Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Mark E. Porter '83
Major: BME
Occupation: Superintendent of Schools
Paula F. (Severance) Porter '82
Major: BS in Psychology and Sociology
Occupation: Adjunct William Woods University
Mark Porter and Paula Severance were high school sweethearts. They met each other in their church youth group. When Mark decided to attend Evangel in 1979, Paula followed in 1980.
After graduating from Evangel with a Bachelor of Music Education, Mark earned a Master of Music in French Horn Performance from UMKC. He then embarked upon a 20-year career in education, eventually receiving his Doctorate in Education from The University of Arkansas in 1994.
Mark’s climb up the ladder in education started as a band teacher in Strafford, MO, and today he is the superintendent of the Wright City R-II School District in Missouri.
Mark says music, students, computers, and the Chicago White Sox are a few of his favorite things. “Music will always play an important part of my life,” he said. “I play in the James River Orchestra, and I teach French horn students.”
Paula graduated from Evangel with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology. She then earned a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Southwest Missouri State University. During the past 20 years, she has worked in various positions within education and social services, ranging from five years working as a caseworker with Division of Family Services to teaching college.
Mark and Paula have been married for 25 years and have two daughters: Melinda (20), a senior at Evangel, and Amanda (18), a sophomore at Evangel.
Currently Paula is an adjunct professor for William Woods University. She says, “In addition to raising two daughters and supporting one husband for the past 25 years, I have enjoyed teaching teenagers, reading, traveling, playing card games, and being a restaurant critique, especially the dessert menu.”
In addition to music and education, Mark is interested in technology and was fortunate to have the opportunity to also work with IBM for four years. “I have enjoyed my experiences in both the private and public work force,” he said. “Implementing and integrating new advances in technology into the educational process is a particular interest for me. I continue to strive for excellence in education, and I also teach college courses to our future educators and administrators.” He recently won the award “Educator of The Year” from the Wright City Chamber of Commerce.
Mark and Paula love Evangel, he said. “Paula and I both graduated from Evangel. Evangel provided me with a solid educational foundation and a biblical worldview. I still have mentors and friendships shaping my life today that began 25 years ago at Evangel.”
One of the ways Mark shows his gratitude to Evangel is by serving on the Alumni Board of Directors. “I believe in Evangel’s philosophy and want to give back a little bit of what the faculty and staff gave me.”