Alumni Spotlight
Brent Walker ’01
Major: Music
Occupation: Elementary music teacher, Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary School, Babson Park, FL; Independent singer/songwriter
Michaela (Baack) Walker ’03
Major: Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Occupation: Second grade teacher, Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary School, Babson Park, FL
"That’s the kind of guy I want to marry," said Michaela Baack to a friend after a conversation with Brent Walker on the Burgess Hall sidewalk. A year later they began dating, and in May 2003, they were married – one week after Michaela’s graduation.
Brent grew up as a pastor’s kid in Sarasota, Florida. After a year at a large state university in Florida (go Gators!), Brent decided to transfer to a Christian college. Not knowing anybody in Missouri, he packed his bags and headed out for a new experience at Evangel. He immediately found a place to become involved, joining the Concert Choir and becoming the Burgess Hall Discipleship Coordinator. He also began leading worship both in chapel and at Southpark Church in Springfield.
"I had an incredible time with all aspects of life at EU," said Brent. "My professors were top-notch, the dorm was a great environment for growth, chapel was spiritually uplifting, and the food in the cafeteria was all-you-could-eat." Brent also traveled with Frontline from 1999-2001, an experience which profoundly shaped his future.
Michaela was a farm girl from Utica, Nebraska, a town of 834 people. Excited about the new adventure ahead, she found Evangel to be a great home away from home. She became a discipleship leader on Burgess Third South, and was actively involved in both the campus and state chapters of the Student Missouri State Teachers Association. "All of my professors worked together to prepare me for life in the elementary classroom. However, one in particular had a profound effect on my life. Dr. Marilyn Kingsriter was the kind of professor that was more than just a teacher to me; she was a mentor and friend," Michaela said.
Both Michaela and Brent were Resident Assistants in Burgess Hall for two years — Brent on Burgess First North and Michaela on Burgess Third South. "We met some of our closest friends in that dorm, and we had some incredible times — both spiritually and socially. We still keep in touch with many of our Burgess Hall friends."
After graduating, Brent became a music pastor. In 2005, he and Michaela felt the tug to step out into a different kind of music ministry, so Brent recorded a CD of original songs and hit the road. The first year of ministry took him to more than 80 venues in 13 states, including churches, coffeehouses, bookstores, and outdoor events. Michaela is more than just a backstage support — she is always onstage with Brent, using her tremendous vocal talent to complete the calling.
Along with the new music ministry, Brent began teaching elementary music in August 2005. While he was not an education major, Brent feels his four years at Evangel prepared him for a wide range of career opportunities, including church ministry and education. "The Evangel experience is a total experience. Through the Theology classes, chapel services, and floor devotions, I was given a strong foundation for future ministry. The Music Department adequately prepared me to lead a church music program and to teach music. Dr. Honea and Mrs. Wilkins were both great choir directors who gave me many tools to use in my own choirs, both adult and children. I could not have asked for a better education than the one I received from Evangel," says Brent.
Michaela entered her fourth year of teaching this year and moved to Second Grade from Kindergarten, which she had taught for the previous three years. She shares, "Stepping into a real career can be an overwhelming adjustment, but the apprehension I had about my first classroom eased once I began. It felt wonderful to come to the realization that I was prepared to be a qualified educator thanks to the skills I acquired at EU. With all of the hands-on learning through projects and practicums, Evangel’s Education Department is doing a phenomenal job of training competent, experienced teachers. I am so thankful God led me to Evangel."
Brent was recently chosen as a finalist for Male Vocalist of the Year through Indieheaven, a network of more than 675 independent Christian musicians from around the country. To vote for Brent for this award, go to www.indieheaven.com.
You can also check out his page on Indieheaven or see his personal website —www.brent-walker.net. He is currently writing songs for his second CD, to be recorded sometime later this year.