When then Evangel University President Robert Spence invited Paul Logsdon to develop a public relations department for the growing university, he couldn’t say no.
Starting Jan. 4, 1988, Logsdon proudly served 26 years of Spence’s 40 years with the school and helped shape the Christian-based university into what it is today.
“He will tell you I’ve played a key part in the transformation of Evangel’s campus into one of Springfield’s crown jewels,” says Logsdon, now the director of public relations and publications for Evangel.
Logsdon handles all media relations, tackles the university’s social media presence, supports the University Advancement division and serves on numerous committees. While he’s always been in the promotions business, his focus has shifted over the years.
Before graduating with a bachelor’s in communication, he kicked off his professional career while still a student, serving as station manager for Evangel’s campus radio. After a stint with KTXR, Logsdon graduated and transitioned into artist management and concert promotions on the East Coast. There he ran his own business, wrote a book on concert promotions and served two terms as national director for the Fellowship of Contemporary Christian Ministries. Logsdon also is credited with developing and managing one of the first full-time Christian rock radio stations – WJTL in Lancaster, Pa.
Back on campus, Logsdon has served in numerous key and transformative campus positions including the Campus Planning Council, Crisis Management Team, Web Team and University Board of Administration. But it’s work during the past several years Logsdon says has garnered the biggest transition for the school.
“We consolidated Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Seminary into Evangel University,” he says. “This past year has been exciting, working through milestones such as the retirement of Dr. Spence and the transition to our new president, Dr. Carol Taylor.”
Working to improve education in Springfield has been a constant in Logsdon’s career, particularly at Evangel. When the school wanted to update and expand its Springfield campus, Logsdon worked to raise more than $60 million for construction projects.
“From 1997-2009, we built nine major buildings. Evangel went from a site with World War II-era barracks to a state-of-the-art small private university,” he says.
While promoting the school is his main priority, Logsdon says he prioritizes mentoring students through life and work experiences.
“I tend to look at life and find the quirky moments,” he says. “I know many of the young people I’ve influenced have been most intrigued with the humor found in stressful situations.
“The ones who call me mentor are most humbling of all.”
Logsdon’s mentoring mindset goes beyond helping students he interacts with at the university. For the past 15 years, he’s served as an adult sponsor and team adviser for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy, which works with high school students.
Logsdon also is active in the community. He’s a six-year board member on the North Springfield Betterment Association, serving as vice president. He’s involved in the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities and the Public Relations Society of America.[[In-content Ad]]
