SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University honored two professors for excellence in service to students and the university on Thursday, May 7 during its 68th annual commencement ceremony. Dr. Deborah Johnson received the E.M. and Estella Clark Award and Dr. Christopher Alfred was presented with the Orville and Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award.
The E. M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service.
This is Evangel’s highest honor for academic excellence and was established in 1991 by Dan and Elaine Johnson in recognition of Elaine’s parents’ work on behalf of higher education in the Assemblies of God, as well as the Johnson’s special affection for EU. Students, faculty, and staff submit nominations, and a committee determines the recipient.
Dr. Deborah Johnson, this year’s recipient, serves as chair of Evangel’s Behavioral & Social Sciences Department. An alum of EU, Johnson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Upon her graduation, she returned to Peoria, Illinois, and to her home church, where she discovered a passion for youth ministry. While serving in ministry, she pursued advanced degrees in clinical and community psychology, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Psychology and Human Services from Capella University. She held professional roles in community mental health, private practice, and on counseling teams.
Her vocational journey ultimately led her into the field of higher education, where she found her deepest sense of calling. She served as an assistant/associate professor of psychology at Southeastern University and a professor of psychology and counseling at Central Bible College before transitioning to EU in 2012.
The Orville & Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship & Service
The Orville and Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award was established by Orville and Jewel Mills in 2006 to recognize the academic work of outstanding professors who are less than 45 years of age. The couple’s three daughters are graduates of Evangel.
Dr. Christopher Alfred has a passion to help people of all backgrounds interpret the Bible. Prior to attending seminary, he spent a year of missions work in Malaysia and India. Prior to Evangel, his work included pastoral ministry and roles in Christian education in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Alfred’s published works include articles on Hebrews and Greco-Roman historiography and biography.
He holds a B.A. in Communications – Speech from Louisiana State University, a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies – New Testament from Asbury Theological Seminary. He met his wife, Hannah, at Oral Roberts University, and they have one daughter, Corrie.
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About Evangel University
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive, Spirit-led Christian university in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel educates and equips students to serve the Church and society globally.
Recent recognition includes:
- Top 15% of Christian Colleges in America — Niche (2026)
- Top Performer in Social Mobility — U.S. News & World Report (2026)
- Best Christian University — Colleges of Distinction (2026)
Evangel also holds program accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology, and is certified as an Excellence in Giving university. Learn more at evangel.edu.