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Evangel University presents 2014 Orville and Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award

Published on Apr 29, 2014 by Anna Lester

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Jason Salazar is the 2014 recipient of the Orville and Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The award will be presented on Friday, May 2, during Evangel University’s commencement ceremony.

“Jason Salazar is an accomplished musician and is very knowledgeable about the music business,” said Dr. Glenn Bernet, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“His professional endeavors earn him a high level of credibility, and he shares his knowledge with the students. They have the opportunity to learn directly from him as they work together on recording projects, tours and a great variety of musical endeavors. We have been blessed with the addition of Jason Salazar to our music program.”

The Mills Award, which includes an unrestricted cash grant, was established by Orville and Jewel Mills to recognize professors less than 45 years of age. Orville Mills is a retired comptroller of Exxon-Mobile and serves on the university board of directors. The couple’s three daughters are graduates of Evangel.

“It is quite an honor to receive this award from my alma mater,” Salazar said. “I am blessed to be able to give back in this way and hopefully make a meaningful investment in the lives of students.”

About Salazar

Salazar, assistant professor of music, joined the Evangel music faculty in the fall of 2007. He currently serves as the faculty adviser for Immanence, one of Evangel’s traveling worship bands.

Salazar graduated from Evangel in 1998 and served as worship pastor for churches in California and Texas. He returned to Springfield in 2001 to work in the Assemblies of God headquarters’ Worship Resource and Consulting Office. He holds a master’s degree in composition from Missouri State University.

Salazar writes, arranges and orchestrates music for several groups and also maintains an active performing schedule as a drummer and a percussionist. He also serves as orchestra director with Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Mo.

For additional information, contact Paul K. Logsdon (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292.