Evangel University is the national university of arts, sciences and professions in Springfield, Missouri. Evangel College was renamed Evangel University on June 8, 1998. The campus sits on 80 acres (320,000 m) that were originally part of O'Reilly General Hospital. The first President of Evangel was Klaude Kendrick who served from 1955-1958. The late Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft, father of the 79th United States Attorney General John Ashcroft, was President of the University from 1958-1974. Dr. Robert H. Spence is the current President of the University, beginning his leadership in 1974. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation Council on Social Work Education, Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Evangel University has 10 academic departments, offering over 100 majors for undergraduates. There is also a Graduate Studies program and a Professional Studies program. Undergraduate departments include the following: Graduate programs include the following: Approximately 2000 students attend Evangel University.