Alumni Spotlight
Darin Poe ’88
Major: History and Political Science
Occupation: District Youth Director for Southern Missouri
Heather (Block) Poe ’89
Major: Psychology
Occupation: Substitute teacher, involved in district youth ministry
Darin Poe graduated from Evangel University in 1988 with a degree in History and Political Science. He has used the knowledge he gained at Evangel to help him minister to youth across the state of Missouri.
After graduating, Darin served 7 1/2 years as youth pastor at Calvary Temple Assembly of God in Springfield, Mo. For the past 11 years, Darin has served as the District Youth Director for Southern Missouri.
Darin loves communicating God’s Word to the youth of Missouri as well as providing resources for youth pastors and helping mentor them in ministry.
In 2007, Darin completed his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Evangel. He and eight other students were the first to graduate from Evangel’s MOL program.
Darin served on the Evangel Alumni Board for six years. He is currently serving his second term on the University’s Board of Directors.
“Evangel was so instrumental in my formation as a follower of Christ,” Darin said. “Evangel gave me an opportunity to grow as a disciple, a person and a leader. My involvement as a football player, an R.A. and with student government enhanced my scholastic experience and taught me some very valuable lessons.”
Several people at Evangel had a particularly strong influence on Darin.
“I am indebted to Dr. Holsinger, Coach Barefield, President Spence and the host of professors that invested in my life during my time at Evangel.”
While at Evangel, Darin met his future wife, Heather Block.
“I was student teaching, coaching on the football team and a part-time youth leader at Calvary Temple,” Darin said. “We both went to a skate night after church one Sunday. I asked her out for dinner the following Friday night. I knew it was meant to be when she agreed to see me again after that night’s activities!”
Heather majored in psychology. She served in the Ministries of Evangel College Students (MECS) and was the assistant director of the group during her senior year. Heather also played clarinet as a member of the concert band.
“The experiences at Evangel reinforced the Christian values I grew up with,” Heather said. “During this crucial time in life, when choices are made that shape future faith, Evangel encouraged me to follow God and put my trust in Him.”
Heather is heavily involved in district youth ministry and is also a substitute teacher. She is beginning her second term as PTA President and leads several PTA committees.
Darin and Heather have been married for 17 years. They have two children, Megan, 12, and Gavin, 10. Megan attends Central High School’s Middle Years Scholars Program and enjoys playing soccer and basketball. She loves God and is very active in discipleship and youth choir at James River Assembly.
Gavin is an “A” honor student at Hickory Hills Elementary. He, like his sister, enjoys sports. He loves football and basketball and plays soccer and baseball. Gavin is involved in “The Journey” program for students at James River Assembly and he also sings in the choir.
“Heather and I are involved in the kids’ lives, their school and sports activities,” Darin said. “I have helped coached basketball, soccer, baseball and flag football teams.”