SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Larry Dissmore, professor of music and director of orchestral activities, and Dr. Sheri Phillips, newly retired vice president for student development, were recently recognized by the Assemblies of God Alliance for Christian Higher Education for excellence in service to Evangel University. Dissmore was named a Distinguished Educator and Phillips a Distinguished Administrator.
Assemblies of God endorsed colleges and universities nominate one professor and administrator for consideration. Three areas of accomplishment are considered: teaching, service to the institution and the Church, and scholarship and accomplishment in their particular fields.
Awards are presented every two years at the Assemblies of God biennial fellowship gathering. A total of six individuals were recognized at this year’s event, which took place the first week of August in Orlando, FL.
About Dr. Larry Dissmore
Dr. Larry Dissmore has served as Evangel’s director of orchestral activities and professor of violin and viola since 1988. Under his guidance, the Evangel Concert Orchestra has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Dissmore performed with Excelsis Trio for more than 20 years as a violinist, and currently serves as the principal second violinist with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his passion for performance, Dissmore also has a passion for teaching. Students in his programs excel not only in the classroom, but also in church ministries and on the concert stage.
“Dr. Dissmore’s years of serving, teaching, and leading are a testament to his dedication and love for Evangel,” said Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel University president.
About Dr. Sheri Phillips
Dr. Sheri Phillips served Evangel for 35 years until her retirement in May of this year. Her most recent role at the university was as vice president for student development, a position she held for the past eight years.
Prior to her role as vice president, she worked in a variety of student-focused positions, including career services, counseling, community life, and academic support. She also served as an instructor at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Phillips distinguished herself as a compassionate and professional leader on campus, addressing student issues and campus priorities with thoughtfulness and professional poise.
“Sheri was a consummate professional who was dedicated to student care and holistic development,” said Gina Rentschler, director of community life. “Her hallmark as a leader was caring for the whole person, and she did this so well.”
About the AG Alliance for Christian Higher Education
The alliance exists to endorse and promote member schools, providing advocacy, professional development, and effective networking. There are 16 recognized AG institutions of higher learning in the U.S. Those institutions include universities, graduate schools, the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Bible colleges, and specialized ethnic minority colleges.
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.