Former Evangel department chairman dies

Virgil Nicholson, Evangel University professor emeritus, died July 18 at Cox Walnut Lawn. He was 91.

Nicholson, professor of sociology and education, served on the Evangel faculty 1963-1987, during which he worked as chairman of the Evangel Department of Education, according to a news release from the college.

The release pulled a quote from the 1978 Evangel yearbook, in which Nicholson cited his philosophy on education.

“Christians can change the society around them so that it is better in terms of honesty, integrity and industry," Nicholson said at the time, noting that his goal was was to lead students "to a personal philosophy that a Christ-centered value system will give a life that is self-fulfilling.”

During his time as a faculty member, Nicholson was instrumental in preparing reports for National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accreditation.

He also volunteered for the Springfield Community Planning Council and served on the board of the Voluntary Action Center, the release said.

Prior to working at Evangel, Nicholson taught at Waxahachie, Texas-based Southwestern Assemblies of God College 1947-1963.

Nicholson is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Margie, Clara and Erna; and his daughter, Joy Maynard.

He is survived by his wife Mildred, who also held a faculty position at Evangel; his children Marilyn and Tonny Wolfe, Judy and Wayne Werner; his son-in-law Mark Maynard, his brothers Everette and Joe; his sisters Joan and Ada; and eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held July 22 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.[[In-content Ad]]