Regent University Names Presidential Successor to Pat Robertson
The interdenominational Christian university founded by charismatic televangelist Pat Robertson has found its next president following a six-month national search that began with Robertson's announced intention to retire.
Dr. Carlos Campo was appointed by Regent University's Board of Trustees to be the school's eight president and will serve in that capacity effective Aug. 1, 2010. Robertson, meanwhile, was named executive chairman of the board.
"Dr. Campo is a man of vision, character and unwavering support for the mission of Regent University, and his love for students is foremost," commented board chairman Conoly Phillips following Campo's unanimous appointment Saturday.
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"Dr. Campo is an outstanding leader with proven, award-winning experience in higher education," added Robertson, Regent's chancellor and current president.
"His expertise in both traditional and online education, his passion for student success and his enthusiastic commitment to the integration of faith and learning will help Regent University expand its global reach," Robertson added.
According to the university, Campo's career in higher education has spanned more than 20 years and includes work with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the College of Southern Nevada.
In 2007, Campo was recognized in southern Nevada as Outstanding Educator and Educator of the Year, and was named Champion of Education by the National Latin Business Association.
He is also a founding board member of the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN) and serves on the boards of Virginia Beach Vision, Inc and RENEWANATION.
Regarding his new role, Campo said he and his family are grateful to Robertson and the board for their confidence in him and for the opportunity to serve as president.
"Thanks to Dr. Robertson's leadership and the dedication of students, faculty and staff, Regent University has established a solid reputation in a very short time," he commented. "With our board's direction, Dr. Robertson's continuing vision, and our talented faculty, staff and students, we are poised to meet our strategic goals in the days ahead."
The appointment of Campo comes six months after Robertson informed Regent University's Board of Trustees that he plans to retire effective July 1, 2010.
Robertson founded Regent in 1978 and became its sixth president in 2000. Aside from the university, Robertson has also had a hand in the founding of several other organizations, including the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and the Christian Coalition.
In December 2007, Robertson passed on his duty as chief executive officer of the Christian Broadcasting Network to his son, Gordon.
Though Robertson is a Southern Baptist and was active as an ordained minister with the Southern Baptist Convention for many years, the controversial conservative holds to a charismatic theology not traditionally common among Southern Baptists.
Robertson has been criticized for a number of remarks he has made over the past few decades, including his call for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and remarks concerning former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, whose stroke in 2006 Robertson suggested was "divine retribution."
His actions, business relations, and statements have often made headlines.
