Evangel University of the Assemblies of God is the national university of arts and sciences of the Assemblies of God. Evangel is regionally accredited, and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It is located in Springfield, Missouri, the U.S. headquarters city of the Assemblies of God.
Founding – Evangel was founded by the General Council of the Assemblies of God in 1953. Historians recognize the Rev. Ralph M. Riggs, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God 1953-59, as the individual who spearheaded the movement to establish Evangel University.
1953, September 1
The Committee on Education submitted their report to the 1953 Milwaukee General Council of the Assemblies of God. The report concluded:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE General Council in session authorize the setting up of a SENIOR COLLEGE PROGRAM, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That a Committee of thirty-five (35) members, consisting of the Executive Presbytery of the General Council, the Administrative heads of the eleven endorsed schools of the General Council, the chairman of the Education Committee of the General Council, and eleven laymen (one to be chosen by the Board of Directors of each of the schools endorsed by the General Council) be empowered to set up this program as soon as possible.
On the same day, the official minutes of the 1953 General Council state, “… it was moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted, and the motion carried.”
1954, May 24-25
First meeting of the Board of Directors, Evangel College (now Evangel University)
1954, December 13A deed for 58.51 acres with attached buildings “to the General Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc. … GRANTEE and TRUSTEE for the use and benefit of the Evangel College of the Assemblies of God,” was made by the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, GRANTOR; “signed by James W. Doarn, Regional Director, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Region VI, and notarized.”
1954, December 14
Public announcement was made in the Springfield, MO Leader-Press, on page 1, that this property had been granted to the Assemblies of God at 100% discount, to be used as the campus of Evangel University.
1954, December 17
Assemblies of God top officials announced that there would be no racial bars at Evangel. “There will be no segregation at Evangel College when it opens next fall. There will be an open door to young people regardless of race, color or political affiliation,” the statement said.
1954, December 20
The deed was filed in the Recorder’s Office, Greene County, Missouri at 8:05 a.m. and recorded in Book 1017, No. 2389, Page 147.
1955, August 11
Evangel College of the Assemblies of God was incorporated by the State of Missouri. Recorded by the Secretary of State on August 22, 1955.
1955, August 29-31
Faculty orientation for first year of Evangel College (now Evangel University)
1955, September 5
Registration for first semester of first year of Evangel
1955, September 6
Classes begin. This was the scheduled date, but there is some doubt whether classes actually began this day or the following day, September 7. Students were coming in slowly.
1955, September 8
Convocation for students, faculty, and visitors
2:45 p.m. Inauguration of first president, Klaude Kendrick
7:30 p.m. Dedication of campus
1955-56 (first school year of Evangel)
Fall enrollment was 87, and additional students arrived for the spring semester. Twenty-six states and one foreign country were represented in the student body that year.
1958, September 4
Inauguration of second president of Evangel College, J. Robert Ashcroft
1959, May 28, 10:00 A.M.
First commencement of Evangel College
Place: Central A/G, Springfield, Missouri
Speaker: Richard D. Strahan
Number of students in first graduating class – 37
Degrees conferred:
Bachelor of Arts – 8
Bachelor of Science – 16
Bachelor of Music – 1
Bachelor of Business Administration – 9
Associate in Business – 3
Total – 37
1959, May 23
First meeting of Evangel University Alumni Association.
Location – Dent’s Dinner House, Springfield, Missouri
Officers elected: President, Thomas F. Zimmerman III; Vice President; Robert
Casebeer; Secretary, Janell Martin; and Treasurer, Jack Powers.
1960, February 12-13
First Homecoming, complete with basketball game against Tabor College, Campus Classics variety program, king and queen, and banquet.
1965, March 31
Evangel College is granted full regional accreditation by the North Central Association.
1974, December 11
Inauguration of third president of Evangel College, Robert H. Spence
1982, December 9
Evangelist Billy Graham is guest speaker at convocation in Evangel College Chapel.
1998, June 8
First graduate classes are offered.
1998, June 8
Name change takes effect – Evangel College of the Assemblies of God officially becomes Evangel University of the Assemblies of God.
2002, December 11
Robert H. Spence begins his 29th year as president of Evangel
University. Significant growth in enrollment, academic programs, and physical
facilities has occurred during his presidency.