SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Evangel University has promoted a key member of its academic team, with the naming of Dr. Lisa Tyson as dean of the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. This is a new position at Evangel.
“Dr. Tyson has led the College of Adult and Graduate Studies with distinction for two years, with the historical title of director,” said Dr. Mike McCorcle, provost and executive vice president of Evangel University.
As dean, Tyson will lead all non-seminary adult programs, including the accelerated degree completion programs, master’s and doctoral degree programs, and several new online certificate programs.
“She will continue to focus on students in Evangel’s nontraditional programs, whether they’re seated at the main campus, extension campuses or online,” said McCorcle.
“As dean, Dr. Tyson’s expertise and great heart for students will help focus the College on student-centered academic opportunities to prepare graduates for career success and satisfaction.”
Expanding opportunities
Non-traditional classes with Evangel have long been held at the James River campus in Ozark, Missouri. This year, Dr. Tyson spearheaded 10 new education relationships with partners and extensions in states from Colorado to Florida.
“Lisa, along with her academic program coordinators, have diligently built growth for the University with innovative programs, including new partnership opportunities with churches, businesses and high schools around the country,” said McCorcle.
- More than 1,050 adults have completed their bachelor’s degrees at Evangel University since the adult education programs started in 2001.
- In addition, more than 800 have earned their master’s degrees at Evangel since Evangel added graduate studies in 1998.
- The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction program began in 2014, and the first nine students completed their degrees last spring.
Dr. Tyson has also been leading the development of new online certificate programs.
Passion for adult learners
“It is an honor to continue to serve the University in this new capacity and to continue doing what I love in this community,” said Dr. Tyson, speaking of the expanding educational opportunities for non-traditional, adult learners.
A native of Winfield, Kansas, Tyson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government from Evangel in 1993, and returned a decade later to work for her alma mater. While working with adult students, she completed her Master of Organizational Leadership from Evangel in 2009.
In 2017, she completed her Ph.D. in Global Leadership, with a specialization in academic administration, from Indiana Institute of Technology.
Tyson gained national recognition for the programs offered at Evangel University when, last summer, she was elected president of the Christian Adult Higher Education Association.
CAHEA provides a platform for discussion, research and the exchange of ideas on educating nontraditional students. There are more than 70 member colleges of CAHEA — the association was founded in 1995 and is based out of Garland, Texas.
“The faculty and staff of Evangel’s College of Adult & Graduate Studies understand the non-traditional learner, they know their students by name, and they share their stories often,” said Tyson. “I look forward to working with our team to expand these opportunities, so that more student success stories can be heard.”
For more information, call the College of Adult & Graduate Studies at Evangel University: (417) 865-2811, ext. 8269.
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SIDEBAR: Evangel University College of Adult & Graduate Studies
- AA General Studies (online)
- AA Management (online)
- BS Business Management (online)
- BS Church Ministries (online)
- BS General Studies (online)
- BS Behavioral Health (online)
- BS Computer Information Systems (online)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in School Counseling
- Master of Organizational Leadership (online with residency component)
- Master of Science in Athletic Training
- Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (online)
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership (online)
- Master of Education in Literacy (online)
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction (online option coming fall 2019)
- Certificate in Cybersecurity (online)
- Certificate in Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention (online)
- Lean Six Sigma Certification (hybrid)