In 1995, God provided one the greatest blessings I have ever experienced – the opportunity to combine my commitments to my Christian faith with my professional aspirations. Prior to my career at Evangel, I had spent fifteen years as an educator and researcher in a highly technical environment. In following the Lord’s leading back to Springfield, I was immediately moved by the Christian integrity of the Evangel faculty and was overwhelmed by the pleasure of teaching the Evangel students. Evangel University has been a glorious experience that, God-willing, I will pursue for the remainder of my career.
Professional Information:
Dr. Michael D. McCorcle has more than 35 years of experience as an educator and researcher in the fields of computational physics and atmospheric science. He is a published expert in mesoscale meteorology, boundary layer meteorology, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, air pollution meteorology, Earth system modeling, biometeorology and numerical weather prediction.
While a member of the faculty of Iowa State University, he served as principal investigator for nine competitive grants and contracts, directed the research of many graduate students, and taught four courses in biometeorology, biophysical ecology, microclimatology, and numerical weather predication. Dr. McCorcle joined Science Applications International Corporation in McLean, VA as a Senior Research Scientist. Here he directed a number of projects involved with the simulation of atmospheric processes, including the development of a meso-scale climate change assessment for the US Forest Service, the development of an advanced forecasting system for Shuttle Operations at the NASA/Kennedy Space Center, and the development and validation of the EPA air quality modeling system, Models-3. In 1995, Dr. McCorcle was provided an opportunity to return home as a faculty member of Evangel University. While at Evangel he has taught courses in general physics, engineering physics, upper-division engineering courses, physical chemistry, ecology, and the general science courses – meteorology, geology, and physical science.
Job Responsibilities:
Graduate Council 1998-2021
Academic Council 1997-99, 2000-2021
Faculty Affairs Committee 2002-2008
Lilly Endowment Proposal Committee 2002-2003
Education Technology Committee, 1997-Present; Chair – 1997-2001
Campus Planning Council, 2001- Present
Information Technology Steering Committee, 1999-2001
Graduate School Development Committee 1997-1998
EU Launch Team, 2007 – present, Chair,
Org Memberships: American Meteorological Society
American Chemical Society
Ecological Society of America
Courses Taught:
GSCI 112 Meteorology
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II
GSCI 111 Geology
GSCI 115 Physical Science
PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II
PHYS 411 Modern Physics
ENVR 343 Environmental Biology
ENVR 377 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 431/432 Physical Chemistry
Started Work: January 1996
Favorite Thing About Work: I have the best job in the world! For me my job is all about the students. Teaching, mentoring, praying, laughing….sharing time with students in my office far surpasses any other professional accomplishment that I have had in the past. Teaching science classes at Evangel is the most fulfilling and joyful adventure of my life.
Was an Evangel Student: 1976-1978
Favorite Memory as a Student: Dorm Life!! Everyday was an adventure in Scott 3rd North. I don’t remember sleeping very much, but I have such great memories.
Originally From: Springfield, MO
Personal Information: When I am not at work, my time is dominated with focus on one of these passions…..Family, baseball, fishing, oh, and the weather! Sitting on the boat with my wife at Table Rock Lake at dusk while listening to a Cardinals baseball game on the radio AND watching lighting on the distant horizon. It doesn’t get much better than that!