DATE: Saturday, September 6, 1997           TAG: 9709060354

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A5   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MATTHEW BOWERS, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   61 lines

STUDENTS AT REGENT SAY CHANGE OF COMMAND WILL BE A WIN-WIN MOVE

Good for Terry Lindvall. And good for Regent University.

So said students Friday after learning that the popular president of the Christian graduate school was returning to teaching film, to be replaced by a retired Army general.

Admiration for Lindvall's decision was a common reaction.

``He's stepping down in the world's eyes, but he's doing what he wants to do,'' said Steven Wingate of Tacoma, Wash., who studies business through the university's long-distance learning program.

``He's doing what his heart says to do,'' agreed Wingate's wife, Pam.

James Jones, a campus employee, and cinema and television student from Camden, N.J., shook Lindvall's hand after the announcement was made at the noon fall convocation.

``When we saw Dr. Lindvall, he was ecstatic,'' Jones said. ``Relieved. Happy. He was doing something he really likes. . . . He was really, really, really excited about it.''

Other students said they were glad he would remain part of the university family, citing his affability and comfortable relationship with students across the board.

``Certainly everybody liked him,'' said Marlene June Eissens, an education and communications student from Delaware. ``He always seemed quite approachable. And talented.''

``He'll make a great teacher, but he's done so much for the university, it's sad to see him in any other capacity,'' said John Swanston, a second-year law student from Chesapeake.

``I'll have to take some communications classes,'' laughed Swanston's classmate, Jennifer Franklin of Blacksburg. ``He's a very good speaker.''

``He's one of the most encouraging people I know,'' said Jill Hudson of Phoenix, third-year law student and president of the Student Bar Association. ``It doesn't matter who you are - you pass him here in the courtyard or in a hallway and he will always have an encouraging word to say, a smile on his face. . . .

``Just knowing he's so approachable, it's good to know he's on your side as students.''

Hudson, wife and daughter of servicemen, added that she's looking forward to the new president.

Paul G. Cerjan, a member of Regent's Board of Trustees, gained experience getting things built while in the Army. Students said those skills will be needed as Regent plans to expand, aided by an infusion of money from the recent sale of The Family Channel.

``I think that would be a great addition to our school, give us that new perspective,'' Hudson said. ``Also, he should be a natural leader. Being a general - that's not easy to do.''

Many students hadn't heard of the change Friday afternoon. They and others didn't know much about Cerjan, although they thought his credentials sounded good. Acceptance and anticipation were common sentiments.

``I think it's a combination of excitement and curiosity, on my part,'' Jones said.

Said Eissens, ``We'll see what God has for Regent.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

Voices

For complete copy, see microfilm

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