SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University’s Athletic Director (AD) Dr. Dennis McDonald will transition out of his current role at the end of the Fall 2023 semester, he announced to coaches and administration earlier this week. He has led the department since 2015.
McDonald is the fifth AD in Evangel’s 68-year history. He recently oversaw Evangel’s transition from the Heart of America Athletic Conference to the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference this fall. In its inaugural season, the Evangel Valor football team went undefeated and were named conference champions.
“I am extremely proud of our students, coaches, and staff for the success they have achieved,” McDonald said. “As a staff, we sought to capture the hearts and minds of our student-athletes to influence them to achieve outstanding success as strong spiritual leaders, outstanding honor students, and top-notch athletes.”
Prior to taking on this role, McDonald served in various administrative and teaching positions in middle and high schools in Georgia and Texas, including 13 years as principal of Staley Middle School in Frisco, TX. A 1984 EU graduate, he also worked from 1986 to 1993 as an assistant football coach and assistant professor of physical education at Evangel.
As the new year begins, he will be spending time with his wife, Shannon, on their newly purchased farm and celebrating the arrival of their first grandchild this spring. “I am excited for what God has for Shannon and me in this new season,” McDonald said. “Evangel will always have a special place in my heart.”
A national search for a new AD will begin soon. Dr. Jon Spence, chief academic officer and vice president, will serve as interim AD.
“Dr. Dennis McDonald laid a foundation, and we are poised to continue to use athletics to shape Christian men and women for a lifetime of championships,” said Dr. Mike Rakes, EU president. “Dennis hired many of our current coaches and saw our student athlete overall GPA rise throughout his tenure. He also played a role in the early fundraising stages for EU’s new athletic arena and fieldhouse Valor Center, a campaign prompted by a $10 million gift from the Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby and Mardel.”
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.