Evangel renews President Spence’s contract

Evangel’s board of directors April 10–11 re-elected Spence for his eighth five-year term since becoming president in May 1974. His current term expires in April 2009.

“Our research shows that Dr. Spence is the third longest-tenured president currently serving in the United States,” Evangel spokesman Paul Logsdon said in a news release. “He will complete 34 years on April 30. I found one president that has served 40 years and one that has served 35 years – both in Louisiana.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education estimates the average tenure of college and university presidents was 8.5 years in 2006, according to the release.

Spence has guided Evangel through major construction and renovation work, including the new Riggs Administration Building under construction now. He has served on more than 15 local boards and is chairman of Springfield’s annual Day of Prayer observance.