Howard W. Long Receives Honorary Doctorate from Regent University

May 19, 2025

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (May 19, 2025) – Regent University in Virginia Beach awarded an honorary Doctor of Science to Mr. Howard W. Long, a distinguished native of Wheeling, West Virginia, during its May 2025 commencement ceremony. The honor recognizes Mr. Long’s extraordinary legacy of Christian entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and steadfast support of Regent University founder Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson’s vision to impact the world through Christian principles.

Now 90 years old, Mr. Long built Coronet Foods from the ground up in Wheeling in 1965. What began as a local venture blossomed into a global leader in pre-cut produce, supplying major corporations like McDonald’s and employing more than 2,000 people across four countries. In 1973, Long made industry headlines by challenging restrictive lettuce shipping practices imposed by the Western Growers Association, a move that helped reshape fair trade in the produce sector.

“Mr. Long exemplifies faith-driven leadership and transformational service,” said Gordon Robertson, Chancellor of Regent University. “His unwavering support of my father’s God-given vision strengthened his perseverance and allowed him to triumph over many challenges. A person like Mr. Howard W. Long is rare, and he is viewed by all who know him as an inspiration.”

Mr. Long’s connection to Regent University and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) is deeply rooted. As one of the original donors to CBN and the “700 Club,” he played a pivotal role in launching CBN University—now Regent University. He later supported construction of the university’s library and participated in the very first Founder’s Weekend.

Speaking to the Regent Class of 2025, Mr. Long shared:

“I was called to support Pat Robertson and the vision that God gave him. He had unwavering focus—even in the midst of opposition. In this short amount of time, Gordon has stepped in, and I know his father is proud. I want to thank our Lord God, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees for this honor. To the graduates, go out and change the world!”

Mr. Long’s philanthropic legacy extends to his beloved hometown of Wheeling, where he funded the creation of the Howard W. Long Wellness Center—a vital community resource promoting health and well-being for residents. The center, located in the heart of Wheeling, stands as a testament to Mr. Long’s enduring commitment to his community.

The Longs divide their time between Wheeling, West Virginia, and West Palm Beach, Florida, continuing a legacy marked by generosity, faith, and servant leadership.

About Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 13,000 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 has been 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 13 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).

To support the Royals Rise capital campaign for campus expansion, visit www.regent.edu/royalsrise.

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