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Paul K. Logsdon named 2020 recipient of Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership

Published on Aug 31, 2020 by Erin Hedlun

 

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Paul K. Logsdon, Evangel University’s long-time director of public relations, was honored by local civic engagement organization Leadership Springfield as the recipient of the 2020 Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership.

The award was presented at the program’s annual One Big Class Reunion held on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Paul & Kay Logsdon

Logsdon is a graduate of Leadership Springfield Signature Class IX (1993-94) and continues to serve as an active advisor to the Academy Class for high school juniors.

“To say that I am honored and humbled by this award would be an understatement,” Logsdon said. “Past award winners include an impressive list of men and women who have served this community so well. To be included among these leaders is beyond my imagination.”

The Kenworthy Award was established in 1989 in memory of Franklin Kenworthy, a posthumous graduate of Signature Class 3.

Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to Leadership Springfield; involvement in community service activities; good citizenship; outstanding leadership qualities; and high moral and ethical standards.

 

A commitment to service

In addition to his contributions to the Leadership Springfield program, Logsdon’s commitment to civic engagement was highlighted by listing his service to a variety of local organizations over the past 32 years.

“Paul does more than show up; he works and leads by example,” said Carrie Richardson, Leadership Springfield executive director.

“His career body of work speaks to the character, integrity, and leadership values Leadership Springfield stands for, and his long, dedicated, and tireless service speaks volumes to what we strive to develop in our community leaders.”

 

Community impact

Perhaps nothing more succinctly highlights the impact of Paul’s commitment to this community than the reflection of Dr. Alina Lehnert, past Leadership Springfield board president and current president of the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education.

SPS School Board President Dr. Alina Lehnert congratulates Logsdon. She was the 2018 winner of the Kenworthy Award.

Lehnert recounts that it was Paul who approached her while she was a faculty member at Evangel and encouraged her to apply to be a Leadership Springfield student.

“That prompting is what started my interest in community service and changed the trajectory of my life,” said Lehnert, a 1997 Evangel graduate. “I had not been involved in community service, outside of church and Evangel, until I became involved with Leadership Springfield.”

There are countless others whose lives have been changed by the influence, encouragement, and support of Logsdon.

“Springfield is my home. Evangel is my family,” said Logsdon, a 1977 graduate of Evangel. “When you love what you do and where you do it, you can’t help but share that passion with others. I think of that kid growing up in New Jersey and how he had no idea how full his life would turn out to be. What a journey it’s been!”

The Communication Department at Evangel University inducted him to its “Wall of Fame” in 2017. The Springfield Business Journal honored Paul as a 2014 “Men of the Year” recipient. He was featured as an “Ozarks Influential” in the Springfield New-Leader business section in 2003 and was also named to the “95 to Watch in ’95” list in Springfield! Magazine. He has since lived up to that name in his career.

Paul’s wife, Kay (Compton ’77) Logsdon, is also an Evangel graduate, as are their two children, Dana (’03) and Derek (’08).

 

About Evangel University

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 2,300 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master’s and doctoral degrees.

About Leadership Springfield

Leadership Springfield has been helping engage local professionals through leadership development and community connection for more than 30 years. Programs are designed to give participants a deeper understanding of their community and strengths. More than 2,000 individuals have graduated from the premier leadership program in the past three decades. For more information, visit leadershipspringfield.org.

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