Evangel University - Lancer Yearbook (Springfield, MO)

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H A H-W1 -'nn' ... ....Y. .... , .,.. ......-----A--M 1 - -- A ng of the lca's main wstitute a ection of 'he proper Following iittee con- d the new - members ilty mem- qualified :dvisor as Then came fall, l955, and the scene was unbelievable for the eightyi- seven students making up the first class came from all parts of the nation. Since that time there has been considerable increase each year, with representation from almost every state plus foreign countries. Accreditation was the next major de- velopment in campus history. ln the fall of l957, academic recognition was extended by the University of Missouri Committee on Accredited Schools and Colleges. The approval gives the college permanent status with the Teachers Certification Division of the State Department of Education in Missouri and also assures transfer to other colleges a-nd univ- ersities without difficulty. Few institutions have gained this accreditation after such a short period of operation. 7

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The major move toward establishment came during the next year when O'Reilly General Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, was declared surplus by the United States Govern- ment. lt was thereby presented for private acquisition. A carefully prepared application was submitted by the Education Department. After a series of Washington conferences, it was announced that for the price of one dollar, the seventy buildings and equipment located on fifty-eight and a half acres of property would become an educational ,insti- tution of the Assemblies of God-Evangel College. Q But this was only the beginning of the miracle story. A location on America's main street, Highway 66, does not constitute a college. The -next step was the selection of a faculty and staff and to provide the proper facilities for the forthcoming class. Following consultation, the educational committee con- tacted Dr. Klaude Kendrick to head the new institution, and with his advice other members of the faculty were selected. Faculty mem- bers who are pentecostal and well qualified in their fields are ready to be advisor as well as instructor. Tl seven s Since ' represe l l

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A change in administrative policy took place in March, l958, when the college Board of Directors approved a plan to co-ordinate the adminis- tration of Evangel and Central Bible Institute. Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft was selected as president with Dr. Klaude Kendrick servi-ng as academic dean. The fall of l958 marked a milestone in college history, with the first class reaching senior status, making Evongel a complete fourlyear liberal arts college. Evangel has succeeded in ,accomplishing a goal which was an incentive for those who were responsible for the college's beginning - that of training young people equipped. academically, spiritulally, and socially, to become the leaders of tomorrow. - History by Doris Strache 8