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Evangel’s new V.P. for University Advancement

Published on Jul 22, 2014 by Paul K. Logsdon

Dr. Michael Kolstad, a 1988 Evangel University graduate, has been named vice president for university advancement for Evangel, effective Aug. 1, 2014.

Kolstad has served as chair of the department of music at EU since 2007. In that position, he has been an active partner in advancement endeavors including fund raising and alumni relations.

Known as an innovator, Kolstad was the founder and first director for both the Evangel University Jazz Band in 1996 and the Evangel University Marching band in 2011.

“Dr. Kolstad has provided exceptional leadership in the music department,” said Dr. Carol Taylor, president of Evangel. “A natural part of his leadership has been cultivating alumni and donors to support music at Evangel.”

In 2009, Kolstad established a music support organization, Amici di Musica (Friends of Music). Working in collaboration with Evangel’s advancement division, the music endowment has more than doubled in five years.

The largest financial gift during that time was in excess of $1 million.

He also secured the donation of artwork, significant printed and recorded music collections, and the Barnett practice organ valued at more than $120,000.

“Michael has also served Evangel on numerous committees and councils, giving him extensive experience and perspective on university life and administration beyond the music program,” added Taylor. “Our team is inspired by his spiritual depth, love of Evangel and eagerness to engage in the work at hand.”

Kolstad will replace Jim Williams, who retired at the end of 2013. Williams, a 1963 Evangel graduate, served as vice president for 16 years.

“I am honored to serve my alma mater in this new role,” said Kolstad. “I believe strongly in the mission of Evangel University, and I am excited to be able to work more closely with our alumni and friends as we expand opportunities for our students and build for a strong future.”

A recognized leader

Kolstad has received recognition from both the campus and community for his leadership and his willingness to share his performing, conducting and production skills.

Over the years, he has worked with community groups such as the Springfield Symphony, the Springfield Regional Opera, the Springfield Little Theatre Orchestra and the Nixa Community Foundation Council.

In 2006, Kolstad was named to the Springfield Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list. This honor is in recognition of “up-and-comers” who have had personal accomplishments in civic and professional arenas before turning 40.

In 2000, he was named the Outstanding Young Alumnus by the Evangel University Alumni Association; and in 2010, he received one of Evangel’s highest honors — the Orville & Jewell Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service.

“I believe Dr. Kolstad to be a fearless innovator who has the ability to look at Evangel University’s future and create opportunities for growth and excitement,” said Tom Matrone, associate professor of music and interim chair of the music department.

“A great leader is one who will enable others to do what they do best, and that is one of Dr. Kolstad’s greatest leadership gifts,” he added.

Kolstad’s background

Kolstad grew up in Littleton, Colo. He enrolled at Evangel in 1984 and graduated four years later with a degree in music education. He then proceeded to earn both a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Carolina.

The Springfield-area connections are numerous for Kolstad.

His parents, Terry and Peggy Kolstad, both attended Central Bible College, now a part of Evangel, and his father took music classes at Evangel before graduating from CBC in 1964.

Kolstad met his wife, Paula, while they were students at Evangel. She also graduated in 1988 and currently teaches kindergarten in Nixa.

His brother, Kevin, graduated from Evangel in 1990 and has stayed in the area; while his sister, Amber, enrolled at Evangel in the early 1990s and is now in ministry with her EU-graduate husband, Stephen Tipps, in Colorado.

“The mission of Evangel is part of his DNA,” said Dr. Colleen Hardy, chair of the department of education. “Dr. Kolstad will bring passion and enthusiastic leadership to university advancement endeavors. I am looking forward to collaborating with him in his new role.”