Former Virginia Congressman Joins Regent as University Fellow
Forbes, who served in the House of Representatives from 2001-2016, is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences and holds a multidisciplinary role with Regent teaching graduate and undergraduate students in the university’s schools. Forbes will also develop a defense industry summit and help launch the university’s new cybersecurity institute.
“Congressman Forbes is a longtime friend of Regent University,” said Regent Chancellor and Founder, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “He is a respected and noted expert on national defense and security, and our students will benefit greatly from his experience and insights. We are thrilled to welcome him home to join the Regent community.”
Over the past two years, Regent has strategically invested in new programs related to the growing field of cybersecurity, adding a bachelor’s degree program in 2016 and a master’s program that will launch in 2017. Forbes will draw upon his considerable experience in the defense arena to support these programs.
“Adding Congressman Forbes to Regent’s faculty roster aligns well with our university’s strategic goals,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Regent’s executive vice president for academic affairs. “His many years of faithful and distinguished public service in the House of Representatives and our local community will be a tremendous asset as we collaborate on new initiatives to position Regent as a significant participant in the cybersecurity domain.”
During his tenure in Congress, Forbes was a champion for the military. As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, he advocated for a strong national defense. Forbes is one of the few individuals to be honored with the highest civilian awards offered by both the United States Army and the United States Navy.
“I am excited to assist Regent in their goal to become a nationally recognized strategic center and look forward to bringing some of the best minds in the country together to address the challenges of our nation,” Forbes said.
In addition to his work on national defense, Forbes was a bipartisan leader for job growth and small businesses. He is known for his commonsense-style leadership in tackling issues from economic growth to tax reform to government spending. He was also a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, where he formerly served as Ranking Member of the Crime Subcommittee.
Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he still resides, Forbes began his career in private law practice, ultimately becoming a partner in the largest law firm in southeastern Virginia. From 1989-2001, he served the Commonwealth of Virginia in the General Assembly.
Learn more about Regent’s Institute for Cybersecurity.