Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Encourages Students to Fight Fearlessly for Truth and Justice During the School of Law Chancellor’s Forum
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Sept. 23, 2022) – Regent University Founder, Chancellor & CEO Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson led an invaluable teaching moment for students at the School of Law Chancellor’s Forum on September 20.
The Chancellor’s Forum series allows students to hear from and participate in a Q & A with Dr. Robertson—in a conversational setting.
“This was a really special opportunity for our students to spend time with Dr. Robertson and hear from him about law, legal education, and his vision for Regent Law,” said Brad Lingo, dean of the School of Law. “We had an engaging discussion. It’s inspiring to see how much Dr. Robertson cares about these issues and our students.”
When the event began, Dr. Robertson entered the room and took a seat at the podium as Dean Lingo spoke of his God-sized vision and declared the attendees “beneficiaries of his legacy.”
Robertson, who holds a Juris Doctor degree from Yale University Law School, opened the discussion with some wise counsel for these legal hopefuls.
“Get experience in trial work. Learn the mechanics. Don’t just sit in the office and draft reports,” Robertson insisted. “Know the facts. Be better prepared. Don’t be scared to go to court. Be the one that they’re scared of.”
Folafoluwa Soluade, a third-year law student, was inspired by the call to be fearless. “I heard about Regent from all the way in South Africa and I knew it was where I was supposed to be. When I enter the field as a Christian lawyer, I hope to be a light and defend the rights of those who cannot fight for themselves.”
More than a dozen students took turns at the mic during the Q&A. Regent’s mission and vision came to mind as Dr. Robertson paused with thought when asked what he saw as the strongest leadership qualities.
“A leader needs to recognize his calling and understand that he should either lead or get out of the way,” stated the Chancellor. “A leader is also persuasive and has the ability to build a good team. And when you identify outstanding people compensate them well and provide the challenge they need.”
Taylor Phillips, a third-year law student and the editor-in-chief of Regent University Law Review, found Regent to be ideal for emerging Christian leaders. “I came to Regent because I wanted to keep Christ at the forefront of my legal education. Christian leaders will change the world and Regent Law makes that a reality.”
Robertson insisted that it’s a lawyer’s responsibility to know what is going on in the world so that he is able to offer a client “informed legal advice.” He went on to say, “The biggest global issue we are facing is human trafficking. Too many lives are being taken from us, and it must be stopped.”
David Chesley, a former missionary-kid in Central Africa, explained that he chose Regent for its Center for Global Justice®. “I want to work internationally, and I appreciate Dr. Robertson’s commitment to furthering Christian education worldwide. I truly enjoyed getting the chance to see behind the curtain.”
The Chancellor shared tender thoughts when asked about the loss of his wife, Adelia “Dede” Robertson, who passed away peacefully in April of this year. “I miss her,” Robertson gushed. “Dede and I were married 68 years. I talked to her about everything. Now that she isn’t here to tell things to, I talk to God instead. I’ve gotten even closer to Him.”
When asked about the greatest problem in America, Dr. Robertson declared, “Our Constitution was created for a free and moral society, but we’ve forgotten God and that is hurting our nation.”
At the close of the Forum the students were invited to take a picture alongside the Chancellor—an invitation that prompted many students to break character as staunch future attorneys. Instead, they charmed and smiled their way to a position as close to Dr. Robertson as possible.
“Dr. Robertson exemplifies what is possible when one combines a God-sized vision with a heart to love and serve both the Lord and your neighbor,” Dean Lingo affirmed. “Opportunities, like this one, help produce Christ-centered attorneys who will build upon Dr. Robertson’s incredible legacy.”
About Regent University
Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 11,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online around the world. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University ranked the #1 Best Accredited Online College in the United States (Study.com, 2020), the #1 Safest College Campus in Virginia (YourLocalSecurity, 2021), and the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for ten years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2022).
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