MIKE KOFAHL - MARKETING
SOutheastern Grad Uses business training to market music

Southeastern 2003 graduate Mike Kofahl is a contemporary Christian singer who majored in marketing at the university. Kofahl, 26, of Nashville, is part of the vocal group Genesis Road, which signed a deal to produce three songs with prominent Christian music producer Bernie Herms.

Kofahl says his marketing degree at Southeastern has been instrumental to his group’s burgeoning success in the music industry. It has enabled the group to market itself, negotiate contracts, and represent itself publicly. Kofahl’s business study at Southeastern also has helped Kofahl understand the financial investment of record companies into music groups and what the groups and companies can expect in return.

Kofahl said classes with a Southeastern marketing professor were useful because they helped him and other students understand business and formulate creative ways to gain exposure in any industry. The professor also presented information in ways that demonstrated its practical usage. Southeastern business professors taught Kofahl the importance of not only being business minded, but ethical. They also taught him that if he keeps God at the center of his business, he will be successful.

In addition to teaching him about business and the importance of keeping God first, Kofahl said Southeastern business professors ministered to him in other ways. One professor played a dual role as teacher and friend, said Kofahl, explaining that he could talk to him about personal concerns. “[He] was a real friend to me and his (other) students,” he said. Finance professor Dr. Lyle Bowlin served as a role model to Kofahl, who was impressed by Dr. Bowlin’s intelligence and godliness. Dr. Bowlin gave students insight to help them implement their ideas, said Kofahl, and he always stressed the importance of walking closely with God.

Kofahl also gained performance experience and future musical partners at Southeastern. Kofahl sang as part of Worship Choir and the touring groups Charisma and Southeastern Singers. As a member of Charisma, Kofahl traveled weekly to perform, often representing Southeastern with university president Dr. Mark Rutland. Kofahl met Southeastern graduate Ben Greene and former Southeastern chapel worship leader Tony Lebron while at the university; these men are the other two members of Genesis Road.

Perhaps most importantly, Kofahl has learned that in order to be his best for the Lord and his audiences, he must seek God daily. And that part of his education, said Kofahl, he learned in chapel at Southeastern.