MNU broke ground on the $12 million Copeland Athletic Complex September 20, 2023. Hundreds joined to celebrate where construction begins in October. City of Olathe officials, MNU leadership, campaign leadership and more than 200 athletes cheered as the first shovels were turned.












The priority now is to construct an integrated athletic complex that will enhance the student-athlete experience and bring Pioneer Football, Cross-Country, and Track & Field competitions back to campus. Addressing these needs will serve as an investment in our student-athletes as they pursue an education impacting both hearts and minds.
Dr. Jon North, Vice President of University Advancement
We desire to grow our investment in faculty, top-quality academic programs and relevant, real-world tools. Through our active role and your continued investment into the lives of our students and faculty, the future looks bright.
By building new facilities, we enhance our capacity to serve more students in the future. Through reinvestment in existing facilities, we ensure that our campus is more functional, welcoming, and environmentally responsible.
Growing university support ultimately increases the number of students who can attend MNU and enhances the quality of their experience in meaningful and memorable ways.
Plans for the Copeland athletic complex include a new football stadium, track and practice field, and expanded locker rooms and team meeting space. The stadium will include a state-of-the-art press box, locker rooms, concessions and promenade. The architect for the project is PGAV Architects. The complex will be built by Huber Construction.
2030 E. College Way
Olathe, KS 66062-1899







PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale UniversityÂ
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale UniversityÂ
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.