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Alumni

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Alumni Stories

Purpose Takes Shape Along The Way
Dr. Sarah Miller (’09, MSN ’10) never set out to become a university dean.
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,...
Following the Light: Dr. Brady Braatz’s Journey of Purpose
Dr. Brady Braatz, MNU chaplain, is leading students toward more purposeful lives.
Rachel Marlow’s Purposeful Journey from Student to Kansas Teacher of the Year
Each time Rachel Marlow (MEd ’15) enters her music classroom at Central Elementary in Olathe, she brings not...
Purpose Beyond Position
When Dr. Nancy Damron (’95, MEd ’98) first stepped onto MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus, she wasn’t sure what...
Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Justin Pickens Inspires Future Educators
When Justin Pickens (’10) stood before 300 high school students considering a career in education, he shared a...
MidAmerica Nazarene to Inaugurate Dr. Jon D. North as its Sixth President Nov. 18
MidAmerica Nazarene University is proud to announce the inauguration of Dr. Jon D. North as the sixth president...
Paying It Forward With Purpose
Apa Visinia, Jr. (’23, MBA ’25) is living out his purpose in a rewarding job that allows him...
Living His Purpose Through The Law
When Jerry Wallentine (’95) arrived at MidAmerica Nazarene University in 1991, he brought with him a deep Nazarene...
Purpose Continues in "Retirement"
Roxanne (Alexander ’81) Jones, RN, BSN, MA, never imagined her nursing career would take her around the world—and...

Legends

dr. and mrs. richard spindle

We offer a quarterly webinar in which we catch up with an MNU legend – someone who invested 15 or more years in service to students and the university and is now retired. 

Accent Magazine

Read about our new President and First Lady, Dr. Jon & Faith North; feature stories that demonstrate “Purposeful Lives Start Here”; Homecoming highlights; a brief recap of the Presidential Inauguration; and the latest news from our alums.

Alumni, please submit your news to Class Notes.

Births, adoptions, weddings, condolences, educational and career accomplishments, or good news, is of interest! Your submission will be reviewed, and upon approval, published in print or online, pending available space.

Events

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.
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.
We Love Alums Week
MNU Alumni & Friends Facebook and Instagram Pages
Mar 2, 2026 @ 7:00am
to Mar 6, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Join us March 2-6 for We Love Alums Week in telling the MNU story through your personal experience. Participation is free.
Nursing Open House
Cunningham Center - 2041 E Pioneer Blvd, Olathe, KS 66062
Mar 11, 2026 @ 3:00pm
to Mar 11, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Join us for our open house to get an overview of MNU's three unique BSN programs, our admission and prerequisite requirements and more.
PGS Education Virtual Information Meeting
Zoom
Mar 31, 2026 @ 4:30pm
to Feb 19, 2026 @ 6:00pm
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.
Presidents Honors 2026
Cook Center
Apr 10, 2026 @ 6:30pm
to Apr 10, 2026 @ 9:30pm
Join the MNU Foundation in celebrating God’s faithfulness, donor generosity, and all that makes MidAmerica Nazarene University’s mission worthy of unwavering, sacrificial support at the 2026 President's Honors.

Find A Job

If you are looking for a job or considering a pivot in your career, check out the MNU Office of Career & Workforce Development. You will have access to a great job board and other critical services.

Work At MNU

More than half of the MNU workforce are alumni! Pioneers can be found at every level and in almost every office across campus. Live out your purpose here at MNU and help us serve past, present, and future generations of Pioneers.

Professional Growth

We are invested in the growth and development of our alumni as professionals. We believe in helping alums “work in whatever you do with all your heart, as working for the Lord, rather than people” (Col. 3:23 NIV).

Here are some ways alumni can chart their professional growth:

Transcripts

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is this: “How do I get my transcript?” Employers often request transcripts to see what courses you took and how you did in the classes that are relevant to the position for which you are applying. You can order a digital copy of your transcript or have it sent to a third party by clicking the button below. The cost is minimal, and the order is usually completed the same day as the order, if all information is entered correctly and there are no holds on your record.

Gear

The MNU Alumni Office is working with the Pioneer Store on campus to develop a line of products exclusively for alumni. This “Pioneer for Life” product line features apparel, drink ware, headgear, and much more (even stickers)!

Check it out online and express your Pioneer Pride!

Yearbooks

As alums prepare for Homecoming they often reach for their college yearbooks. If you lost or misplaced a copy or copies, you can replace them in one of two ways:

If you or someone you know reside in the Kansas City area , stop by the Mabee Learning Commons and request your missing yearbook(s) free of charge.

Downloadables

Following are fun digital downloads to express your Pioneer Pride on your phone, tablet, or computer, as well as fun activities for future Pioneers:

Class Notes

Check out the latest news and updates on your classmates. Share what’s happening in your work and life. That’s what the Class Notes are about.

Alma Mater Song

In 1992, during MNU’s 25-year anniversary, Dr. Jerry Nelson was commissioned to write the University’s alma mater song and set the lyrics to a familiar tune.

FAQs

Get answers to your questions as an alum. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Navigate Your Alumni Journey

Engage more deeply in the life and mission of your alma mater. 

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.