MidAmerica Nazarene University has named Kristin Steele as head volleyball coach. She will join MNU later this summer. The announcement was made July 2 by MNU President Ed Robinson.

Steele previously was head volleyball coach at Redlands Community College, El Reno, Okla. The 2009 Redlands Cougars finished the season at 26-8, and were ranked in the nation's top 20 every week of the season. During her career there, Steele led the Cougars to numerous district, regional and national tournament appearances, and helped Redlands produce NJCAA All-Americans and Distinguished Academic All-Americans.

In addition to coaching, Steele has served as the NJCAA Region II Women's Director s since 2004.

Kristin Steele earned a B.S. in Education and an M.Ed. from University of Central Oklahoma. She was a student-athlete in volleyball at UCO, gaining All Conference and Honorable Mention Academic All Conference honors during her career. She was inducted into UCO's Hall of Fame in 2008.

"Kristin's experience, her commitment to Christ, and her ability to use collegiate athletics as an opportunity to help young women grow in faith and character, make Kristin well-suited for a servant's role in Pioneer Athletics," says MNU's Ed Robinson.

For more information on MNU Athletics, go to www.mnusports.com.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is a comprehensive liberal arts university offering more than 40 undergraduate majors and selected professional and graduate degrees. MidAmerica Nazarene University seeks to transform the individual through intellectual, spiritual, and personal development for a life of service to God, the church, the nation and the world.

 

 

The Summer 2010 issue of Accent Magazine has been mailed to alumni, friends and donors of MidAmerica Nazarene University. The magazine is available in a "flip book" technology on the Alumni Relations section of the MNU web site. Go to the Alumni Relations site, or click on Summer 2010 Accent. PDF copies of the magazine may be downloaded from this site or the online magazine can be sent to others.

Accent Summer 2010 includes a feature article on the construction of the health clinic in Patanatic, Guatemala. MNU students led an initiative to raise $50,000, which was achieved in May, 2010. Also included is a recap of the 2010 commencement.

Other articles included in the Spring 2010 issue:

• A profile on New Testament scholar Dean Flemming, who was a visiting professor at MNU
• The renaming of MNU's baseball facility in honor of the Walter and Sharlyn Dixon family.
• Introduction of Kevin Garber, MNU director of Alumni Relations
• Updates and outlook for MNU athletics

Accent magazine is published by MidAmerica Nazarene University three times per year, and mailed free to alumni, friends and supporters.

Phone: (913) 971-3586
Alumni News: accent@mnu.edu

Address changes to:
Accent Magazine
MidAmerica Nazarene University
2030 E. College Way
Olathe KS 66062-1899

MNU Head Softball Coach Steve Babinski was named the Midwest Region Coach of the year by the National Fast pitch Coaches Association. NFCA announced its honorees June 28, 2010.

Babinski led the Pioneers to a 46-8 record, claiming Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season and post-season championships. The 2010 team competed in the NAIA national softball tournament for the first time in MNU's history.

"This was a remarkable year, with all the makings of a dream season. It was really hard for it to end and close the books on such an amazing season," says Babinski.

This is Coach Babinski's first NFCA Region Coach of the Year honor. In 2006 he was named the HAAC Coach of the Year and the NAIA Region 5 Coach of the year. The NFCA regions are larger and comprise a greater number of schools. There are five Regions and the Midwest Region has 50 colleges and universities.

"I feel very blessed to be voted for such an elite award," says Babinski. "God has blessed our hard work, our talent, and our pursuit of excellence and we give Him all the glory."

Babinski is one of the five 2010 Region Coaches of the Year. The NFCA will now choose one of these five coaches as the 2010 NFCA National Coach of the Year.

For more information on MNU athletics, go to www.mnusports.com.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is a comprehensive, private, liberal arts university offering more than 40 undergraduate and selected professional and graduate degrees. MNU seeks to transform the individual through intellectual, spiritual, and personal development for a life of service to God, the church, the nation and the world.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2010

MNU Names Bruce Oldham as Dean of School of Christian Ministry and Formation

MidAmerica Nazarene University today announced the appointment of Dr. Bruce Oldham as Dean of the new School of Christian Ministry and Formation. The appointment culminated an extensive search process involving faculty, trustees, administrators, students, and regional clergy. Oldham, an experienced minister, teacher, and administrator, will begin his responsibilities at MNU this summer.

Dr. Oldham currently serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he is also a professor in MVNU’s School of Theology and Philosophy. Previous to his current position, Oldham served as instructional faculty and department chair for Christian Education, Executive Assistant to the President, Assistant to the President for Church Relations, and Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment. He holds degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University and Vanderbilt University. He also engaged in graduate studies at Nazarene Theological Seminary and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

An ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, Oldham has broad pastoral experience in congregations in Nashville, Tenn.,Winter Haven, Fla., Birmingham Ala.,  and Gallatin, Tenn.

In addition to his local church experience, Oldham worked as a staff member for NYI Ministries. He also served on the Nazarene Youth International General Council for several years and closed his tenure on the council as the organization’s President. Dr. Oldham’s ministry has taken him around the world, across cultures, and between generations.

“I have enjoyed my administrative roles and teaching assignments, particularly as each has allowed me to interact with students and to train future church leaders,” Oldham said.

Oldham and his wife, Peggy, reside in Mount Vernon, Ohio. They have two adult children, Scott, in Nashville, and Lindsay, in Mount Vernon.

MNU is a private, liberal arts, Christian university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees. MNU’s undergraduate offerings include more than 40 majors, and its adult and graduate programs feature bachelor’s completion degrees, and master’s degrees covering business, counseling, education, and nursing. MNU also provides a RN to BSN program and a master’s level Certificate in Play Therapy.

MidAmerica Nazarene University has released its 2009 Annual Report.

For the first time, MNU's annual report was produced as a flash-based web site, located at www.mnu.edu/annualreport. The report includes features such as a video welcome from Dr. Ed Robinson, MNU president, 2009 giving totals and other financials, lists of donors, and video vignettes from MNU students, alumni, and donors.

"The Annual Report provides the opportunity to give thanks and a chance to reflect on God's faithfulness during the past year," says Jason S. Drummond, Vice President for University Advancement.

The University's decision to place information in a web site format rather than produce a printed annual report was based on MNU's continuing effort to be efficient with resources and to assist with "going green" initiatives.

"The web format we chose was designed to be a framework that we can use for multiple years, and this function adds to the efficiency of this decision," Drummond says.

MNU alumni, donors and friends who have questions about the annual report should contact University Advancement by calling (913) 971-3280 or sending e-mail to mlsmith@mnu.edu.

 

“Today is an exciting moment in the history of MNU Women’s Basketball,” says MNU Director of Athletics Kevin Steele. “Karen Lange brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm that will enable us to take the next step towards excellence in our program. We are delighted to have her join our MNU family of coaches and look forward to working with her as we work together towards creating champions.”

Lange, who moved into the role of recruiting coordinator at Virginia Tech in 2003-04, made the transition from player to coach after a standout career at the University of Iowa. In her time as the Hawkeyes' point guard, Lange received All-Big Ten Conference and Academic All-Conference honors, in addition to helping lead Iowa to an appearance in the NCAA Final Four in 1993. She was also part of Iowa's 1994 Second Round appearance, and 1996 Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Lange's coaching accomplishments include several NCAA Tournament appearances with Virginia Tech:

• 2004 Second Round
• 2003 Second Round
• 2001 Second Round
• 1999 Sweet Sixteen
• 1998 Second Round

“I am excited and looking forward to taking over the head coaching responsibilities at MidAmerica Nazarene University where there has always been a great basketball tradition,” says Lange. “It is my goal to not only continue and advance the winning tradition of the basketball program, but to also foster the growth of our players as young women. Finally, it will be very important to me to serve MNU and represent its values as I feel my purpose is to help our young women grow spiritually.”

A native of Raleigh, N.C., Lange received her bachelor's degree in exercise science from Iowa in 1996. She is married to Cory Lange and the couple has a daughter, Ashlyn (4), and a son Ty (1).

Coach Lange was introduced Wednesday, Marach 31, 2010, at a noon press conference at the Allega Room in the Cook Center on the campus of MNU.

The Spring 2010 issue of Accent Magazine has been mailed to alumni, friends and donors of MidAmerica Nazarene University. The magazine is available in a "flip book" technology on the Alumni Relations section of the MNU web site. Go to the Alumni Relations site, or click on Spring 2010 Accent. PDF copies of the magazine may be downloaded from this site.

The Spring magazine includes a feature article on the development and achievements of the university's Nursing Programs, which received a $100,000 grant for nursing scholarships from the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. MNU nursing recently launched an Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program, in addition to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing options and its RN to BSN program.

Other articles included in the Spring 2010 issue:

• Construction begins on the medical clinic in Guatemala, the 2009-10 "Passion to Serve" initiative
• New web form for referring prospective students to MNU
• Goals and progress for the University Fund that continues through April 1
• The profile of MNU included in the Kansas City Business Journal in January
• MNU contributions to Haitian earthquake relief
• Updates and outlook for MNU athletics

Accent magazine is published by MidAmerica Nazarene University three times per year, and mailed free to alumni, friends and supporters.

Phone: (913) 971-3586
Alumni News: accent@mnu.edu

Address changes to:
Accent Magazine
MidAmerica Nazarene University
2030 E. College Way
Olathe KS 66062-1899

Alumnus Kevin Garber has been named director of alumni relations for MidAmerica Nazarene University, effective April 1, according to Dr. Ed Robinson, president. The Baldwin City, Kan., resident and business owner brings more than 20 years experience in sales, event planning, and program development to the position.

Garber sees his new position as friend raising for MNU.

“I envision myself as the friendly face of MNU to thousands of alumni,” Garber says. “Being a business owner has given me a broad perspective, and that will help me relate with alums. My goal is to be very visible and connected to people, developing and nurturing relationships with alums around the world.”

Garber is active in both the Baldwin City and Olathe Chamber of Commerce. He is the owner of Three Sisters Inn Bed & Breakfast and KSK Products & Photography Services in Baldwin City. Previously Garber was senior sales representative for Taylor Publishing Company and served three years at MNU as director of conference services. His experience includes providing event planning and coordination for the Church of the Nazarene as the Kansas City District Coordinator for Nazarene Youth Conference, a quadrennial international event, and for the Global Ministry Center of the Church of the Nazarene’s 2009 Nazarene Missions International quadrennial conference.

Active in a number of organizations, Garber has served as a board member and treasurer for the Kansas City Urban Youth Center, and the Kansas City District Youth Council. He has also been a member of the Kansas City District Church of the Nazarene Advisory Board and the Kansas City District Nazarene Youth International Camp Board. He is an active member and volunteer at Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kan.

An alumnus of MNU, Garber graduated with a B.A. in management and accounting in 1989. Since graduation he has volunteered with MNU’s Autumn Auction and Homecoming, among other events, and has served as a Board of Trustees member. As a student at MNU, Garber was yearbook editor, senior class president and a member of Heritage Choir.

“Kevin’s enthusiasm for MNU is infectious,” says Jason Drummond, vice president for university advancement. “He has been promoting MNU since he was a student and he has never stopped. We are delighted to have him on the team.”

Garber and his wife Shawna, an alumnus of the MNU class of 1995, have two sons, Matthew and Michael.

MidAmerica Nazarene University, founded in 1966, is a private, liberal arts university offering more than 40 undergraduate degrees and adult degree completion, as well as five professional graduate degrees in business, education, and counseling, and a post-graduate certificate in play therapy. In Fall 2009, MNU adopted its Priority initiative, emphasizing enhanced facilities and increased capacity for undergraduate and graduate students. MNU is located on a 105-acre campus in Olathe, Kan., and operates a location in Liberty, Mo., for adult and graduate programs. MNU is the home to Bell Cultural Events Center, Olathe’s premiere venue for fine arts performances.

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General Information: www.mnu.edu

MNU facts:

• MNU enrolled more than 1,750 students last fall.
• Although more than 33% of MNU students are of the Nazarene denomination, more than 30 other denominations are represented in the student body.
• MNU has offered innovative, accelerated adult degree completion and graduate programs for more than 20 years.
• MNU grants approximately 20 Associate of Arts degrees and more than 400 bachelor’s and graduate degrees yearly.
• The yearly economic impact of the University is more than $50 million, not including expenditures by students and campus visitors.

 

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More Information:
Michael Johnson
(913) 971-3584
mljohnson@mnu.edu

 

For the fourth-straight year, a MNU basketball player has been named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Senior guard. Brenton Bell joins Adam Hepker (2007, 2008) and Danny Hawkins (2009) as the 2010 recipient of the conference award.

In women’s basketball, for the fourth time in five years, a MNU player also was named HAAC Player of the Year. Senior Bethany Rexroth joins Jenna Matson (2006, 2007, 2008) in receiving the award.

Bell, an Olathe native, led the Pioneers in scoring (21.2 points per game), assists (3.97), steals (1.93), and blocks (0.73).

Rexroth, from Lenexa, averaged 18.6 points per game (2nd in HAAC), 9.1 rebounds (3rd), and 3.0 blocks (1st) per game. Her blocked shot numbers ranks her sixth in the nation. She was named NAIA National Player of the Week twice in the 2009-10 season and also was HAAC Player of the Week three times.

More information on MNU Athletics at www.mnusports.com

 

The International Church of the Nazarene has announced though Nazarene Compassionate Ministries a way for people and individual churches can help in Haiti.

Donation for Haiti Earthquake Relief can be made online via a secure server via Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at www.ncm.org.

Checks can be marked "Caribbean Disaster Response ACM1204 "and mailed to
Global Treasury Services
PO Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184.

MidAmerica Nazarene University, through its ServiceCorps initiative, is partnering with Heart to Heart International to assist in the Haiti earthquake crisis. In addition to donating the money already designated for Haiti, the cam will be collecting Crisis Care Kits.  You can contribute to these kits two ways:

1.       Complete a Crisis Care kit. Get together with your
division/school, friends, co-workers, etc. to create a complete kit. Check
out this link for EXACT instructions on what can/cannot go into a kit.
http://www.hearttoheart.org/PDF/CareKitSheet.pdf

2.       You may donate individual supplies for the kits: (All supplies
must be new.)

• hand towels
• washcloths
• wide-tooth combs
• small bottles of shampoo
• new individually wrapped toothbrushs
• travel size tubes of toothpaste
• adhesive bandages
• individually wrapped bath size bars of soap
• plastic travel soap dishes
• one-gallon size zipper seal bags

"If you choose to donate individual supplies, please bring them by the MNU
ServiceCorps Office in Campus Center by Friday, Jan. 29," says Alison
Weinstock ServiceCorp coordinator. "It's important we not add any other
items, because the contents of these kits have already been approved for
customs clearance."

For More Information on "Care Kits"
Alison Weinstock
MNU Service Corps
mnuservicecorps1@mnu.edu
(913) 971-3541