Regent University Celebrates 10 Years With Admiral Vern Clark

Friends and leadership of Regent University gathered on Wednesday, October 14, to celebrate the work and legacy of Admiral Vern Clark (USN, Ret.).

For ten years, Clark has served as distinguished professor of Regent’s School of Business & Leadership (SBL) and the Robertson School of Government (RSG).

“He has a mind like a steel trap, he’s insightful and he cuts right to the heart of the matter,” said Regent founder, chancellor and CEO, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson. “He sits on many important boards, yet he gives his time to us here at Regent. We’re honored that he is a part of this community.”

Clark said that he appreciated Robertson’s confidence he had in him 10 years ago when his time at Regent had only just begun.

“From the beginning this has just been really special,” said Clark. “I believe in the purpose and calling in this place, and the purpose of this institution.”

At Regent, Clark expressed one of his true loves: interacting with people, especially in the lives of young people – his students.

“I get the thrill of seeing the twinkle in their eyes, and I love it when the light goes on,” said Clark.

His love of serving people expands beyond students, and spreads to Regent’s faculty and staff as well, according to executive vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gerson Moreno- Riaño.

“He’s a man of great patience and great humility, with a commanding presence and voice,” said. Moreno-Riaño. “Thank you for your love of people. We are better today for your 10 years of service.”

Dr. Doris Gomez, dean of Regent’s School of Business & Leadership, spoke of her witness of Clark’s decade-long leadership, explaining that “like water reflects the face, one’s life reflects the heart” (Proverbs 27:19).

“What a privilege it is to stand here before you and thank you for your years of service, not only to our country, but to your university,” said Gomez. “As I reflect on your time, and observe you as a leader, you know that leadership is not just about the qualities of the mind, but also of the heart. Your legacy will always be that of light.”

RSG associate professor, Dr. Mary Manjikian, said she appreciated Clark’s model as a teacher and his spirited and open character traits.

“We’ve loved having his insights over the years,” said Manjikian. “And we hope for many more.”