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MNU Jazz Ensemble | Jazz-a-Que 2026

saxophone player

We’re excited to announce our annual Jazz-a-Que at MidAmerica Nazarene University on Saturday, April 18, featuring the MNU Jazz Ensemble. A barbeque meal will accompany the entertainment, with proceeds supporting our instrumental music program.

MAX Improv 4/16

MNU Improv Team

The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!

MNU Improv 2/28

MNU Improv Team

The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!

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 | Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte's web promo with pig and spider drawing

Watch this beloved children’s novel by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette come to life on the stage. Featuring all your favorite characters, Charlotte’s Web will be a heart-warming performance enjoyable for the whole family! The Sunderland Black Box Theatre will be transformed into a barnyard where you can watch Wilbur and Charlotte’s story unfold.

MNU Theatre | Theatre Cabaret

Theatre Cabaret - yellow text on marron background

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

Red background and photo of choir performing

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.

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.