Spence takes on part-time chancellor role at Evangel

Though 40-year President Robert Spence still plans to retire from Evangel University on April 30, he won't completely leave the school.

During its March 19 meeting, the Evangel Board of Trustees approved the part-time appointment of Spence as chancellor of the university upon his retirement, according to a news release.

In the role, Spence would report to Evangel's new President and CEO Carol Taylor, and would be responsible for donor relations, fund development and serving as an ambassador for the school.

"Spence has served with distinction and is deeply respected both as an educator and as a community leader,” said Taylor, who was hired last summer and is slated to fully take over leadership of Evangel after Spence's retirement, in the release. “This new position honors his life of exemplary university leadership and service.”

During his tenure, Spence led consolidation efforts with Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and Central Bible College, which completed last year; doubled the school's enrollment; and transformed the campus from what was once a U.S. Army barrack, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

New President Taylor came to Evangel from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., where she was charged with pulling the school out of $32 million in debt. Evangel faces a similar situation. The consolidated university was reportedly staring down as much as $30 million in combined debt when she was hired, according to SBJ archives.