Get to Know Our Academic Dean: Dr. Elsen Portugal

Meet the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Champion Christian College, Dr. Elsen Portugal!  Having taught music and church ministries courses at Champion for many years, Dr. Portugal assumed leadership for the academic department in the Fall of 2020.  He brought an impressive academic background to this position; he holds a master’s degree in music from the University of Central Arkansas and recently earned his Ph. D. from the B. H. Carroll Theological Institute.  His doctorate degree is in ethnodoxology, his special area of focus, which refers to the application of indigenous music and the arts in worship and missions.  

In addition to his academic prowess, Dr. Portugal has been involved in ministry for over three decades.  He served as a minister of music in New Jersey and Brazil, as a missionary in Germany for eleven years, as a foreign missions short-term leader, and as a professor and accompanist at National Park College, Champion Christian College, and Ouachita Baptist University.  Through such avenues as leading mission trips, writing, and directing workshops, Dr. Portugal and his wife, Michelle, continue their commitment to advance the cause of ethnodoxology in conjunction with the Global Ethnodoxology Network.  In their free time, Dr. and Michelle Portugal enjoy spending time with their four children and seven grandchildren.  

“I am blessed to be called to serve at Champion as the Chief Academic Officer,” Dr. Portugal states.  “From the academic department, I have the privilege of supporting teachers and students as they pursue academic excellence as well as helping the college maintain focus on its mission. I look forward with excitement toward the prospect of a growing college with a solid and faithful commitment to a Christian worldview and toward the development of a host of graduates who will impact the world for Christ.”