Three Springfield universities consider merger

Evangel University, Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary voted on Jan. 25 to form a task force to look into the feasibility of consolidating the three schools under the banner of Evangel.

"It is timely that this issue once again be reviewed, Evangel President Robert Spence said in a news release.

Since 1977, several studies have been conducted to determine if combining the programs of the three campuses would be beneficial. Evangel, Central Bible College and Assemblies of God Theological Seminary are all Assemblies of God colleges.

The board of directors of the schools have convened once again in light of the current economic climate, the release said.

"I believe Evangel is positioned to provide a strong foundation for a rigorous university that will meet the needs of generations to come," said Spence, who will retire at the end of his current term in 2014.

Any recommendations provided by the task force are contingent on the approval of the Higher Learning Commission before action is taken. The commission is the accrediting agency for all colleges and universities in the North Central region of the United States, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]