The family of retired Evangel University President Dr. Robert Spence is asking for prayers after Spence suffered a stroke on Sunday.

The long-time educator is in the hospital less than a week after receiving the “Key to the City” at a ceremony in Springfield.

Spence retired from Evangel in 2014 after 40 years of service to the community.

The city of Springfield released this statement Monday morning: 

Mayor Ken McClure and the City of Springfield send the prayers of the entire community to Dr. Robert Spence and his family.

As a testament to his service to the community, the City recently presented him with the Key to the City on February 10.

We also send our love to Dr. Spence’s Evangel University family.

He served over 40 years at Evangel, guiding the transformation of the higher education institution into a state-of-the-art university.

Here’s the release from the university:

The family of Robert H. Spence, retired president of Evangel University in Springfield, MO, regrets to inform the community that Dr. Spence suffered an incapacitating stroke on Sunday, February 16.

 At this time, the family requests there be no visitors. He is receiving excellent medical care through Cox Medical System, where he served on the board of directors for 35 years, and is currently an emeritus board member.

Well-wishers are simply asked for their prayers.

Questions may be addressed through Paul K. Logsdon.