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Draft:Michael Kolstad

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Michael Kolstad is an American academic administrator who serves as executive vice president and chief of staff at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.^[1]

Education

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Kolstad earned his Bachelor of Education degree from Evangel University in 1988. He later completed both his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of North Carolina.^[2]

Academic Career

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After completing his education, Kolstad returned to Evangel University in 1991 as a professor in the Music Department. During his tenure in the department, he founded and directed the university's first Jazz and Marching Bands. In 2007, he was appointed as Music Department chair.^[3]

Administrative Leadership

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In 2014, Kolstad transitioned to the role of vice president for university advancement. Under his leadership, the university experienced significant growth in donations, with total giving more than doubling and unrestricted giving increasing by over 600%.^[4] He led several successful capital campaigns, including:

Installation of a turf field for football and soccer Acquisition of a Steinway "D" grand piano valued at over $150,000 Implementation of the university's new mascot, Valor^[4]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Kolstad chaired the university's pandemic task force, coordinating response measures and collaborating with local officials and area university presidents.^[5]

In January 2022, Evangel University President Dr. Mike Rakes appointed Kolstad as chief of staff and executive vice president. In this role, he oversees daily university operations and works closely with the leadership team, cabinet members, and board of trustees.^[1]

Research and Scholarship

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Kolstad's doctoral dissertation focused on Leo Arnaud, the acclaimed trombonist, composer, and film musician known for composing the Olympics theme song. Through his research, Kolstad has become recognized as a leading authority on Arnaud's life and works.^[6]

Awards and Recognition

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  • 2023: Administrator of the Year, Assemblies of God Alliance for Christian Higher Education^[1]
  • 2022: Man of the Year, Springfield Business Journal^[7]
  • Previous recipient: 40 Under 40, Springfield Business Journal^[8]
  • Recipient: Orville and Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship, and Service, Evangel University^[3]

Community Involvement

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Kolstad has been actively involved in various community organizations, including:

  • Springfield Symphony
  • Springfield Regional Opera
  • Springfield Little Theater
  • Local Better Business Bureau chapter
  • Nixa Community Foundation Council^[3]

Personal Life

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Kolstad resides in Nixa, Missouri with his wife Paula. They have two adult children.^[3]

References

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  1. [1] "Dr. Michael Kolstad Named an Outstanding Administrator by Assemblies of God Alliance for Christian Higher Education". Evangel University. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  2. [2] "Dr. Michael Kolstad Biography". Evangel University. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  3. [3] "Current Leadership Team". Evangel University. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  4. [4] "Evangel University Annual Report 2020". Evangel University. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  5. [5] "Evangel University COVID-19 Response". Evangel University. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  6. [6] "Leo Arnaud (1904-1991): Trombonist, Composer, Film Musician: A Biographical Sketch and Catalogue of Musical Works". Olympics Library. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  7. [7] "2022 Men of the Year: Michael Kolstad". Springfield Business Journal. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  8. [8] "Current Crop of 40 Under 40 Announced". Springfield Business Journal. Retrieved 2024-02-11.