SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Mike Rakes will be installed as the fifth president of Evangel University during an inauguration celebration that will take place on October 21-22 as a kick-off to the university’s annual homecoming festivities. Rakes transitioned to the role of president in August of this year.
“I am humbled to step into this leadership role at Evangel,” Rakes said. “This university is uniquely poised to equip and prepare compassionate innovators ready to boldly embrace their callings in life. We are building a university of the future, and it’s my privilege to lead the charge.”
The inaugural celebration will begin with an Evangel Chorale concert on Thursday, October 21 at 8 p.m. in the Barnett Recital Hall.
The installation ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, October 22 in Spence Chapel. Delegates from around the country will join with Evangel’s faculty members, staff, students, and alumni to recognize the official installation. Rev. Doug Clay, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, will bring a welcome.
The program includes performances by the Evangel University Chorale and HeartSong, EU’s traveling worship team. The charge and presentation of the presidential medallion will be delivered by Dr. Rick Ross, chairman of Evangel’s Board of Trustees, followed by a prayer from Dr. William “Billy” Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University. Mr. Mart Green, founder of Mardel Christian & Educational Supply, will present a scripture reading, and Rakes will deliver an inaugural address.
The events are free and the public is invited to attend.
About Dr. Mike Rakes
Rakes is an ordained Assemblies of God minister and has served in several positions in both higher education and the Church. Most recently, Rakes and his wife, Darla, co-pastored Winston-Salem First, a diverse and thriving Assemblies of God congregation in Winston-Salem, NC.
He also served as the vice president for student development at Southeastern University from 2000-2006 and as chair of its Practical Ministry Department from 1993-1999.
Rakes is a graduate of Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries and a master’s degree in Biblical Literature. He also holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Biola University, with additional doctoral studies in management.
To view the livestream of tomorrow morning’s inauguration ceremony, visit www.evangel.edu/president.
To view the full Homecoming schedule, visit evangel.edu/homecoming.
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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.