Teri Kerns, of Suffolk, Va., was awarded a joint bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies/elementary education and Christian ministry from the School of Undergraduate Studies at Regent University on Saturday, May 5. Kerns was one of approximately 1,226 graduates at Regent, one of the nation’s leading Christian universities.

The speaker for Regent University’s 2012 commencement was Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

During her time at Regent, Kerns made the Dean’s List, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average the last three semesters at Regent. She was also chosen as the 2012 Teacher of Promise for rising inspirational future teachers from Regent University.

Kerns graduated from Levittown Memorial High School in Levittown, N.Y., in 1983. She is married to Jimmy Kerns and they have three children: Lisa, Casey and Jamie. She also has a granddaughter, Lauryn.

Founded in 1978, Regent University has more than 5,600 students studying on its campus in Virginia Beach and online around the world. Regent offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from a Christian perspective in fields including business, communication and the arts, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, and psychology and counseling.