SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Mike McCorcle, provost and executive vice president, announces his retirement from Evangel University, effective at the end of the fall semester, after 26 years of service to the institution.
“Over the last 26 years, I’ve been blessed to witness students follow God’s calling in their chosen vocations,” said McCorcle. “My home and my heart will always be with this institution.”
McCorcle has served in several positions at the university. He came on board as a faculty member in 1995, teaching courses in Physics, Meteorology, and Chemistry. He was named chair of the Natural and Applied Sciences Department in 2001 and served in that capacity until accepting an invitation to become provost and executive vice president in 2015.
He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Meteorology from the University of Utah and a B.S. in Atmospheric Physics from the University of California at Davis. He began his college career at Evangel University, where he studied as a Chemistry major for two years before transferring to UC Davis to complete his degree.
A passion for science
McCorcle’s professional career is highlighted by his passion for the sciences, specifically meteorology and atmospheric chemistry. His previous work experience includes time spent as a field experimentalist and operations forecaster for the State of California Air Resources Board, and as a senior research scientist for the Science Applications International Corporation in McLean, VA.
Prior to working at Evangel, McCorcle was also a member of the faculty at Iowa State University, where he served as principle investigator for nine competitive grants and contracts that emphasized the study of the complete Earth system through environmental models.
Level-headed educator and leader
McCorcle has distinguished himself as a calm and level-headed leader during his time at Evangel. In his role as department chair, he helped develop and implement an academic registration process for all new incoming students. He also focused on ways to engage faculty across campus in the processes of student recruitment, retention, and advising.
“Mike has had a tremendous impact on Evangel University,” said Dr. Michael Kolstad, vice president for university advancement.
“He has a passion and love for students and faculty that permeates everything about him and his leadership style. He will be missed!”
In his role as provost and executive vice president, McCorcle’s stabilizing presence was instrumental in navigating the university through its new identity following the consolidation of three institutions – Evangel, Central Bible College, and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.
Under his leadership, a comprehensive college structure was formed to support the university’s growing programs. He also helped establish the Center for Student Success, an on-campus resource center focused on student retention, tutoring, advising, and career development.
In his role as provost, McCorcle serves the university as its accreditation officer, working with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to maintain Evangel’s academic accreditation. During his tenure, he oversaw three successful HLC accreditation visits and played a key role in securing the university’s accreditation confirmation through 2026.
“Mike has been a colleague and friend, and one of Evangel’s most devoted champions,” said Linda Allen, vice president of business and finance. “His steady and balanced leadership style has been an incredible asset to this university. We will miss him and wish him all the best as he enjoys retirement!”
Family highlight
McCorcle and his wife, Karyn, have two sons, Jay and Spike, and three grandchildren. Karyn, Jay, and Spike are all Evangel alums.
“What stands out most prominently to me as I reflect on my service at Evangel are the chaotic and fun times spent with my students,” McCorcle reflects. “My greatest joy was when my office was filled with students working on physics problems – learning and laughing together.”
McCorcle and his wife plan to relocate to Florida upon his retirement.
“I plan to have my feet in the waters of the Gulf and a fishing pole in my hand,” he said. “Karyn will be busy in the garden.” He will also continue teaching online science courses for the university as an adjunct professor.
A plan to select the next provost will be announced at the end of the year.
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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.