Graduation Year(s): 1988
Major(s): BME – Music Education / Voice emphasis
Current Position/Job Title: retired
City and State: Ballwin, MO
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I taught vocal music in Missouri public schools for 30 years, in four districts: Laclede County, Nixa, Springfield (Kickapoo) and Parkway (South High). I have also been a church musician throughout my life. I accompanied and sang in choirs and have been a Music Director / Organist at UMC and UCC churches. In my retirement (2018) I was an adjunct at Missouri Baptist University, accompanied a college voice studio,and taught preschool music at my church. Currently, I am the accompanist at Clayton HS and am the organist/accompanist at Trinity Lutheran in Chesterfield, MO.
Tell us one achievement or accomplishment that stands out in your career!
I was blessed with great students all throughout my teaching career. My choirs were selected by audition and performed 8 times for the state Missouri Music Educators Association conference. One from Conway, one from Nixa, three from Kickapoo HS and three from Parkway South and a KHS choir performed for the National Association for Music Education biennial conference in Nashville, TN.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a student?
My favorite memory from my time at EU is definitely touring with the Concert Choir. I transferred from a community college in Kansas and was at Evangel for three years. I toured with the Concert Choir all three. MANY states. Great memories. Life-long friends. I met my wife in the Concert Choir!!!
How did your school help you identify/develop your calling?
My father was an educator (principal) and I knew I wanted to go into education. Growing up I had the opportunity to have some wonderful teachers, but it was my time at Evangel where I learned from men and women who were not only great educators, but wonderful Spirit-filled, Christ-following people who truly wanted the best for me. They cared deeply and also pushed me to grow. I felt that I wanted to do the same.
How did your experience as a student prepare you for life after graduation?
I had professors/teachers who really cared for and about me. I know what that meant to me as a young adult and my hope is that my students knew how much I cared for and about them.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Having three young adult children out in the workforce, I hear stories of their coworkers not showing up, calling out, walking out, etc. I would tell current students to find their calling and look for jobs that they feel will be fulfilling and that they can love going to every day. Colossians 3: 22-25 “Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.” The Message
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Of course I would hope that the grades on their transcripts would reflect their hard work, but I would want to see that they were involved in many extra-curricular activities, both in HS and at Evangel. I would love to see how they have given back, by volunteering in their local church and in their community.