Accreditation
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Evangel began as an unaccredited school. Its initial accreditation was limited to recognition by the University of Missouri system and its transfer of Evangel credits. Gradually, the quality of the academic program began to be recognized. In March of 1965, following its first application for accreditation with the North Central Association and subsequent visit by the examiners, Evangel College was admitted into the regional association and has maintained its accreditation ever since.
The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is a professional accrediting body with high standards for membership. During my tenure as department head, the music faculty applied for membership. There was an extensive self-study (submitted during the 1969-70 school year) and, with strong college administrative support, application was made. The on-site examiner for NASM was Dr. Donald Bellah, Chairman of the Music Department of Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. Admission of Evangel’s Music Department to the NASM in the spring of 1970 was a very significant and historic achievement. Even today, some thirty nine years later, Evangel remains the only Assemblies of God institution of higher learning holding membership in the NASM. With the university’s regional accreditation and the department’s membership in NASM, Evangel’s Music Department holds the highest level of accreditation possible.
In more recent years, Evangel has become a member of the Missouri Association of Departments and Schools of Music, a state body that enhances communication and collegiality among member colleges and universities.