Chris A. Mitchell Sr.

Bio

Regent’s Vice President and Chief of Police Chris Mitchell Sr. is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Search and Rescue Aircrewman whose career reflects a lifetime of service, leadership, unwavering commitment to others, and selfless sacrifice. During his final tour of duty, he earned numerous awards for his service as Command Master Chief of the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, where he was responsible for the welfare, discipline, and professional development of approximately 5,000 active-duty personnel.

Following his retirement in 2000, Chief Mitchell answered a calling from the Holy Spirit to continue serving others. In 2002, he joined the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) as a security officer. His distinguished military background, coupled with demonstrated leadership and operational expertise, quickly set him apart.

As a result, he was reassigned to Dr. Pat Robertson’s personal Executive Protection Detail, later serving as Deputy Director of the Security Department and Manager of the Executive Protection Division. These roles required the highest levels of discretion, loyalty, and professionalism. More than a colleague, Chief Mitchell was a trusted ambassador, confidant, and spiritual son to Dr. Robertson prior to his passing. He continues to honor and defend Dr. Robertson’s legacy, ensuring it is preserved, upheld, and carried forward with integrity and purpose.

In 2006, Chief Mitchell was promoted to Director of Public Safety. He successfully pursued court approval to establish a fully certified state law enforcement agency at CBN/Regent, and — in 2007 — the Regent University Police Department was born, with Chief Mitchell appointed to serve at its helm.

In 2021, Chief Mitchell was personally appointed Vice President of CBN by Dr. Pat Robertson — a testament to the deep confidence placed in him, earned through years of faithful service. Guided by God’s plan and steadfast in the promises he made to Dr. Robertson, Chief Mitchell remains unwavering in his commitment to serving and protecting the university community while upholding the highest standards of professional, accountable, and community-centered policing. He now serves concurrently as Vice President and Chief of Police, balancing executive leadership with day-to-day operational oversight, while continuing to serve as Senior Executive Protection Officer for the Chancellor of Regent University and CEO of CBN.

Since its inception, Chief Mitchell has built the Regent University Police Department from two officers into a fully accredited, multi-divisional agency of more than two dozen sworn officers and professional staff, establishing a culture grounded in faith, accountability, and S.E.R.V.I.C.E. (Sacrifice, Excellence, Respect, Vigilance, Innovation, Character, and Endurance). Under his leadership, the department achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation Law Enforcement Agencies and expanded to include seven divisions: Patrol, Investigations, Professional Standards/Internal Affairs, Training and Compliance, Special Events, Communications, and a K-9 Unit. In 2026, Chief Mitchell successfully secured the department’s eligibility for Line of Duty Act Fund benefits, ensuring full death benefits for fallen officers’ families.

Chief Mitchell’s leadership is recognized by peers at local, state, and national levels. In the aftermath of the tragic 2019 Building 2 shooting in Virginia Beach, he partnered with Virginia Beach Chief Neudigate to establish the city’s first off-site Emergency Communications Center (ECCS) at Regent, providing Virginia Beach Communications personnel with immediate, around-the-clock system access to strengthen operational continuity and interagency support. Additionally, the executive board of the Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators nominated Chief Mitchell to serve as an at-large member, reflecting the high regard in which he is held within the profession.

Firmly grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, Chief Mitchell previously served as a Senior Pastor. His steadfast commitment to the mission and vision of Regent University and CBN guides his daily work, and he considers his service to the Chancellor and the Chancellor’s family a distinct honor. His continued service is marked by integrity, humility, and an enduring commitment to those he leads and protects.