Gerald L. Knutson, who served as Graceland’s tenth president from 1975-77, has passed away. Knutson was born in McLean, Texas, on June 8, 1929. He died on April 2, 2021.
Knutson graduated from Graceland in 1949. He obtained his B.S. in sociology and psychology in 1955, and his M.S. in education in 1956 from Central Missouri State University. Knutson completed his Ph.D. in educational psychology and measurement in 1968 from the University of Oklahoma.
Knutson was selected as Graceland’s president in April of 1975, succeeding Acting President Velma Ruch on July 1 of the same year. One month later, the board of trustees gave him the additional assignment of president of Park College (now Park University) in Parkville, Missouri, a position Knutson held for 18 months.
As president, Knutson helped develop and complete the fundraising campaign for the Roy A. Cheville Chapel, and assisted in the planning and groundbreaking ceremony for that building. Knutson also saw annual alumni contributions double during his administration.
Knutson was succeeded as president in 1977 by Frank Hough.
After leaving Graceland, Knutson was active in Community of Christ as an evangelist and worked in consulting and training for several companies.
Gerald Knutson married Audette Smoot in 1953. The daughter of Earl and Mildred Smoot, Audette was born near Eagle City, Oklahoma, on February 26, 1927. The couple eventually moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where Audette died on January 5, 2011.
The Graceland flag will fly at half-staff to honor him and his contributions to the university.
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
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Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
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Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
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Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
