President of University Founded by Pat Robertson Resigns Suddenly Sans Explanation
The president of a Virginia-based academic institute founded by televangelist Pat Robertson has announced his resignation.
Carlos Campo, outgoing president of Regent University who succeeded Robertson in 2010, stated Friday that he was leaving his post not long after the fall semester began.
Mindy L. Hughes, public relations director at Regent, provided The Christian Post with statements from Campo and Daniel Sellers, chair of the Regent Board of Trustees.
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"I am blessed and honored to have served as President of Regent University. ... It's been a privilege to work with the staff, faculty and board to serve our students," said Campo.
"I would also like to thank the great people of Hampton Roads who have made us feel so welcome in this community."
Sellers added that the board is "very appreciative of Carlos' work these past five years and in particular, his role in developing new partnerships and friendships at the local, national and global level. ... The board is grateful for his endeavors which have enhanced our community."
Campo initially joined Regent's staff as vice president of academic affairs in 2008, becoming president on Aug. 1, 2010.
Reportedly the first Latino to serve as president of a private Christian college in Virginia, Campo has also served on the board of the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network and presently serves on the board of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
In their official statements, neither Campo nor Sellers have offered an explanation as to why Campo decided to resign from his position as president.
Regarding the process of finding a new president for Regent, Hughes told CP that the "Board of Trustees will consider this matter soon, and we will provide more information when a decision has been made."
News of the resignation comes as Robertson has garnered controversy over a documentary purporting to show that the "700 Club" host used the Rwandan refugee crisis in the 1990s to help fund a diamond mining operation.
The film was aired at the Toronto International Film Festival and may receive legal action by Robertson, reported Mal Vincent of the Virginia Pilot last week.
"Filmmakers Lara Zizic and David Turner interviewed former employees of Robertson's Operation Blessing International as well as government officials in Africa during the three years the project was in production," wrote Vincent.
"The film claims that Robertson, a Virginia Beach televangelist, exploited the Rwandan refugee crisis by using planes to advance a diamond-mining endeavor."
Given that no specifics have been released as to why Campo resigned, it is not yet known if the two issues are connected.
