More than 40 years later, David Clark remembers the phone call clearly.
He was a professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and the son of a U.S. senator in Virginia Beach had plans for him.
“‘Pat Robertson would like to talk to you about starting a new university,’” Clark said, relating the conversation Thursday to The Pilot. Clark said he was reluctant to move — he had tenure and a job he enjoyed — but agreed to take a year off to work on setting up the university. If nothing else, he said, it would be a valuable experience. He eventually became a founding provost for what became Regent University and an executive at Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network.
Robertson died Thursday at his home in Virginia Beach. He was 93.
The host of the conservative Christian talk show “The 700 Club” sometimes drew criticism for controversial comments, and was accused of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and homophobia. But those who knew Robertson personally describe him as a man of God.
Clark remembers Robertson had one office and a “run-down” TV station in Portsmouth. The first year, the university only offered a master’s program in communications and enrolled 77 students. He said the university had nothing — no buildings, no books. They began offering classes in a rented space in Chesapeake, buying books to try to build a library.
But Clark said Robertson would often quote from the Bible in those early days: “Do not despise the days of small beginnings.”
Clark said he didn’t dream that Regent — now a top evangelical Christian college — would become what it is today, nor did he anticipate the enormous effect it has had on Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
But Clark said Robertson was “extremely bright,” with driving ambition.
“These great people of God, and Pat was among them, are able to see beyond the immediate,” he said.
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said he got to know Robertson in the late 90s, when Dyer was a doctoral student in Regent University’s first class for the School of Leadership, and then during the years he spent on faculty. Dyer said Robertson was always friendly and inspirational, and the two bonded over their time in the Marine Corps.
“When I came up with some challenges with being mayor, he would pray for me and counsel me,” he said.
Dyer said with CBN and “The 700 Club,” Robertson put Virginia Beach on the map globally. And he said Regent University has turned into one of the “jewels” of Virginia Beach.
Dyer said in addition to drawing students from all over the country, Regent spurred development in the area and had a positive financial impact on the city.
He remembers when the area around Regent was a two-lane road “with nothing but farmland on both sides.” Now, Dyer says, Indian River Road has one of the highest traffic counts in the city.
“It really just had a very, very profound positive impact on the city.”
Amanda Staggenborg, chief communications officer for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, said Robertson played a pivotal role in shaping the university he founded.
“His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Regent University have left an indelible mark on its faculty, staff, students, and alums,” Staggenborg said. “Under Pat’s visionary guidance, Regent University achieved remarkable milestones and significantly contributed to the academic community. He fostered an environment of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, leaving a lasting legacy to inspire future generations.”
