Second annual Collision Leadership Conference to be held at Evangel University

March 18, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — Evangel University will be hosting Collision, a student-organized leadership conference, as part of 2008 campaign titled Intentional Influence March 28-29 in the chapel auditorium.

“The campaign challenges students to commit to intentionally influence people,” said Sarah Shaw, director of Collision. “Our goal is to give them the tools to be better leaders with purpose and direction.”

While geared toward college and high school students, the event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to register online but can register at the conference as well.

Collision will begin Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. with keynote speaker Keith Craft.

Craft, a 1982 Evangel graduate, last appeared in Springfield in early 2007 as the host and morning speaker at the hugely successful Zig Ziglar Leadership Conference. During the last 20 years, he has traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world as a motivational speaker and leadership strategist.

He has shared the platform with world leaders such as Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Gerald Ford, Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher and has spoken on leadership alongside former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.

In addition, Craft founded and is the lead pastor of Celebration Covenant Church in Frisco, Texas.

A concert by the Eric Mizelle Band will follow at 9:15 p.m. Friday.

The Collision conference continues Saturday, March 29, at 10 a.m. featuring keynote speaker Dr. Tim Elmore. A protégé of New York Times best-selling author John Maxwell, he is based out of Atlanta, Ga., and is the founder and president of Growing Leaders.

Elmore served as vice president of Maxwell’s EQUIP, a nonprofit organization specializing in the development of effective international Christian leaders. A dynamic communicator, he has taught leadership in 36 countries, including India, Russia, China, England, Egypt, Lebanon, Australia, Argentina, throughout Europe and the Philippines.

Elmore’s current focus finds him at major universities including Duke, Rutgers, Florida State, Baylor and Regent and working with major organizations such as The Home Depot, Chick-fil-A Inc. and HomeBanc.

Other highlights of the day include breakout sessions featuring eight different speakers at 11:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Elmore will speak at the final session Saturday at 7 p.m.

Collision will raise funds for the student-led Africa Water Well project and will host a number of charity and nonprofit organizations so others have the opportunity to get involved.

For additional information, contact Sarah Shaw at (417) 865-2815 ext. 5430.