Evangel appoints interim leader for executive role

Evangel University named an interim chief academic officer.

Jon Spence, director of the Evangel Center for Student Success, was appointed to the interim role effective immediately, according to a news release issued this week. The move follows the retirement in December of Mike McCorcle, longtime university provost and executive vice president.

Erin Hedlun, director of marketing and communications for Evangel, said 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. Hedlun said a national search process is underway for McCorcle's permanent successor, and a selection committee will vet applicants with the goal of having a candidate chosen by the end of April.

"During a transition period, it is imperative to have a leader in place who has the trust and confidence of all groups involved," Evangel President Mike Rakes said in the release. "Jon Spence has a unique skill set, having served and led in nearly every sector of the university."

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.