Evangel fills vacant VP role

Evangel University filled a vice president position left vacant by a 2013 retirement.

Michael Kolstad starts Aug. 1 as vice president for university advancement, succeeding 16-year Vice President Jim Williams, who retired at the end of last year, according to a news release.

The job represents a promotion for Kolstad, who has chaired the university's department of music since 2007. As vice president for university advancement, he is tasked with fundraising and alumni relations work.

“A natural part of his leadership has been cultivating alumni and donors to support music at Evangel," said Carol Taylor, president of Evangel, in the release. "Michael has also served Evangel on numerous committees and councils, giving him extensive experience and perspective on university life and administration beyond the music program.

“Our team is inspired by his spiritual depth, love of Evangel and eagerness to engage in the work at hand.”

A 1988 Evangel graduate, Kolstad secured the donation of artwork and printed and record music collections during his time as music chairman, including a Barnett practice organ valued at $120,000. He also established music endowment Amici di Musica (Friends of Music), which in collaboration with Evangel's advancement division, more than doubled in five years, according to the release.