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Football Returns to NAIA Playoffs

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Pete Brumbaugh

Under the watchful eye of Paul Hansen, the fifth-year head coach of #13-ranked Pioneer Football, MNU is returning to postseason play. The Pioneers (9-1) leap-frogged conference rival and #12-ranked Baker University to earn a coveted first-round bye in the NAIA playoffs. 

“I’m very happy with the team and how we responded after our lone loss,” Hansen said. “To come back and win our ninth conference championship in program history is really a testament to all the players and coaches we’ve had here. I’m really proud of our seniors who helped lead this team to back-to-back conference championships.” 

The Pioneers were strong on offense and defense this year. Paced on offense by a balanced attack, quarterback Adrian Parsons threw 36 touchdown passes, while running backs Shawn Cherry and Cameron Finley combined for nearly 1,700 yards on the ground. Parsons’ favorite receiving targets were EJ Rogers (11 TDs), Aiyo’n Carter (8 TDs), and Myles Hymes (6 TDs). The Pioneers’ stout defense was led by Jon Brown (54 tackles), Calvin Broussard (6 sacks), and Max Webber (4 interceptions). 

At the writing of this article, MNU was awaiting the results of the first-round playoff games to learn who they will be facing.  

Both Soccer Programs Qualify for Nationals

Pioneer Women’s Soccer earned their first-ever conference title after winning the Heart conference tournament on the pitch of perennial powerhouse Central Methodist, 2-1. Sixth-year head coach Bryce McClanahan (’17) introduced a new formation, which paid dividends this year as Pioneers went 14-4-2 on their way to the national tournament. The Pioneers will face Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the opening round of the NAIA national tournament. 

As the defending NAIA national champions, the Pioneer Men’s Soccer team faced stiff competition all season, ending with a 9-5-4 record and an opening-round loss in the Heart Conference Tournament. MNU’s strength of schedule this year proved to clinch a 14th trip to the NAIA national tournament. The Pioneers will continue to defend their title in the opening round at home against Huntington (Ind.) University. 

Stay informed at mnusports.com.

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Jan
4
KCMTA - Multi Piano Concert 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
3:00 pm

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4:00 pm
Jan
5
Alumni Event: January 2026 Webinar
Online Webinar
7:00 pm

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8:00 pm
Jan
10
MNU Theatre | 24 Hour Play Festival
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
7:30 pm

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9:00 pm
Jan
16
MNU Improv 1/16
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
7:30 pm

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9:00 pm

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Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Southwest Baptist University Cooperative Program:

  • Preference points on application into a highly competitive program.
  • Mission alignment between Southwest Baptist University and MNU.

To qualify for the MNU & Southwest Baptist University Cooperative Program  students must:

  • Have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.
  • Complete the GRE
  • Complete the PT application through PTCAS
  • Provide documentation of 40 hours observation in physical therapy.
  • Complete selected prerequisite courses with a minimum of “C” and a 3.25 prerequisite GPA.

Your adviser will work with you to ensure that you take the required prerequisite courses to qualify for this program.

For additional information, contact Leigh Kreshel at lakreshel@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & K-State Cooperative Program:

  • Exposure to graduate-level courses not offered at MNU
  • Opportunity for an accelerated pathway for a master’s degree from K-State Olathe
  • Access to additional professional development resources offered through K-State

To qualify for program entry at MNU students must:

  • Be a junior or senior at MidAmerica Nazarene University
  • Be majoring in biology or similar field
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Have the recommendation of MNU faculty

To qualify for program entry at K-State students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 75 hours of undergraduate degree prior to applying for program
  • Complete a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate degree prior to attending K-State classes
  • Provide a short essay detailing why the student wants to participate in the advanced sciences program
  • Complete the application process

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.  For more information visit https://olathe.k-state.edu

For additional information, contact Jill Speicher at jspeicher@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

  • Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
  • Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
  • Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
  • The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

  • Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 28
  • Participate in community service
  • Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
  • Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

  • Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
  • Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
  • Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
  • Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
  • Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
    • Biological Sciences 12 hours
    • Chemistry 13 hours
    • Biochemistry 3 hours
    • Physics 8 hours
    • English Composition 6 hours

 

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed

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