Evangel leader sheds interim title to become chief academic officer

Evangel Leader Jon Spence is no longer chief academic officer on an interim basis.

Spence, who filled the position since January, was announced as permanent chief academic officer during Evangel's May 5 commencement ceremony, according to a news release.

“Jon Spence has a unique skill set having served and led in nearly every sector of the university,” Evangel President Mike Rakes said in the release. “In my short time as president, I have come to see that he has a strong connection not only with students but faculty and staff too."

With the appointment, Spence succeeds Mike McCorcle, longtime university provost and executive vice president who retired in December. A university spokesperson previously told Springfield Business Journal the provost title has been updated to chief academic officer, with the duties remaining the same: serving as the school's accreditation representative, overseeing academic departments and programs, and serving as a member of the president's cabinet.

A 1988 graduate of Evangel, Spence spent his childhood on campus as his father, the late Robert Spence, led the university as president 1974-2014.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to continue serving the university in this capacity,” Jon Spence said in the release. “One of the greatest blessings of my journey has been the connection with so many gifted students, faculty, staff and administrators."