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Dr. Jon Spence named Evangel University’s chief academic officer

Published on May 6, 2022 by Erin Hedlun

Dr. Jon Spence. Evangel University’s chief academic officer

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Jon Spence, Evangel University’s interim chief academic officer, was announced as permanent chief academic officer during Evangel’s commencement ceremony on May 5. Spence, formerly the director of Evangel’s Center for Student Success, was named interim CAO early this year following the retirement of long-time provost and executive vice president Dr. Mike McCorcle last December.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to continue serving the university in this capacity,” Spence said. “One of the greatest blessings of my journey has been the connection with so many gifted students, faculty, staff, and administrators. I look forward to being a part of the exciting future of Evangel University.”

“Dr. Jon Spence has a unique skill set having served and led in nearly every sector of the university,” said EU President Dr. Mike Rakes. “In my short time as president, I have come to see that he has a strong connection not only with students but faculty and staff too. I am grateful for his willingness to serve the Evangel family.”

Spence is a 1988 graduate of Evangel. His childhood was spent on campus as his father, the late Dr. Robert H. Spence, served as president of the university from 1974 through 2014.

After graduation, Spence taught social science at Mt. Paran Christian School in Marietta, Georgia. He returned to work with Springfield Public Schools, where he taught and coached football at Pershing Jr. High, Carver Middle School and Kickapoo High School.

Spence has been a member of the Evangel faculty since 1998 and has served in a variety of campus leadership roles. In addition to overseeing the Center for Student Success, Spence has been an instructor in Leadership Studies, a faculty advisor for the EU Scholars honors program, an academic consultant for the EU football team, advisor to Social Science student teachers, and served on various university committees.

He is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and a Younique Life Design Certified Coach. He is also a Missouri certified teacher in Secondary Education.

In 2020, Spence was named a 2020 Icon of Education by Ingram’s Magazine for his servant leadership mindset and focus on educating the next generation of workforce leaders.

Spence holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from University of Missouri at Columbia, a Master of Science in Education Administration from Missouri State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Evangel.

Jon and his wife, Danica, have four children and reside in Nixa, Missouri.

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About Evangel University

Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally. Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,200 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master and doctoral degrees.