Skip navigation
Chat Apply Now Request Info Call Now
A close up of pink flowers on a tree blooming on Regent University's Virginia Beach campus.
Hanisha Besant, Ph.D.
Visiting LecturerJournalism & Communication Studies

Hanisha Besant, Ph.D.

Bio

Dr. Hanisha Besant is a visiting lecturer in journalism and communication studies at Regent University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

Originally from India and having spent formative years in St. Maarten before moving to the United States, she brings a globally rooted, faith-informed perspective to the study of communication, media, and culture.

Her research focuses on faith-based communication and religious media discourse, with particular interest in how spiritual messages are constructed and interpreted across platforms. She also examines the role of cultural trauma and collective memory in shaping media narratives, and she investigates strategic and ethical communication in both international business and political discourse.

Dr. Besant’s academic work includes peer-reviewed publications, invited conference presentations, and editorial service on the board of Artifact Analysis. She has served as a research associate with the Charlotte Lozier Institute and is active in both academic and ministry-based  communication initiatives. She currently hosts Revival on the Air, a Christian radio program that shares stories of spiritual renewal and redemptive communication.

Outside academia, Dr. Besant enjoys co-pastoring a church, leading worship, composing music, creating art, and taking nature walks. Her teaching, research, and ministry reflect a deep commitment to communication that bridges truth, healing, and public engagement.

Research Interests

  • Faith-Based Communication and Religious Media Discourse
  • Cultural Trauma, Collective Memory, and Media Narratives
  • Strategic and Ethical Communication in International Business and Political Discourse

Credentials

  • Ph.D. in Communication, Regent University, 2019
  • M.B.A., Regent University, 2012
  • B.Sc. in Psychology, Regent University, 2009
  • A.A. in General Liberal Arts, University of St. Martin, 2006

Publications

Besant, H. (Ghostwriter and researcher). (2025). Ichabod: Spiritual 911 warnings to preserve His glory. Authored by E. Melwani & J. Melwani. Independent publication.

Besant, H. (2023). Navigating toxic followership through strategic communication. In K. Patterson & B. E. Winston (Eds.), Followership: Components, impact, and practice. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Besant, H. (Contributing ghostwriter and researcher). (2023). The business scaling blueprint: Building a foundation to grow your brand. Authored by T. DiSilvestro. Forbes Books.

Besant, H. (2022). Captivating the listener: An analysis of audience responses to indirect communication in a sermonic event. Artifact Analysis, 1(4), 38–59.

Fletcher, C., Duckett, J., Besant, H., Perry, S. D., Eschler-Freudenrich, C., Brooke-Treadwell, D., & Powers, J. (2022). Religious and Moral Impact in the Naperville Lyceum. Artifact Analysis, 1(4), 1–18.

Fletcher, C., Perry, S. D., Eschler-Freudenrich, C., Powers, J., Khoo, F., Dunbar-Treadwell, B., Nyamwange, B., Besant, H., & Duckett, J. (2022). Educating and debating social and political issues in the Naperville Lyceum. Artifact Analysis, 1(1), 1–21.

Besant, H., & Perry, S. D. (2018). Fantasy-Themes in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign announcement speech and audience reaction. In R. E. Denton (Ed.), Studies of Communication in the 2016 presidential campaign election. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Besant, H. (2016). The Journey of Brainstorming. Journal of Transformative Innovation, 2(1), 1-7.

Memberships

  • Religious Communication Association (RCA)
  • National Communication Association (NCA)
  • Eastern Communication Association (ECA)
  • Virginia Association of Communication Arts and Sciences (VACAS)

Affiliations

  • Editorial Board Member, Artifact Analysis (2021–present)
  • Research Associate, Charlotte Lozier Institute (2022– 2023)
  • Editorial Fellow, Integratio Press (2016–2017)
  • Radio Host, Revival on the Air, The Current FM (2025–present)
  • Co-Pastor, River Room Church of the Hampton Roads (2023–present)
  • Director, Healing Rooms – International Association of Healing Rooms (2023–present)

Awards

Doctoral Fellowship & Dean's Scholarship, Regent University, School of Communication and the Arts (2015–2019)
Awarded for academic excellence and leadership potential at the doctoral level.

Top Student Paper Award, AEJMC Southeast Colloquium (2016)
Recognized for original research in political communication.

Elected Graduate Chaplain, Regent Council of Graduate Studies (2015–2019)
Chosen by doctoral peers to provide spiritual leadership and represent the graduate student body.

Editorial Fellowship, Integratio Press (2016–2017)
Selected to support the launch of a scholarly Christian communication journal.

Conference Panelist, Religious Communication Association (multiple years)
Invited to present competitively reviewed scholarship on faith, media, and culture.

Business Plan Selection for Investment, Executive Vice President's Office, Regent University (2012)
MBA capstone project selected for potential implementation and funding.

Academic Distinction, Regent University

  • Magna Cum Laude, B.Sc. in Psychology
  • Outstanding Graduate, Bachelor of Science Programs (2009)

Academic Honors, University of St. Martin

  • Summa Cum Laude, A.A. in General Liberal Arts
  • Student Ambassador, Class of 2006