Alumni Spotlight
Mark Lawley 1985
Major: Music Education, piano emphasis
Occupation: High School Choral Director
Lori (Heaston) Lawley 1985
Major: Drama
Occupation: Housing Coordinator, Assemblies of God Convention Services Group
“It
only took being introduced to Lori Heaston seven times before she recalled
that we had already met,” recalls Mark Lawley. “Each time
we were introduced, I would smile and say that it was nice to meet her,
but on that seventh time I just had to let her know that we had already
met--SEVEN TIMES! I guess I don’t make a very good first impression.”
Mark and Lori became close friends but never dated until after they graduated. In January 1986, Mark and Lori were both teaching at Lori’s alma mater in Fremont, California. Their whirlwind romance began when they had their first date on January 29, were engaged just two weeks later on Valentine’s Day, and married six months later.
After teaching and ministering in California for four years, the Lawleys moved back to Missouri. They served for three years as Youth/Music Pastors at Marshfield First Assembly of God and enjoyed writing songs for the Sunday School Literature Department of Gospel Publishing House. In the fall of 1994 Mark became Music Director at Evangel Temple Assembly of God in Springfield. Lori taught English and drama at New Covenant Academy.
For
the past nine years, Mark has taught at Willard (Mo.) High School, where
he currently serves as Fine Arts Department Chair. Under his direction,
the Willard Choirs have made invitational performances for the Missouri
Music Educators Convention (1999, 2000), Music Educators National Convention
in Washington D.C. (2000), and for the National American Choral Directors
Association Convention in New York (2003). In addition, they have won
numerous awards and trophies in competition, including the Grand Champion
and Sweepstakes awards.
Mark is currently pursuing a Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting at Southwest Missouri State University. In addition, he is president-elect of the South Central Missouri Music Educators Association and recording secretary for the executive board of the Missouri Choral Directors Association. Mark also shares his musical talents and expertise with his community. He is the Artistic Director of the Springfield Mid-America Singers, staff pianist at Schweitzer United Methodist Church, rehearsal/performance pianist for Springfield Little Theatre, and maintains a small private studio.
Lori is Housing Coordinator for the Assemblies of God (A/G) in the Convention Services Group. Between her professional duties and being a wife and mother to their three children, Lori has remained active in drama. She enjoyed playing the role of Golde in Evangel’s 1995 production of Fiddler on the Roof, performing in Touch Felt Round the World at the A/G Celebration 2000 in Indianapolis, as well as acting in numerous local productions.
The
Lawleys credit the success of their ministry and teaching endeavors
to their training at Evangel. Under the tutelage of David Smith and
through her involvement in drama productions and acting classes, Lori
has discovered confidence and assurance in the gifts God has given her.
“Evangel developed artistic skills and a deep faith in me that
I will never forget,” she said. “The depth of my education
at Evangel has prepared me for the variety of opportunities that I discovered
as God’s will for my life began to unfold.” Mark experienced
similar growth during his time at Evangel. “I greatly appreciate
the personal attention and encouragement that I received from the faculty.
My worldview widened and was shaped in a Christ-centered way. I left
Evangel feeling musically, spiritually and academically equipped and
inspired to make an impact on music education.”
“Evangel weaves its way into every aspect of our lives. What we observed and experienced about discipline, dedication, passion, spirituality and integrity will forever lead us back with great admiration and heartfelt appreciation to Evangel. Evangel truly brought us together as a couple, as well as exposing us to some of the finest faculty and programs anywhere. We cannot imagine how our lives would have been without the incredible Evangel experience.”