
SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University’s Ministry Leaders of Tomorrow initiative is expanding through the hiring of a full-time professor. Dr. Jennifer Carter began her role this month to advance the university’s efforts to connect ministry-minded students with mentorship, training, and direct pathways to job placement after graduation. Carter will also serve as the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary’s (AGTS) assistant academic director. AGTS is the embedded seminary of EU.
Carter will conduct research that will be used to create strategic resources that empower ministers and promote lifelong learning, including practical online courses focused on burnout prevention, sustaining vision, and leadership growth. She will also collaborate with AGTS Academic Director Dr. Randy Walls to oversee the curriculum and assessment of all seminary degree programs.
“I am looking forward to combining my love for higher education and my research background with a passion for spiritual formation to help students better understand their calling to and sustainability in ministry,” said Carter.
Carter most recently served at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida as the university’s chair of the Center of Teaching and Learning, research professor, and director of two doctoral-level organizational leadership programs. Her previous experience includes time spent in student development, academic affairs, and residence life at several higher education institutions.
Carter’s research interests include spiritual formation and struggle, motivational theory, and best practices in higher education. Her master’s thesis at Geneva College focused on spiritual trials and faith formation in college students, and her dissertation was written on the patterns and predictors of undergraduate college students’ levels of spiritual struggle.
Carter serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Christian Higher Education and is a reviewer for similar publications. She was a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities’ (CCCU) High Impact Scholar cohort in 2022-2024.
Carter holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from the University of Valley Forge, a master’s degree in higher education from Geneva College, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Azusa Pacific University.
Carter and her husband, Paul, have three daughters and are new to the Springfield area.
About Evangel’s Ministry Leaders of Tomorrow Initiative
The Ministry Leaders of Tomorrow Initiative is a four-stage approach designed to empower students pursuing full-time vocational ministry with the mentorship, training, job placement, and ongoing support necessary for them to thrive as healthy future church leaders. With strategic partnerships and access to a broad network of resources, students participating in the program receive a bridge between graduation and the launching days of ministry.
###
Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers.