for locals and visitors alike—a place where faith, politics, and entertainment collide. Imagine a venue that hosts everything from Turning Point USA rallies to Christian rock concerts to TED-style talks on “biblical economics.” For a city that thrives on tourism, this could be a game-changer.

But there’s pushback. Some Oceanfront business owners worry that Regent’s expansion will bring more traffic and congestion to an area that’s already struggling with overcrowding. Others are concerned about the university’s conservative leanings clashing with Virginia Beach’s increasingly diverse population. The city’s Planning Commission is already reviewing the project, and the debate is heating up. The Night of Giving’s campus expansion pillar isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about whether Regent can sell its vision of a faith-driven Virginia Beach to a city that’s changing faster than many of its residents would like.

4. Faith Infrastructure: The Megachurch Effect

The final pillar of the Grand Slam is perhaps the most ambitious: building what Regent calls “faith infrastructure.” This isn’t about constructing new buildings; it’s about creating a network of churches, nonprofits, and businesses that share the university’s values. Think of it as a faith-based version of a chamber of commerce. Regent is already partnering with local churches like Rock Church and Wave Church to create a “pastors’ roundtable” that will coordinate outreach efforts across the city. The goal is to turn Virginia Beach into a model for what Regent calls “faith-integrated living”—a community where every aspect of life, from education to business to politics, is shaped by Christian principles.

This is where things get tricky. Virginia Beach is home to a growing number of non-Christian residents, including a sizable Hindu and Muslim population. The city’s LGBTQ+ community is also becoming more visible, with events like the Hampton Roads Pride Festival drawing thousands each year. Regent’s faith infrastructure push risks alienating these groups, especially if the university’s partners are seen as exclusionary. The Night of Giving’s success will depend on how well Regent can sell its vision as inclusive rather than divisive. So far, the messaging is mixed. On one hand, the university is emphasizing “unity” and “shared values.” On the other, its partnerships with groups like Turning Point USA—known for its combative stance on culture-war issues—suggest a more confrontational approach.

Why This Matters for Virginia Beach (and Beyond)

Regent’s Night of Giving Grand Slam isn’t just another charity event. It’s a microcosm of the broader cultural shifts happening in Virginia Beach and across the country. The university is betting that its blend of faith, philanthropy, and politics will resonate in a city where conservative values still hold sway. But Virginia Beach is changing. The military brings in a steady stream of new residents, many of whom don’t share the same religious or political views as the city’s longtime inhabitants. The tech industry is growing, with companies like Facebook and Amazon setting up shop in nearby Norfolk. And the city’s tourism economy is diversifying, with events like the Something in the Water music festival drawing a younger, more progressive crowd.

Regent’s Grand Slam is a test case for how faith-based institutions can adapt to these changes. Can the university’s vision of a “faith-integrated” Virginia Beach coexist with the city’s growing diversity? Or will it become another flashpoint in the culture wars? The answer will depend on how well Regent can balance its mission with the realities of a city that’s no longer as homogenous as it once was.

For locals, the Grand Slam is also a reminder of the power of faith-based philanthropy. Virginia Beach has always had a strong culture of giving, but Regent is taking it to the next level by framing generosity as a form of activism. Whether you agree with the university’s politics or not, it’s hard to deny the impact of its approach. The Night of Giving is expected to raise millions of dollars for scholarships, community programs, and campus expansion. That money will have a real impact on the lives of Virginia Beach residents, from military families to small-business owners to at-risk youth.

What Which means for You: A Local’s Guide to Navigating the Grand Slam’s Impact

Given my background in tracking how national trends play out in local communities, I’ve seen firsthand how events like Regent’s Night of Giving can reshape a city’s social and economic landscape. If you’re a Virginia Beach resident—or someone considering moving to the area—here’s what you need to know about the Grand Slam’s ripple effects and how to engage with them.

First, let’s talk about the three types of local professionals who are already feeling the impact of this event—and who you might need to connect with if you seek to be part of the conversation.

1. Faith-Based Business Consultants

With Regent’s new “Faith and Work” incubator gaining traction, there’s a growing demand for consultants who can facilitate entrepreneurs align their business models with Christian values. These aren’t just generic business coaches; they’re experts in what’s being called “kingdom capitalism.” If you’re a small-business owner in Virginia Beach—especially in the ViBe District or along the Oceanfront—you’ll want to glance for consultants who:

• Have experience working with faith-based nonprofits or churches, as this indicates an understanding of mission-driven business models.
• Can demonstrate a track record of helping businesses integrate ethical guidelines without sacrificing profitability. Question for case studies or references from clients who’ve successfully balanced faith, and finance.
• Are familiar with Virginia Beach’s local economy, particularly the challenges faced by military spouses and veteran-owned businesses. The city’s unique demographic makeup means generic advice won’t cut it.
• Offer services beyond just business planning, such as marketing strategies that resonate with faith-based consumers or HR policies that align with Christian ethics.

One place to start your search: the Virginia Beach Small Business Development Center. They’ve been hosting workshops on faith-based entrepreneurship and can point you toward consultants who’ve worked with Regent’s incubator.

2. Land Use and Zoning Attorneys

Regent’s campus expansion plans—particularly the new Center for Faith and Culture near the Oceanfront—have place the university on a collision course with local zoning laws. If you’re a property owner, developer, or business in the area, you’ll want an attorney who specializes in land use and zoning issues. Here’s what to look for:

• Experience with large-scale institutional projects, especially those involving religious or nonprofit organizations. Regent’s expansion isn’t just about building a new facility; it’s about navigating the legal and political hurdles of integrating a faith-based institution into a tourist-heavy zone.
• A deep understanding of Virginia Beach’s zoning codes, particularly the regulations governing the Oceanfront Resort District. The city has strict rules about building heights, parking, and traffic flow, and Regent’s project will need to comply with all of them.
• Connections with the Virginia Beach Planning Commission and City Council. This isn’t just about knowing the law; it’s about knowing the people who enforce it. An attorney with existing relationships can help you anticipate roadblocks and negotiate solutions.
• Expertise in environmental regulations, especially those related to coastal development. The Oceanfront is a sensitive area, and any project here will need to address concerns about erosion, flooding, and wildlife habitats.

Pro tip: Look for attorneys who’ve worked on projects involving other large institutions in Virginia Beach, like the Virginia Aquarium or the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. These projects often face similar zoning challenges and can provide valuable precedents.

3. Community Outreach Coordinators

Regent’s partnership with the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services to address the “fatherhood crisis” is just one example of how faith-based organizations are stepping into the social services space. If you’re a nonprofit leader, social worker, or government employee in Virginia Beach, you’ll want to connect with community outreach coordinators who can bridge the gap between faith-based and secular organizations. Here’s what to look for:

• Experience working with both faith-based and secular nonprofits. The best coordinators understand the strengths and limitations of each and can facilitate partnerships that benefit both sides.
• A track record of securing grants and funding for community programs. Regent’s Night of Giving is bringing in millions of dollars, and coordinators who know how to tap into these resources will be in high demand.
• Familiarity with Virginia Beach’s social services landscape, particularly programs aimed at veterans, at-risk youth, and families affected by the opioid epidemic. The city’s needs are unique, and generic outreach strategies won’t cut it.
• Strong relationships with local churches, mosques, and other faith communities. Regent’s faith infrastructure push is all about building networks, and coordinators who can connect these groups with secular organizations will be invaluable.

Where to find them: Start with the United Way of South Hampton Roads. They’ve been working on faith-based outreach initiatives for years and can recommend coordinators who’ve successfully navigated the intersection of faith and social services.

If you’re not a business owner or nonprofit leader, you might be wondering how the Grand Slam affects you. The answer: in more ways than you think. Even if you’re not religious, Regent’s expanding footprint will shape the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Here’s how to stay informed and engaged:

• Attend a public hearing. The Virginia Beach Planning Commission is holding hearings on Regent’s campus expansion plans. These meetings are open to the public, and your input can make a difference. Check the city’s website for dates and agendas.
• Support local businesses. The Grand Slam is bringing more foot traffic to the Oceanfront, but it’s also putting pressure on small businesses to align with Regent’s values. If you want to see Virginia Beach remain a diverse and inclusive city, make a point of supporting businesses that reflect those values.
• Get involved with community programs. Regent’s outreach initiatives aren’t just for Christians. Many of the programs funded by the Night of Giving—like the fatherhood mentoring initiative—are open to all residents. Volunteering is a great way to ensure these programs serve the entire community, not just one segment of it.

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