All Episodes - ValorCast
ValorCast is the official podcast of Evangel University, a Christian liberal arts institution located in Springfield, Missouri. Each episode highlights the integration of faith, academics, and life through the lens of stories from students, faculty and staff members, and alumni.
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Creating Community on the Court with Coach Bert Capel
Bert Capel, head coach of the EU Valor Men’s Basketball team, sits down with ValorCast to discuss building a competitive and cohesive team.
Welcoming Students Home: Charis and Mason Musick
Lewis Hall Residence Directors Charis and Mason Musick join ValorCast to share about making a homey environment for Evangel’s on-campus student residents.
Redefining the Best and Brightest: Preston Kness
This week, ValorCast sits down with Professor Preston Kness to unpack the ValorCast Scholars Academy at EU and what it truly means to be one of the “best and brightest.”
Storyteller in Training: MyAun Boyd
For our student-focused episode, ValorCast is joined by MyAun Boyd, a senior Communications major who is preparing to tell impactful stories across media.
Equipping the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders: Dr. Darin Poe
Welcome back to ValorCast! On the first episode of this new season, we are joined by Dr. Darin Poe, Director of the AG Ministry Leaders of Tomorrow Project. Darin talks to us about equipping the next generation of ministry leaders.
Building a Vibrant Campus Community with Christy Rowden
For our final episode of the season, the ValorCast hosts hear from Christy Rowden, Evangel’s Director of Student Activities. Christy shares about EU’s many involvement opportunities and the ways in which student activities create and cultivate a tight-knit community deeply committed to God and to one other.ValorCast is the official podcast of Evangel University, a Christian liberal arts college located in Springfield, Missouri. Through the lens of student, faculty and staff, and alumni stories, ValorCast shares about the ways God is using Evangel to shape the future of Christian higher education.Visit our website for more: www.evangel.edu.
Learning that Lasts a Lifetime with Nathan Buis
In this episode, Nathan Buis, a senior at Evangel, joins ValorCast to discuss his experiences as an EU student. Nathan also shares that the most valuable learning in college transcends the four walls of the classroom.ValorCast is the official podcast of Evangel University, a Christian liberal arts college located in Springfield, Missouri. Through the lens of student, faculty and staff, and alumni stories, ValorCast shares about the ways God is using Evangel to shape the future of Christian higher education.Visit our website for more: www.evangel.edu.
Serving Christ in Your Career with Nick Mattiuzzo
This week, the ValorCast hosts chat with Nick Mattiuzzo, an EU alum who worked in the White House Communications Agency during the Trump and Biden presidencies. During these amazing experiences, Nick carried the gospel with him as he served in the seat of America’s political power.ValorCast is the official podcast of Evangel University, a Christian liberal arts college located in Springfield, Missouri. Through the lens of student, faculty and staff, and alumni stories, ValorCast shares about the ways God is using Evangel to shape the future of Christian higher education.Visit our website for more: www.evangel.edu.
Arts and Academics with Dr. Vickie Wisdom
This episode, Dr. Vickie Wisdom, professor of theatre and director of Evangel’s theatre program, joins ValorCast to share about the importance and impact of arts education in postsecondary education.ValorCast is the official podcast of Evangel University, a Christian liberal arts college located in Springfield, Missouri. Through the lens of student, faculty and staff, and alumni stories, ValorCast shares about the ways God is using Evangel to shape the future of Christian higher education.Visit our website for more: www.evangel.edu.
Finding Faith on the Field with Coach Bruce Deaton
This week, we sit down with Coach Bruce Deaton, Director of Soccer Operations and the head women’s soccer coach at Evangel. Coach Bruce shares his heart for Christ-centered team-building and the ways EU Soccer has participated in global ministry both on and off the turf. ValorCast is the official podcast of Evangel University, a Christian liberal arts college located in Springfield, Missouri. Through the lens of student, faculty and staff, and alumni stories, ValorCast shares about the ways God is using Evangel to shape the future of Christian higher education.Visit our website for more: www.evangel.edu.
Why Spiritual Growth in College Matters with Cecilia Corbin
Welcome to ValorCast, the newly rebranded podcast of Evangel University! EU is a Christian liberal arts college located in Springfield, Missouri, and ValorCast uses the lens of student, faculty and staff, and alumni stories to share about the moves of God through our institution.In the first episode after our reboot, ValorCast is joined by Cecilia Corbin, Evangel’s Coordinator of Spiritual Life and Discipleship. Cecilia shares about EU’s Spirit-driven culture and the importance of the spiritual walk to every college student. Visit our website for more: www.evangel.edu.
Darla Rakes
Pastor Darla Rakes currently serves as Evangel University’s ambassador to donors & students as she works with her husband, Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel’s president, to further the reach and influence of the university. Prior to her work at Evangel, the Rakes co-pastored Winstom-Salem First, a thriving and diverse congregation in Winston-Salem, NC.
Dr. Becky Huechteman
Becky taught in the Education Department for 38 years (served as chair of the Education Dept. for 13 years.) In 2000, Becky was awarded the E.M. & Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship, and Service.In 2009, she was awarded the Delta Alpha (Distinguished Educator Award) at General Council by the Alliance for Assemblies of God Higher Education.During Becky’s time at Evangel, she was active in the International Reading Association and served on many state committees. In 2012 she was awarded the Celebrate Literacy Award for the state of Missouri.Becky currently serves as the President of Evangel University Advocates, and is an adjunct faculty member of the Education Dept.Becky and Duane are members of Evangel Temple Christian Center (Assembly of God)
Kaitlyn Napieralski
Kaitlyn Napieralski is originally from Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Plano Senior High School in 2011 and attended Evangel University from 2011-2015. After graduating with her Bachelor’s in Music Education, she moved back to her hometown to teach percussion lessons at her alma mater as well as the middle schools in the surrounding neighborhoods. She also began picking up performance opportunities in local musicals, churches and schools in Plano. Kaitlyn continued her education and received her Masters in Music Performance from Southern Methodist University in 2020. The following year she accepted a new job with Jasper High School, as their percussion director, and won her position on the Cowboys Drumline. She now lives in Rockwall, Texas with her husband, Josh, and their two dogs, Dallas and Buffalo. To take a break from all her musical endeavors, she enjoys staying active by riding the tandem bike for a few miles with her husband around White Rock Lake, and spends time cooking new recipes for her husband to taste test, travels as often as possible, and plays endless games of fetch with Buffalo.
Chase Replogle
Chase Replogle is the pastor of Bent Oak Church in Springfield, Missouri. He holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Central Bible College and an M.A. in New Testament from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. (He also worked at Evangel University and married an EU alum).Chase is the author of The 5 Masculine Instincts. His work draws from history, psychology, literature, and a rich narrative approach to Scripture to help readers think more deeply about faith and life. He has written for Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Ekstasis, Bible Engagement Project, and Influence Magazine. In addition, he hosts the Pastor Writer Podcast (pastorwriter.com), where he interviews Christian authors on writing and publishing.
Coach Bert Capel
A member of Evangel's 2002 NAIA National Championship team during his standout playing career, Capel becomes the eighth head coach in the 64-year history of the EU men's basketball program after being selected to replace Hall of Famer Steve Jenkins, who announced his retirement on March 31 after 39 years at the helm.Capel brings a wealth of coaching experience from multiple levels to the Evangel staff, including a total of six seasons spanning two separate stints on Jenkins' bench. Prior to his return to EU in 2019, Capel spent nine seasons at the NCAA Division I level on the coaching staffs at Florida State and Stetson, in addition to one year as an assistant coach at the junior college level with Jacksonville College.As a player for EU from 2000-04, Capel helped usher in perhaps the most successful periods in program history as part of a banner career that saw the Kentucky native earn All-Heart Conference honors. In all, he scored 1,060 points and grabbed 456 rebounds to help EU claim two regular-season Heart titles. Most notably, he was a member of Evangel's 2002 national championship team that finished 35-1 and was consistently the NAIA's top-ranked squad throughout the season.
Center for Compassion: Inspiring a Lifetime of Service
Melissa Pulis has worked with the Center for Compassion since its inception in August, 2018. She served as the Program and Logistics Coordinator and is now the Center’s Associate Director. Melissa has a degree in political science and over 25 years of experience in local church ministry as a youth pastor, small group leader, prayer team member, and deacon. She loves working with students and calling out the greatness she sees in them and walking alongside them as they find pathways to leadership. Melissa frequently volunteers with Convoy of Hope and has served as a national volunteer at many Convoy of Hope community events across the nation. She is married to Dr. Steve Pulis and is mom to Nathan and Colin.Steve McMichael is an ordained minister and Registered Nurse. He served in Africa for eighteen years prior to joining Evangel University in August 2020 as Missionary in Residence. While residing in Africa, he pastored international churches and assisted with pastoral education and developing outreach ministries, including extensive outreaches to migrants and refugees. He is passionate about the local church as Jesus builds and graces it to reach the greater community. Steve is married to Jennifer and they have one daughter, Leah.
New Beginnings with a New Mascot
Listen along to how Evangel University moved from Crusaders to Valor.
Preston Beverly
Preston Beverly was named the Head Women's Basketball Coach on July 19, 2021.Beverly brings a wealth of spiritual, academic, and basketball leadership to Evangel where he becomes the seventh head coach in program history. Most recently, he spent the last two seasons as the head coach of 16U and 14U Nike Girls EYBL Team in New York. He also served as an assistant coach for the 17U team where he coached four high major players ranked in the ESPN Top 50. In 2019, Beverly served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Hofstra University with the women's basketball team. Beverly played collegiately at NCAA Division I Virginia Military Institute where he was one of the top defensive players in the Big South Conference. He played professionally in the inaugural National Professional Basketball League in 2007 for the Hudson Valley Hawks leading them to the NPBL championship where he was the team's leading rebounder. Beverly graduated from VMI in 2006 with a degree in computer science and a minor in psychology and math, reaching the ranks of S-6 Lieutenant. He and his wife Danielle have three children.
Vern Clark
This week we reflect on the events of 9/11. May we never forget the heroes who saved so many lives that day, and the days and weeks that followed.The heart of everything we do at evangel is equipping our students to transform the world. The specifics of how that happens, however, depend on how and where the Spirit has call each individual to serve. In today's podcast you'll hear from Admiral Vern Clark, whose calling included leading a 120 billion dollar organization with approximately 900,000 employees and contractors in his role as Chief of Naval Operations for the United States Navy. At the time, he was the only person to fill that role who was not a graduate of the Naval Academy. Admiral Clark is an alum of Evangel, and he frequently tells people how he met his wife Connie, also an Evangel graduate, on a speedbump in front of the library on campus. Admiral Clark went on to earn an MBA before embarking on a distinguished career in the Navy. His number one priority as Chief of Naval Operations was to "win the battle for people" which led to the best recruiting and retention rates in naval history. Admiral Clark is a passionate servant of Jesus Christ, whose light has shown in the highest reaches of power in Washington D.C. and around the globe.This story was shared at a special event led by retired president Dr. Carol Taylor a couple of years ago, and we can't think of a better way to commemorate this 20 year anniversary of 9/11 than sharing it with you.
Honoring Dr. Robert Spence
Remembering 2021 Evangel University Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, the late Dr. Robert Spence. Dr. Spence served Evangel University for 40 years, from 1974 until he retired in 2014. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest tenured college president in the state of Missouri and second longest in the nation. That tenure, and his impact on Evangel athletics, did not go unnoticed—not only in the local and Springfield community, but nationally and globally. With the help of Athletic Director Dr. David Stair, Evangel saw multiple mission trips organized by the athletic department, overseas opportunities, including the football team traveling to China and Kyrgyzstan, the baseball team to Mexico, and several teams to Guatemala. Among his many great achievements, and highly significant for the athletic program, Dr. Spence developed the idea of adding football. Since that inaugural season in 1977, football has gained national attention as a highly competitive program. He also championed the reinstitution of men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, softball, and track and field. Numerous building projects were also completed during his tenure, with the renovation of the baseball and softball fields and the completion of the baseball and softball field house. In total, in his career, fourteen projects were overseen by Dr. Spence (that also included the Mabee Student Fitness Center, two residence halls, the Cantrell Student Union, and most recently the Riggs Administration Building).Athletically, Evangel enjoyed success, capturing the 2002 NAIA National Championship in Men’s Basketball, the 1986 NCAA National Championship in Women’s Basketball, and advancing to two national semi-finals in football, two NAIA national semi-finals in Women’s Basketball, and individual champions in track and field.In October 2013, during Homecoming, Evangel commemorated Dr. Spence’s legacy as University President and revered spiritual leader by formally naming the chapel building the Robert H. Spence Chapel.For this episode, Hector and Phil interview three individuals who were there at the beginning of the football program: Jon Spence, Rich Wood, and Ed McCabe. They are members of “The Originals”, the name we use to describe our football players who played at Evangel between 1977 and 1984.
Mike Burnette
Dr. Mike Burnette is lead pastor of LifePoint Church in Clarksville, TN. He has a deep passion for preaching God's word, encouraging and discipling believers, and investing in the development of church leaders through coaching and speaking. Since 2010, LifePoint Church has experienced incredible growth, being recognized by Outreach Magazine as #1 on its 2018 list of 100 fastest growing churches.Mike and his wife, Stephanie, serve in ministry together and have 4 amazing daughters.Dr. Burnette is our 2021 AGTS Alum of the Year.
Craig Keener
Dr. Craig Keener is the F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of 33 books, with more than 1 million copies in circulation. You can find him at www.craigkeener.com. Dr. Keener is the 2021 CBC Distinguished Alumnus.
Jerrica Matrone
Interview with CBC Outstanding Young Alum, Jerrica Matrone.
Jackson Capel
The most prolific scorer in Evangel men's basketball history, Jackson Capel tops the all-time scoring list with 2,337 points. Capel became the first 2,000-point scorer since the 2002 season and passed Barry Kemp (1994-98) to earn the top spot in the Evangel record book.Capel finished with 733 points in his junior season and 730 points as a senior to vault up the list as he stands as the all-time three-point leader. The only player to make more than 100 three-pointers in a single-season the Kentucky native finished his career with 405 three-pointers.A three-time all-American, Capel was also a three-time First Team All-Heart of America selection. Capel also holds the school record for most three-pointers in a game after knocking down 10 on January 31, 2009, at Graceland.Capel helped the team to one of the winningest senior classes winning 92 games and making three trips to the NAIA National Tournament. Evangel also won the Heart Conference regular season in 2008 and earned two conference tournament championships in 2006 and 2008 advancing to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament.
Rebecca Mann
Rebecca Mann is the 2021 EU Outstanding Young Alum awardee.
Kay Logsdon
Kay has been a leader in digital content development for more than 30 years. She analyzes and coordinates the use of WHYSDOM™ persona data to make it possible for clients to build relevant content as well as identify and prioritize specific action steps. Her work includes a past role as the Public Information Director for the City of Springfield, MO, and development of the Creamery Arts Center, an outgrowth of the City’s initiative to turn a brownfields area into a community park. Her work led to receipt of the Governor’s Pathfinder Award for tourism as well as beneficial partnerships in the arts community and with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Kay coordinates the use of data to make it possible to build relevant content and identify specific action steps. Her work has included development of digital audits and social media integration, with demonstrated skills in strategic planning, digital message development and delivery, social media, video production, and trends analysis. Clients have included Hallmark/Crown Media, NPD Group, US Foods, Kellogg’s, Dine Equity, Chili’s, IHG International, AOL, Gannett Media, Nexstar Broadcasting, and more. She is serving in her third term on the international board of directors of Convoy of Hope.
Brian Hartzler
Interview with Brian Hartzler. Brian Hartzler finished his Evangel career as a two-time NAIA All-American as he earned five trips to the NAIA Track National Championships. Hartzler represented Evangel twice at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2004 and 2005 while making trips to the Indoor Track and Field Championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Hartzler also etched his name in the Evangel record books where he currently holds seven different records. The current Evangel record holder in two outdoor events including the 400-meters and on the 4x400-meter relay team, he is a part of five Evangel indoor records. Hartzler was also a member of the 4x400-meter and 4x440-yard relay teams while holding school records in the 200-meters, 400-meters, and 600-yards races.
Julia Miller
This episode of the podcast features Julia Miller. Julia is a 2021 inductee into the Evangel University Athletics Hall of Fame. Julia was the 2007 Heart of America Conference Player of the Year. She was also a First Team All-American and All-Region selection in 2007 as she earned two all-conference honors in just two seasons with the Crusaders. During the 2007 season, she set the single-season record for RBIs with 65 while finishing with the second-most home runs belting 15. Julia helped the Crusaders to back-to-back 30-win seasons including the program's only trip to the NAIA Softball World Series in 2006. Evangel also won the Heart Conference Regular season championship both seasons and the conference tournament title in 2007.
Anthony Ray
Episode 4 of Season 2 of Your Calling. Our Podcast. features Anthony Ray. Among his many achievements, Anthony was a 4 time Heart of America Athletic Conference Selection, earned All District Honors in 1989 and 1990, and was a First Team selection in 1991. Anthony is an Evangel University 2021 Hall of Fame inductee.
Derick Clark
Episode 3 of Your Calling. Our Podcast. Season 3 features Derick Clark. Derick is an Evangel University Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductee. He is the only 2 time First Team NAIA All American and holds numerous career records for Evangel University.
Jim Williams
This episode of Your Calling. Our Podcast. features Mr. Jim Williams. Jim is a graduate of Evangel University and a 2021 Tree of Honor recipient.
Sharon Wilkins
The first episode of the second season of Your Calling. Our Podcast. features Mrs. Sharon Wilkins. Sharon is a graduate of Evangel University, professor emeritus at Evangel University, and a 2021 Tree of Honor recipient.
Dr. John Easter
Dr. John Easter serves as the executive director of Africa’s Hope, where he leads the office overseeing the Assemblies of God’s educational teams and training initiatives in 46 out of 54 African countries. He is also the vice chancellor of Pan-Africa Theological Seminary and the executive director of the Association for Pentecostal Theological Education in Africa, a multidenominational association providing schools with accreditation service, faculty enrichment and scholarly publication. He also serves as an associate professor of intercultural studies at Evangel University and AGTS.John graduated from AGTS in 2011 with his doctorate in international studies. He began his studies at CBC and earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible in 1995. He also holds a master’s from Reformed Theological Seminary. John and his wife, Cheryl, have served 10 years in pastoral ministry and 20 as Assemblies of God missionaries.Speaking of his experience at AGTS, John said, “Because my knowledge grew and my skills were sharpened, I was able to make a more meaningful contribution to our organization, which has been personally and professionally rewarding.”
Dr. Steve Pulis
Dr. Steve Pulis has served as the Convoy of Hope Community Events Senior Director since 2014. “I advocate for compassion by turning the heart of the church towards the poor to deliver hope,” he explained. “I lead our team as we organize compassion outreach events connecting churches, organizations, and government agencies to serve the impoverished, suffering, and marginalized in the US.”Steve graduated from CBC in 1990 with a double-major in missions and Bible, as well as an A.A. in music. While there, he did an internship at Central Assembly in Springfield. Upon graduation, Steve was hired as the youngest youth pastor in Central’s history. His career includes church planting and 16 years in national leadership with Youth Alive and AG Youth Ministries. During those years, he earned a master’s degree from AGTS in 2006 and a Ph.D. in intercultural ministries from AGTS in 2014.Interestingly, since 2019, Steve has again served as youth and associate pastor at Central Assembly in Springfield, making him the youngest AND oldest youth pastor in that church’s history. He is married to Melissa Pulis, who serves Evangel as program and logistics coordinator for EU’s Center for Compassion — a partnership program with Convoy of Hope.
Kelsey Bardwell
Kelsey Bardwell is an attorney in general practice in Northern Arkansas, and currently serves as the managing partner of the Sprott, Golden, & Bardwell law firm in Harrison. She is active in her community where she volunteers with the Task Force on Race Relations and was recently appointed to the Arkansas Historic Preservation State Review Committee. In 2018, Kelsey was chosen as Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Star.Kelsey met her husband, Michael, on a summer service trip to Croatia with other Evangel, AGTS and CBC students. After graduation, they returned to her home state, where she earned her M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas in 2008, and her Juris Doctorate at the University of Arkansas School of Law (Fayetteville) in 2012.“Evangel placed me in an environment where I was able to thrive academically, but also spiritually,” she said. “I learned the importance of having a mentor and serving others, while also working hard.”
Dr. Rebecca Donaldson
Our guest for this episode is Dr. Rebecca Donaldson. Dr. Donaldson is a graduate of EU, twice, and lives in Springfield, MO. She is the principal of Weller Elementary school and recipient of the 2020 EU Distinguished Alum award. This episode is sponsored by Assemblies of God Credit Union, https://agcu.org/
Rev. Saehee Duran
In our first episode of the Evangel University podcast, Hector Cruz and Kate Alsup interview our 2020 CBC Outstanding Young Alum, Rev. Saehee Duran. Saehee is a graduate of Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. This episode is sponsored by Assemblies of God Credit Union, https://agcu.org/