Pat Robertson Again Assuming Leadership Role at Regent After President Suddenly Resigned
Televangelist and author, the Rev. Pat Robertson, will be leading the academic institute he founded after the president suddenly resigned.
Regent University made the announcement Monday regarding Robertson, who already serves as the Virginia institute's chancellor.
Mindy Hughes, public relations director at Regent, told The Christian Post that the move will be a temporary one.
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"In accordance with Regent University's by-laws, which state that in the event of a vacancy in the office of the president, the chancellor will become CEO of the university," said Hughes.
"Dr. Robertson is now CEO of Regent. He will serve in this capacity until a new president has been appointed."
As to the effort to replace former Regent President Carlos Campo, Hughes told CP that the process was still ongoing.
"Regent's Board of Trustees will consider this matter at an appropriate time, and we will provide information when it is available," said Hughes.
Earlier this month Campo announced that he would resign after serving as president of Regent since 2010. In the statement provided to media, Campo did not explain his reasons for the sudden departure.
"I am blessed and honored to have served as President of Regent University. ... It's been a privilege to work with the staff, faculty and board to serve our students," said Campo.
"I would also like to thank the great people of Hampton Roads who have made us feel so welcome in this community."
Reportedly the first Latino to serve as president of a private Christian college in Virginia, Campo has also served on the board of the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network and presently serves on the board of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
He first became involved at Regent in 2008 as vice president of academic affairs. Daniel Sellers, chair of the Regent Board of Trustees, stated his appreciation for Campo's work.
Campo was the eighth president of Regent, ironically succeeding Robertson, who is also on the school's Board of Trustees.
"The board is grateful for his endeavors which have enhanced our community," said Sellers, also not specifying a reason for Campo's resignation.
Campo's decision to leave corresponds with the release of a controversial documentary that claims Robertson used charitable funds to profit from African diamond mines.
Titled "Mission Congo," the filmmakers alleged that during the Rwandan refugee crisis Robertson directed money out of his Operation Blessing International charity to fund investments in diamond mines of Zaire (modern day Democratic Republic of Congo).
Last week, Operation Blessing released a statement denouncing the film's allegations, calling them "falsehoods" and offering a point by point rebuttal on their website.
Regent was founded in 1978. At present, it has over 5,800 students studying on its Virginia Beach campus and online throughout the world.
