History of Regent
The history of Regent University is an inspiring testament of what vision backed by excellence, innovation and integrity can accomplish. In 1977, under the leadership of Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, the institution was incorporated in Virginia Beach, Va., as "CBN University." Focused strategy and Divine Providence have accelerated Regent's reputation as a global center for Christian thought and action.
Divine Mission
The university was founded for the specific purpose of preparing leaders who would not only succeed in their professions, but also advance as Christians equipped to effectively impact their world. It was that cause that brought 70 CBN University students together in 1978 to pursue their graduate degrees in communication, albeit in rented classroom space under the guidance of seven faculty members.
Regent Timeline
The Regent Timeline emphasizes the university's steady growth since those humble beginnings, as well as its commitment to academic excellence. Highlights from the beginning to today include:
| 1977 | The university is incorporated as CBN University, a nonprofit graduate education institution. |
| 1978 | Dr. M.G. "Pat" Robertson is officially appointed president of, then, CBN University. |
| Students in the School of Communication & the Arts begin classes in September. | |
| 1980 | The first class graduates in May. |
| The School of Education opens in October. | |
| The university dedicates its first building, the Administration Building, on campus in Virginia Beach. | |
| 1982 | Ground is broken for the University Library. |
| The School of Business and the School of Divinity open. | |
| 1983 | Robertson School of Government opens. |
| 1984 | The university receives full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). |
| 1986 | Regent University School of Law opens. |
| 1988 | The School of Psychology & Counseling is founded. |
| 1990 | The Board of Trustees votes to change the name of CBN University to Regent University. |
| 1995 | Regent opens its Washington, D.C., location. |
| 1997 | The School of Leadership Studies develops an online M.A. program in Organizational Leadership, marking Regent as a model for online graduate education. |
| 2000 | An undergraduate degree-completion program is introduced to give working adults opportunities to complete bachelor's degrees in an accelerated format. |
| 2002 | The 135,000-square-foot Communication & Performing Arts Center opens asone of the most technologically advanced communication buildings on the East Coast. |
| 2003 | The 31,000-square-foot Student Center opens in 2003 on campus in Virginia Beach, offering a close sense of community. |
| Regent celebrates 25 years of growth and influence with the kick-off of the Clash of the Titans® debate series. Since then, the debate has featured world leaders such as Bob Dole, Al Gore, Newt Gingrich, Lt. Col. Oliver North and others. | |
| 2006 | Regent creates its School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, the result of combining its School of Leadership Studies and School of Business. |
| The School of Communication & the Arts opens the Center for Digital Media. | |
| 2007 | Regent Law produces the winning team of the American Bar Association's 2007 Negotiation Competition, succeeding Harvard. |
| 2008 | Regent celebrates its 30th anniversary. The School of Undergraduate Studies launches Regent's first associate's degree programs. |
| 2009 | Regent is named second in the Online College OEDb rankings, improving from seventh place the previous year. The fourth annual Ronald Reagan Symposium on American conservatism is held on campus, addressing "The Future of the American Presidency." |
Regent Today
Today, more than 4,500 students earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at the school's campus in Virginia Beach, Va., or via online learning. Our student body represents over 40 countries; and approximately 12,000 alumni are making an impact in all sectors around the world.
Our academic programs are as rigorous as they are rewarding. Regent student teams regularly win national competitions in their fields of study, and our alumni have been honored for professional achievements in their disciplines.
Likewise, Regent campus buildings, designed within an architectural master plan, reflect a commitment to our nation's colonial heritage but are also equipped with the latest educational technologies.
Certainly, the distinct mission of Regent has drawn students, administrators, and distinguished faculty and guest lecturers from around the world to contribute to its fulfillment. Regent employs 179 full-time and almost 400 adjunct faculty, including former Attorney General John Ashcroft, a Distinguished Professor of Law and Government and Admiral Vern Clark (ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations, a Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Government. Review Regent University Facts for a closer look at the accomplishments and prominence Regent University shares with schools many times our age.
Beyond milestone events and dates or facts and figures, Regent's mission to combine Christianity and world-class education has kept the university on course. True to its well-established roots, Regent remains a premier educational institution dedicated to combining quality education with biblical teachings. The dramatic changes that have taken place are the result of divine inspiration and unwavering dedication to the mission as reflected in our motto—Christian Leadership to Change the World.
