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News & Events

Welcome to the energy and excitement that is MidAmerica Nazarene University!

Latest News

MNU Announces Steve Jin as Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications
MidAmerica Nazarene University is pleased to welcome Steve Jin as vice president of enrollment, marketing & communications.
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Against the Clock at MNU’s 24-Hour Theatre Festival 
A firsthand look at theatre students racing the clock to create and produce a 15-minute production.
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Purpose Takes Shape Along The Way
Dr. Sarah Miller (’09, MSN ’10) never set out to become a university dean.
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Dr. Ron Jackson Revs Up to Fill Church Relations Role
Dr. Ron Jackson accepted the call to become assistant to the president for church relations in September.
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A Caring Welcome: Introducing MNU’s New First Lady, Faith North 
When Faith (Palmer ’92) North stepped onto MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus as a student in the late 1980s,...
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Following the Light: Dr. Brady Braatz’s Journey of Purpose
Dr. Brady Braatz, MNU chaplain, is leading students toward more purposeful lives.
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Contact MNU staff, and learn about the University.

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Cover of the Fall 2025 issue of ACCENT Magazine, featuring University President Dr. Jon North in a blue suite in front of a dark wood panel background
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Upcoming Events

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MNU’s 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration
College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 E. Sheridan, Olathe, Kansas
Jan 20, 2026 @ 9:30am
You’re invited to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during our Gathering Chapel, at College Church of the Nazarene
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January Virtual College Affordability Seminar
Online
Jan 24, 2026 @ 10:00am
to Jan 24, 2026 @ 11:00am
Are you a parent or student wondering how best to navigate the college financial aid process? Join our admissions staff for our Virtual Financial Aid Seminar, where you will be provided with tools for college financial planning.
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MNU Family Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City, KS
Jan 30, 2026 @ 3:00pm
to Jan 31, 2026 @ 11:00am
Got cabin fever in your house? Consider giving your family a slice of summer in the middle of winter during MNU Family Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge.
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Olathe's Got Talent 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Jan 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm
to Jan 31, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Olathe’s Got Talent is designed for individual students who want to showcase their talent in a local talent competition. Over $11,000 in scholarships to be awarded by local businesses. Two special scholarships may be available through JCCC and/or MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) for students with an interest in attending those institutions.
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February Virtual College Affordability Seminar
Online
Feb 7, 2026 @ 10:00am
to Feb 7, 2026 @ 11:00am
Are you a parent or student wondering how best to navigate the college financial aid process? Join our admissions staff for our Virtual Financial Aid Seminar, where you will be provided with tools for college financial planning.
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PGS Education Virtual Information Meeting
Zoom
Feb 19, 2026 @ 5:45pm
to Feb 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Join us for an online informational event designed for individuals who want to become licensed teachers, with opportunities to also learn about advanced study for currently licensed educators.
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MNU Theatre | Theatre Cabaret
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Feb 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Feb 21, 2026 @ 9:45pm
This special performance is only presented every four years so don’t miss it! Our Theatre Cabaret features solos, duets, monologues, scenes, dance, and group numbers selected from many different plays and musicals. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our amazing students varied talents and see a wide range of material.
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Performing Arts Preview
Bell Cultural Events Center
Feb 20, 2026 @ 3:00pm
to Feb 20, 2026 @ 9:00pm
If you're interested in MNU band, theatre, choir, or worship arts, this preview day is for YOU! Take an in-depth tour of our Performing Arts facilities, sit on rehearsals, enjoy dinner with current performing arts students, and meet our faculty and directors.
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MNU Improv 2/28
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
Feb 28, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Feb 28, 2026 @ 9:00pm
The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!
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MNU Chamber Orchestra | A New Beginning
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Mar 1, 2026 @ 3:30pm
to Mar 1, 2026 @ 4:30pm
MNU’s Chamber Orchestra will feature the winner of our 1st annual concerto competition in a joint concert with the Olathe Community Orchestra.
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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.

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