Mike Rakes

Mike Rakes is an American pastor, educator and academic administrator. He is the fifth and current president of Evangel University.[1] Rakes became Evangel's president in July 2021,[2] taking over responsibilities from George O. Wood, who served as interim president after Carol Taylor retired in November 2020.[3]

Mike Rakes
NationalityAmerican
Alma materCentral Bible College
Biola University
Southeastern University (Florida)
Dr. Mike and Darla Rakes at Evangel University.

Early life and education

Rakes graduated with a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministries from Central Bible College in 1985 and a master's degree in Biblical Literature from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 1993. He received a Master of Divinity in 1997 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2000 from Biola University.[1]

Career

Rakes started his career in higher education in 1993 as a faculty member at Southeastern University, an Assemblies of God institution and became the school's vice president for student development in 2000.[4]

While serving as Pastor at Winston-Salem First Assembly of God,[5] Rakes established Bridges Christian College in 2011 and served as president until 2015.[6] The school is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and prepares students for full-time ministry serving as a precursor to a seminary education.

Beginning in 2013, Rakes served on the board of trustees at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[7] He resigned when he became a finalist for Evangel University president.[4]

Publications
  • 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

Personal life

Rakes is married to Darla Rakes. The couple's daughter, died in 2019 from a rare form of blood cancer.[8]

References
  1. "Evangel University selects new president". Evangel University. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  2. Staff, KY3 (11 July 2021). "Evangel University selects Dr. Mike Rakes as new president". ky3.com. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  3. Riley, Claudette. "Evangel President Carol Taylor to retire; university to launch national search". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  4. "Executive Insider: Mike Rakes: Evangel University's new president takes the reins". Springfield Business Journal. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  5. King, Steve (2019-01-29). "Christian school parents, students voice disapproval with church over upcoming stoppage of funding". WXII. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  6. "History". Bridges Christian College. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
  7. Whole Leaders For The Whole World, retrieved 2022-06-24
  8. "Rakes Working to Set Evangel Apart". PENews. 2022-01-05. Retrieved 2022-06-24.
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