Former AG leader named interim Evangel president

Last edited 10:37 a.m., Oct. 13, 2020

The former general superintendent of the Assemblies of God has been named interim president of Evangel University, effective at the end of November.

George Wood, 79, is slated to take on the interim role after current President Carol Taylor retires Nov. 25, according to a news release. He's slated to lead the university until Taylor's permanent successor comes on board, and the Evangel Board of Trustees currently is working to complete the search. A timeline was not disclosed.

“The board is pleased to have someone with Dr. Wood’s experience and depth of knowledge step into the role,” said Rick Ross, board chairperson, in the release. “We’re also pleased with the work that Dr. Taylor is doing to provide an orderly transition.”

Taylor had been scheduled to retire in August after announcing her retirement in January, but she agreed to stay on through the end of the semester amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a delay in finding her successor, according to past reporting.

Wood served as general superintendent of the Springfield-based Assemblies of God for 10 years through August 2017, when current leader Doug Clay was tapped to succeed him.

While at Assemblies of God, Wood led the denomination in creating AG Trust for church planting and other initiatives. During his tenure, the organization also launched the Church Multiplication Network to add thousands of new churches, according to past reporting.

Wood currently serves as chairperson for the World Assemblies of God Fellowship that promotes and supports worldwide Assemblies of God national councils.