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The Fifth President of Evangel University

Dr. Mike Rakes

Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel’s fifth president, is an experienced educator and dedicated minister of God’s truth to students. Driven by the Holy Spirit, Dr. Rakes is passionate about guiding Christians to get on board with the ways God is moving in their communities. With a depth of knowledge in higher education, long-range strategic planning, and community engagement, Dr. Rakes is an effective leader committed to the work of raising up future generations of Christ followers.

Spirit-Driven Leadership

In every duty of the presidency, Dr. Rakes relies on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to chart the course for EU. Recognizing the Spirit as the source of empowerment and inspiration for all believers, Dr. Rakes has placed special emphasis on building a university experience that immerses students in the Spirit’s presence. From powerful chapel services to special times of fellowship and fun, Dr. Rakes is engaged in the work of introducing EU students to the power of the Holy Spirit in their everyday lives.

Their Story

The Rakes

Mike is an educator, motivator, author, pastor, and storyteller, and both he and his wife, Darla, are passionate about cultivating the Spirit-inspired virtues of compassion, service, and truth in the lives of students. As a couple and ministry partners, the Rakes are a dynamic team dedicated to the gospel-oriented work of the Church through Christian higher education.

Building the University of the Future

AGFinancial Arena

A state-of-the-art 70,000 square ft. athletic facility hosts men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball in addition to a varsity weight room, innovative athletic medicine hub, meeting space, and more.

Riggs Welcome Center

Campus visitors are warmly received into a newly outfitted and “Valorized” welcome center that serves as the front door to EU’s campus, complete with a coffee bar, collaborative meeting spaces, and info about EU.

Walther Hall Renovation

A residential dorm for men and women, Walther Hall has been completely renovated and is now equipped with brand new suite furniture, bathroom fixtures, in room temperature control, floor by floor kitchenettes, and a modern study lounge and community space.

$10 Million Match Completed

The Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby and Mardel, provided Evangel with a second $10 million gift in the form of a matching challenge where all funds raised were matched dollar for dollar. The match was met in less than a year.

A Commitment to Innovation

In his mission to make Evangel the Spirit-driven university of the future, Dr. Rakes envisions that every EU graduate will be a compassionate innovator. No matter their vocations, God is calling Evangel to impact the world as creative problem-solvers, dynamic risk-takers, and caring community members, and those virtues start in the classroom. With over 70 degree programs, EU students receive a Christ-centered education from a faculty of top scholars and practitioners, equipping them to become the compassionate innovators of tomorrow. Learn more about Evangel’s academic programs below.

Books by Dr. Mike and Darla Rakes

Sling and Stones book cover

Slings & Stones: How God Works in the Mind to Inspire Courage in the Heart

Surrendered & Unafraid book cover

Surrendered & Unafraid: The Flourishing of Faith During Seasons of Suffering

The Real You: Discover the Person God Made You to Be

Evangel on The College Tour

Evangel University is proud to be featured in season six of The College Tour, a TV series showcasing colleges and universities of distinction across the United States!


Evangel on Viewpoint

Evangel University is featured as a premiere institution of higher education on “Viewpoint,” hosted by Dennis Quaid, an informative series that delves into diverse topics impacting society, ranging from science and technology to arts and culture.

Professional
Experience

2021 – Present: President, Evangel University

2006 – 2021: Lead pastor, Winston Salem First, Winston-Salem, NC

2009-2012: Founder, Bridges Christian College, New Orleans, LA

2000-2006: Vice President for Student Development, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL

1993-1999: Department Chair (Practical Ministry) and Professor, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL

1996-2003: Church planter, GreeneWay Church, Orlando, FL

2000-2006: Consultant and Curriculum Writer, The Character Company, Myrtle Beach, SC

1991-1996: Senior Pastor, Calvary Assembly, Winter Haven, FL

Notable
Accomplishments

2021: Published second book, Surrendered & Unafraid: The Flourishing of Faith During Seasons of Suffering

2015: Published first book, Slings & Stones: How God Works in the Mind to Inspire Courage in the Heart

2013-2021: Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Oral Roberts University, Leadership Committee member

2009: Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach with Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)

2006: Created church-based cohorts for M.A. degree in Florida and North Carolina