Evangel strategic plan calls for $4M in cuts, staff changes

Last edited 12:19 p.m., Dec. 10, 2015

Evangel University today announced a restructuring plan for the 2016-17 academic year that calls on $4 million in cuts to operating expenses, including staff reductions.

The operating cuts represent roughly 10 percent of the school’s $40 million budget. The plan’s three goals are enrollment growth, an increased focus on fundraising and cutting costs. The plan affects 44 employees, according to a news release.

“Achieving this goal will generate additional cash flow needed to invest in programs to carry out the university’s strategic plans,” said Linda Allen, vice president for business and finance, in the release.

Personnel plan
In October, the university offered a voluntary retirement plan that was taken by 17 faculty and 15 staff members.

The faculty will retire at the end of the spring semester, while staff retirement dates vary based on their positions. Some of the jobs would be refilled, according to the release.

The school also chose not to renew five nontenured faculty contracts and to reduce seven staff positions.

Academic adjustments
While no major academic programs are being eliminated at Evangel, some smaller programs will be consolidated into others.

The school’s Bible and theology major is absorbing the biblical languages major, and secondary education courses will become part of the department of education, according to the release.

“Some very small majors within programs are being restructured,” said Michael McCorcle, provost and vice president for academic affairs, in the release.

The school has roughly 2,200 enrolled students.