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Evangel University presents 2013 E.M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service

Published on Apr 30, 2013 by Paul K. Logsdon

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Dr. Joan Cargnel, professor of education and graduate studies, is the 2013 recipient of the E.M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service at Evangel University.

The award, which includes a framed certificate and cash grant, will be presented this Friday, May 3, during Evangel’s 55th commencement ceremony at James River Assembly, Ozark, Mo.

“This award makes me feel humble and deeply appreciative,” said Cargnel. “I have always considered the Clark Award a great honor for those who have received it.”

The Clark Award was established by Dan and Elaine Johnson in 1991 to recognize her parents’ work on behalf of higher education in the Assemblies of God. Students, faculty and staff nominate recipients of this award and a committee makes the final decision.

“I personally know the Clark family, and so this award has especially deep meaning for me,” Cargnel said.

A groundbreaking educator

Cargnel is an historic figure at Evangel — in addition to her decades as a professor, she was the first female vice president at the University, leading the student development division for six years.

“Dr. Cargnel has distinguished herself as an outstanding classroom leader and mentor for future teachers,” said Evangel President Robert H. Spence. “She also served a very outstanding tenure as vice president for student development.”

Cargnel graduated from Evangel (then College) in 1966 and taught in public schools in Springfield, Joplin, Baltimore, Md., and Lakeland, Fla.

She joined the Evangel faculty in 1985 and taught in the Department of Education until 1992.

Following her term as V.P. from 1992-1998, she returned to the Springfield Public Schools and served as principal of Doling and Weaver Elementary Schools for two years. She then joined the SPS administration and served as director of human resources from 2000-2002.

Cargnel returned to Evangel in 2002, investing her last 11 years as professor of education and graduate studies. She will retire this spring.

She holds a Doctor of Education in educational administration from Saint Louis University, a master’s degree in special education – behavior disorders from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Evangel University.

Active in many professional organizations, Cargnel holds memberships in Phi Delta Kappa, Rotary International, Council for Exceptional Children, Allocation Committee United Way and NOVA, an organization for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Evangel University is a private, Christian university of arts, sciences and professions. With an enrollment of more than 2,000 students from all 50 states and abroad, Evangel offers more than 100 undergraduate academic programs and nine master’s programs.