SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University and its seminary, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, will host a joint commencement on Thursday, May 7. It will be held at 6:30 pm at Great Southern Bank Arena on Missouri State University’s campus.
The university is celebrating 651 graduates, including 551 from Evangel and 100 from AGTS. Of Evangel’s graduates, 308 are traditional undergraduates, 73 are from the College of Online Learning, 137 are graduate students (27 doctoral and 110 master’s), and 33 are from the James River College campus. The 100 AGTS graduates include 22 doctoral and 78 master’s students.
The top bachelor-level majors graduating from Evangel in 2026 are business management, marketing, psychology, and Biblical studies. The students graduating represent 11 international countries, 42 states and Puerto Rico.
EU will also hold Baccalaureate services Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7. A full schedule of commencement activities is available here.
Commencement Speaker
Bob Ferguson, CEO and founder of the Hawksbill Group, will serve as the keynote commencement speaker. The Hawksbill Group is a diversified business and communications consulting firm based in Washington D.C.
Ferguson has more than 25 years of experience in communications, including government relations, marketing, and telecommunications sales. Ferguson also served as chief of staff for John Ashcroft during Ashcroft’s second term as Missouri governor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Evangel University.
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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.