SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – The Alliance for Healthcare Education is excited to announce that Evangel University has joined as the organization’s first affiliate partner, marking a significant expansion of the collaborative efforts to address the region’s health care workforce needs.
Founded by CoxHealth, Missouri State University (MSU), Ozarks Technical Community College, and Springfield Public Schools, The Alliance was established to create a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals for decades to come. The inclusion of Evangel University reinforces this mission by expanding educational opportunities and resources.
“We are thrilled to welcome Evangel University to The Alliance for Healthcare Education,” said Shallina Goodnight, executive director of The Alliance. “Our founding partners have already set a national precedent with this innovative collaboration. By integrating Evangel, we are taking a bold step to broaden our impact, enhancing our ability to fulfill our mission to prepare tomorrow’s workforce and become the largest producer of health care professionals in the region.”
As an affiliate, Evangel University will gain access to the same services, activities, and collaborative opportunities as the founding partners. Evangel students pursuing health sciences careers will now have the opportunity to participate in The Alliance’s Dual Degree Program with MSU. This program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Care from Evangel University as well as a second degree in Nursing from Missouri State University.
“The link to practical and relevant training, as well as future employment opportunities that an affiliation with The Alliance provides, is invaluable for our students,” said Dr. Mike Rakes, president of Evangel University. “This partnership enhances our educational offerings and provides our students with a high-quality education, hands-on nursing training, and an open door to a future career.”
Students enrolled in the Dual Degree Program will complete their nursing pre-requisite and general education courses on Evangel’s campus and gain nursing-specific training at The Alliance’s state-of-the-art facility on the Cox North campus. Upon fulfilling the requirements, students will receive degrees from both Evangel and MSU, along with a certificate from The Alliance. Graduates will enjoy all the rights and privileges of alumni from The Alliance, Evangel, and MSU.
“Evangel brings a pool of talented and committed students, and MSU brings an elite program with a strong track record of success to this Alliance partnership,” said Dr. Michael Tenneson, professor and chair of EU’s Natural & Applied Sciences Department. “The beneficiaries of this partnership will be not only our students, but even more importantly, the people they will serve!”
Evangel students will have the opportunity to participate in this innovative program beginning in the fall of 2025.
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About The Alliance for Healthcare Education
The Alliance for Healthcare Education is a pioneering partnership designed to develop the talent necessary to meet and exceed the health care workforce needs of the region. The Alliance brings together CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, and Springfield Public Schools to create unparalleled access to interdisciplinary education and industry experiences. Once fully realized, The Alliance will be the largest producer of health sciences professionals in the Midwest.
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 2,500 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering more than 130 programs from associates to doctoral degrees.