VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.—Dr. Fred Rovai is an associate professor in the School of Education at Regent University, which is known as “the nation's preeminent Christian university dedicated to combining quality education with biblical truths.”
He is also an accomplished author of more than 30 published journal articles in last few years, such as in Christian Scholar’s Review, Journal of Negro Education, and Journal of Computing in Higher Education, etc. His journal article “Building a Sense of Community at a Distance” published in IRRODL is the third most popular download article, receiving over 100 hits each day.
Recently Rovai’s heart has been troubled in joy because of the unexpected good news. In less than two weeks, Rovai received three appointments with some of the most renowned trade journals in his field.
Rovai was first appointed as consulting research editor for the Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D) journal, a widely considered one of the top research journals in the educational technology.
Within the same week, Rovai was appointed a 3-year term on the International Editorial Board for the Internet and Higher Education (I&HE) journal, an international referred journal that addresses contemporary issues and future developments of online education.
The following week, Rovai was appointed as International Board Member of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (IRRODL) journal, a top-tier international journal of distance education.
“It’s a nice feeling. It’s recognition for my work,” says Rovai, “I think God has placed me in a niche to reach out to a secular world and provide Christian leadership to change it.”
His work "at present is how best to provide an online learning environment of love, enthusiasm for learning, trust, and mutual respect dedicated to the greater glory of God,” Rovai added.
“Dr. Rovai is a sterling example of a well-rounded, exemplary faculty member. His research is top drawer as evidenced by his recent appointments to editorial boards. In addition, Dr. Rovai is a quality instructor in some of the toughest areas to teach: research and statistics. He also serves local schools and organizations in with his excellent assessment and data evaluation skills,” commented Alan Arroyo, dean in the Regent school of education. Arroyo added, “We are thankful that Dr. Rovai is a member of the Regent School of Education faculty and we congratulate him on his recent appointments.”
“We are very proud and excited that he is receiving the recognition that he deserves for his online research. We are excited for him as well as for the School of Education,” said Jeff Ludvick, assistant dean for the school of education.
Under a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Beach Public Schools, Rovai continues to evaluate the schools’ standardized tests as head of Regent University’s program evaluation team for Virginia Beach Public Schools.
