VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University, died Thursday at age 93.
While he had a lasting impact on American politics and conservative Christian culture across the country, his influence was particularly notable in Hampton Roads.
Recent Regent University law graduate Michael Harris sees Robertson as a compassionate man of faith.
“Because of what he did and because of the faith he had, it allowed me the opportunity to be able to come to school," Harris said. "So, now I can impact other lives.”
Harris said the friendly environment of Regent University is what drew him to the law program.
“Pat set an atmosphere here where every staff member was approachable,” Harris said.
He recalls seeing Robertson on campus often and will always remember the messages Robertson sent to students.
“He always would send us a message and let us know that he was being supportive and that he was proud of us,” Harris said.
“Pat is a man who deserves recognition,” said Norman Mintle, former executive producer of "The 700 Club" and former academic dean at the School of Communication & the Arts at Regent University.
Mintle, who worked closely with Robertson on "The 700 Club," said he set a high standard for the broadcast program.
“Pat believed in three things that he pounded into us: integrity, innovation and, most of all, excellence,” Mintle said.
Mintle said he and Robertson had a history in storytelling through his several years with the show. He said Robertson has forever left a mark across the country and around the world.
“His legacy of understanding from a Christian perspective that the Gospel is universal was very important for the growth and ministry of CBN,” Mintle said.