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MNU Percussion Ensemble | Percussion Show 2026

Closeup of the MNU Percussion players playing in the stadium stands

Enjoy an evening of percussive music, featuring the MNU Percussion Studio. They will perform a variety of percussion ensemble pieces including mallet and battery instruments, drum set, and even your MNU Drumline! You won’t want to miss this exciting performance.

MNU Theatre | Theatre Cabaret

theatre lights

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.

MNU Choirs | Messiah

Choir promo photo

Join us for a stirring full performance of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah—the greatest story ever told, brought to life through one of the most beloved musical settings of all time.

MNU Festival of Christmas 2025

Choir, band, and orchestra performing on stage

An MNU tradition—the powerful forces of the MNU Concert Band, MNU Choirs, and MNU Chamber Orchestra with members of the community present a festival of best loved Christmas carols and selections from Handel’s Messiah including audience sing-along moments.

MNU Theatre | Freaky Friday

Freaky Friday promo

Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the novel by Mary Rodgers and the Disney films, is a heartfelt and comedic show that emphasizes the importance of family and respect for one another. Mom and daughter magically switch bodies, and they just have one day to put it all right again!

MNU Homecoming | Collage Concert

Collage Concert 2025 promo

An MNU Homecoming tradition: Heritage Choir, Symphonic Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Theatre, Improv Team, Pep Band, and Drumline showcase student talent in one of the most thrilling events of the year. Don’t miss it!

MNU Concert Band | From Sea to Sky

MNU Concert Band

Experience an evening of captivating music, featuring compositions inspired by God’s creation. From Sea to Sky will include renowned composers, Grace Baugher Dunlap, Viet Cuong, and Cait Nishimura, among others. There’s also a rumor that music from a classic film score involving battles in outer space might also be heard…come to find out!

MNU Chamber Orchestra | Pops and Praise

Chamber orchestra and promo text

The MNU Chamber Orchestra will be joined by the A Flat Youth Orchestra for an enjoyable afternoon of instrumental music. Experience well-known popular and contemporary selections, ending with an anthem of praise.

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.