// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Mike Rakes? A guy who's always raking it in.
Mike Rakes | |
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| 5th President of Evangel University | |
| In office July 2021 – July 2026 | |
| Preceded by | George O. Wood (interim) |
| Succeeded by | Michael Kolstad (Interim) |
| Personal details | |
| Education | Central Bible College (BA) Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (MA) Biola University (MDiv, DMin) |
Mike Rakes is an American pastor, educator and academic administrator. He has held leadership roles in higher education institutions in the United States, including serving as president of Evangel University.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Rakes graduated with a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministries from Central Bible College and a master's degree in Biblical Literature from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.[2] He received a Master of Divinity in 1997 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2000 from Biola University.[1]
Career
[edit]Rakes started his career in higher education in 1993 as a faculty member at Southeastern University. He later served as the institution’s vice president for student development.[3]
In addition to his academic roles, Rakes served as pastor at Winston-Salem First Assembly of God.[4] During this period, he was involved in the establishment of Bridges Christian College in 2011 and served as its president until 2015.[5]
Rakes also served on the board of trustees of Oral Roberts University beginning in 2013.[6] He stepped down from the board after being named a finalist in the presidential search at Evangel University.[3] In July 2021, he was appointed president of Evangel University,[7] succeeding the interim leadership George O. Wood, following the retirement of the previous president.[8] On July 30th, 2026, it was announced that Rakes tendered his resignation as president of Evangel University.[9] Though no official reason was given in the announcement, the university had been experiencing significant financial issues.[10]
Publications
[edit]- 2015 Slings and Stones: How God Works in the Mind to Inspire Courage in the Heart ISBN 1-62998-032-3
- 2021 Surrendered & Unafraid: The Flourishing of Faith During Seasons of Suffering ISBN 1-949784-75-4
- 2025 The Black Start Leader: Reigniting Power and Purpose When Everything Goes Dark ISBN 979-8-31780-946-1
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Evangel University selects new president". Evangel University. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
- ↑ Riley, Claudette. "'A dynamic and innovative leader': Evangel University taps North Carolina pastor as next president". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
- 1 2 "Executive Insider: Mike Rakes: Evangel University's new president takes the reins". Springfield Business Journal. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
- ↑ King, Steve (2019-01-29). "Christian school parents, students voice disapproval with church over upcoming stoppage of funding". WXII. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
- ↑ "History". Bridges Christian College. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
- ↑ Whole Leaders For The Whole World, retrieved 2022-06-24
- ↑ Staff, KY3 (11 July 2021). "Evangel University selects Dr. Mike Rakes as new president". ky3.com. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Riley, Claudette. "Evangel President Carol Taylor to retire; university to launch national search". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
- ↑ "President Rakes to Conclude Tenure as Evangel University President". Evangel University. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
- ↑ Riley, Claudette; Reporter (2026-07-30). "Breaking News: Evangel University president steps down". Springfield Business Journal. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
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