Professor emeritus to be honored with Distinguished Service Award

September 26, 2007
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, (417) 865-2815 ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — Dr. Mark McLean, professor emeritus, will be honored by the Evangel University Alumni Association with a 2007 Distinguished Service Award, during Evangel’s Homecoming chapel service October 12.

McLean, who recently retired as a result of complications from Parkinson’s disease, is being recognized for 25 years of teaching at Evangel University.

In recognition of his career in Christian higher education, Dr. McLean received the Delta Sigma Educator Award in August, from the Alliance for Assemblies of God Higher Education.

Adapted from the Greek words for “teacher of wisdom,” didaskalos sophias, this is the highest honor given to Assemblies of God educators.

McLean earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University.

Professor Gary Liddle, chair of the theology department, remembers when Dr. McLean was first hired in 1982. “We were really excited that the McLean family had agreed to come here,” he said.

“Mark has an encouraging personality and has inspired many students to pursue advanced theological studies,” added Liddle. “He encouraged 1985 graduate Bill Griffin to pursue an advanced degree, and Dr. Griffin later became a colleague in Evangel’s theology department.”

McLean has published nearly 30 articles in a variety of publications including the Wall Street Journal, The American Red Cross and Law and Order.

He has also been a police chaplain since 1979. Since 1983, he has been a member of the Police Chaplains Service of Springfield and has served the organization as treasurer, secretary, vice president and president. The Springfield Police Department honored Dr. McLean for his service at a reception on Aug. 21, 2007.

Dr. McLean is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and was the Midwest Regional Director in 1991.

He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, Society of Pentecostal Studies and Society of Biblical Literature.

Mark and his wife, June, have two grown children.