Regina Showers-Gordon, the dynamic founder and president of Petra College, has blazed new trails in education, becoming the first African American female owner of an accredited and licensed college in Hammond, Louisiana.
Through her dedication and leadership, she has impacted the lives of over 400 graduates, many of whom are single mothers. In this exclusive interview, she shares her inspiring journey, the impact Petra College has made on the community, and details about the upcoming first annual Fundraising Gala Ball aimed at supporting her students and expanding Petra College’s mission.
As a trailblazing serial entrepreneur, you’ve achieved many milestones. One of the most notable is becoming the first African American female owner of an accredited and licensed college in Hammond, Louisiana. Can you tell us what inspired you to take on such a monumental challenge?
Regina Showers-Gordon: Thank you! I’ve always believed in the power of education to transform lives, especially in underserved communities. Growing up in rural Hammond, Louisiana, I saw firsthand the struggles families faced, particularly single mothers trying to break the cycle of poverty. Petra College was born from my desire to provide hope and opportunity to those who need it most. I wanted to create a place where students could gain in-demand skills for medical careers and have a clear path to success. This aligns with Petra College’s mission of preparing students for today’s job market.
Petra College has seen impressive success, with a 90% employment rate among its graduates. What sets Petra College apart from other educational institutions?
Regina Showers-Gordon: At Petra College, we prioritize academic excellence, but we also focus heavily on providing personal and professional support to our students. Many come from challenging backgrounds, so we offer scholarships, tailored support services, and job placement assistance to ensure their success. Our national accreditation from the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education demonstrates our commitment to quality and continuous improvement. We prepare our students not only for their careers but for life beyond the classroom.
Petra College has had a profound impact on the local community. Could you share a story that exemplifies how the college has transformed lives?
Regina Showers-Gordon: One story that comes to mind is that of Latasha Barze, a single mother who came to Petra College seeking a fresh start. She received a partial scholarship from the Petra Foundation and spoke at our 2024 gala about how Petra College gave her more than just an education. Latasha said, “Thanks to Ms. Regina and Petra College, I now have a career, not just a job.” Today, she’s employed and able to provide a better life for her children. Hearing her express gratitude for the opportunity to break free from the cycle of unbelief brought me so much joy. Her story reminds me why I do what I do.
Beyond education, you’re involved in the music and film industries, including a partnership with Tite Music and executive producing a movie, Cheating in the Next Room. How do these ventures align with your mission to empower others?
Regina Showers-Gordon: Music and film, like education, have the power to inspire and uplift. My partnership with Tite Music allows me to support aspiring gospel musicians and artists, providing them with a platform they might not otherwise have. Similarly, film is a medium that can reach and inspire people on a broad scale. Everything I do is focused on empowerment, whether through education or the arts. It’s all about creating opportunities for others.
Petra College partnered with Petra Foundation to host its annual Fundraising Gala Ball. Could you tell us more about the event and its purpose?
Regina Showers-Gordon: The Petra Foundation, a nonprofit, partnered with Petra College to support scholarships, financial literacy programs, early childhood development, and more. Our mission is to create lasting change by offering cradle-to-career educational pathways. The annual Fundraising Gala Ball is a black-tie event filled with celebration, entertainment, and fundraising to support Petra College’s ongoing mission. The funds raised will enhance our programs, provide scholarships, and improve the overall student experience. It’s also an opportunity for the community to come together for a cause that directly impacts the lives of so many in Hammond.
Do you have any other future projects in the pipeline?
Regina Showers-Gordon: Yes! At the top of the year, we plan to build a state-of-the-art early childhood center, which will be located across the street from Petra College. This center will provide a strong foundation for cognitive, emotional, and social development for children from birth to five years old. The beauty of this approach is that while our students are attending school, their children will be learning and growing right across the street.
How can local businesses and individuals get involved in the Fundraising Gala Ball?
Regina Showers-Gordon: We offer several sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals. You can visit our website at www.petrafoundation.com and click the “Donate” button to contribute. All donations are tax-deductible, and no matter the size, every contribution helps us continue our mission of empowering students and strengthening our community.
Looking to the future, what are your goals for Petra College and the community?
Regina Showers-Gordon: My goal is to continue expanding Petra College—both in terms of programs and the number of students we serve. We’re always exploring ways to improve our curriculum, integrate new technologies, and offer more scholarships. I hope to inspire other educational institutions to adopt our model and provide similar opportunities in rural areas. Ultimately, I want to create a legacy of empowerment and success that will impact future generations.
Where can people go for more information about Petra College and the Petra Foundation?
Regina Showers-Gordon: For more information about Petra College and the Petra Foundation, visit our websites at www.petracollege.com and www.thepetrafoundation.com. We’re always open to welcoming new students, donors, and community members who want to join us on this journey.
Petra College is located at 1814 N. Morrison Blvd, Ste. A & B, Hammond, Louisiana, and our phone number is 985-318-7880.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Regina Showers-Gordon
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