Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Tells Students at the College of Health & Behavioral Science’s Chancellor’s Forum that God has a Place in Healthcare

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Oct. 13, 2022) – Regent University Founder, Chancellor & CEO Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson held a Chancellor’s Forum on October 11 before an audience of eager students from the College of Health & Behavioral Sciences.

“It is so important for the students to interact with Chancellor Robertson—the visionary behind Regent University, CBN, and Operation Blessing,” said Dr. Anna Ord, dean of the College of Health & Behavioral Sciences. “He is that living visionary, but he also has the desire to grow these students by sharing what he has learned during his walk with the Lord. Hearing that wisdom was a once in a lifetime experience.”

As the moderator of the Forum, Dean Ord provided the welcome to the in-person and online audience. One of the students drove five hours from Philadelphia to make sure he was in the room for this morning event. The virtual audience included students in New Jersey, Kansas, South Carolina, Texas, France, India, and Nigeria.

Dean Ord promised the attendees that this special Q & A session with Dr. Robertson was going to grow us all.

Chancellor Robertson entered the event sporting a cheerful smile and tossed out a “Good morning” to the group. He opened the discussion with some surprising insight on gut health and its lasting impact on your overall wellness.

“80% of your immune system relies on your gut health,” warned Robertson. “We must build up our immune systems by eating things that grow good bacteria and cut out those things that grow bacteria that weakens your system.”

The room was silent as the audience listened attentively to his guidance. Robertson, who is 92 years young, is still strong; he makes appearances, does light workouts, and is adamant about eating healthy.

“Feed the good bacteria in your gut with foods like kimchi, and other vegetables with a lot of fiber,” Robertson insisted. “Stay away from junk food, diet soda, unnecessary antibiotics, and artificial sweeteners.”

The Chancellor then opened up the floor to questions that addressed his “then and now” vision, the responsibilities of Christian healthcare professionals, what he wants to be remembered for, his favorite film, and more.

Robertson shared the scripture that drives his faith walk for Regent University. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” – II Timothy 2:2

“I am asking God for an anointing on this place that makes Regent the greatest university in the world,” Robertson declared.

He then encouraged the students to enter the healthcare field as a true reflection of Christ. “Be that servant that has empathy and loves their patients and all people, like Christ does. Christians need to stop being so judgmental. Hate the sin, but don’t hate the sinner. Your job is to serve. Don’t do harm—do good!”

Shelton Artis, Jr., Health & Behavioral Sciences student, connected with the Chancellor’s call to serve. “Because iron sharpens iron, to be a Christian leader to change the world, I must surround myself with Christian educators who are doing just that,” Artis asserted. “I am a proud husband and father. And one day I hope to be a lawyer. Either way, I aspire to be a man of God—that when called to stand up, I stand out as His servant.”

Dr. Robertson strongly urged the students to not be ashamed of the Gospel as healthcare professionals. “Study the mechanics of the brain and how people behave but know that we need God in the equation for divine understanding,” insisted the Chancellor. “Approach your work under His anointing. Love your patients and don’t hide your faith.”

Francisco Villale, a psychology student, chose Regent because he was looking for a stellar doctoral program in psychology that integrated Christian principles. “Chancellor Robertson is an educator in every sense of the word. He’s knowledgeable in both spiritual and worldly matters,” Villale surmised. “He shared a wealth of insight, with conviction and humility. His analogies and experience were enlightening.”

Robertson referenced Romans 8:28 as he continued to chat about walking in your calling by faith. “As we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The Chancellor revealed that, “I want to be remembered as a servant of God that served his generation.”

Danielle Sherwin, a third-year psychology undergrad, felt that the revelations that Robertson shared showed how big works can start from small movement. “God is using His people and working for good in all that we do—even in the little things,” Sherwin stated. “This is so evident in the life of Dr. Robertson and my biggest hope is that God’s work is prominent throughout my life as well.”

The students were thrilled to learn that Dr. Robertson does like to kick back and enjoy a movie from time-to-time. “One of my favorite films is The Rainmaker and I enjoy just about anything that Tom Hanks stars in.”

As time grew short, the Chancellor was asked this final question, “What has been your biggest joy in ministry?” He thought for a moment and then responded, “Hearing God’s voice and seeing people’s lives transformed as they walk with the Lord.”

And just like that, The Chancellor’s Forum ended. The students generously applauded Dr. Robertson’s shared wisdom, vision, and his investment in their future success.

The students gathered at the Chancellor’s side as a photographer captured a photo of Dr. Robertson and the next generation of world changers in Health & Wellness.

The excitement of the event fueled chatter, as the students exited the theater. As this historic moment ended, Dean Ord shared a final thought. “Seeing students being trained academically, but through a Christian lens and knowing that they are well-prepared to lead in their chosen fields, this is how we get to see the vision of Dr. Robertson continue to come to life.”

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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