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Presidential Inauguration

Presidential Inauguration Day

Tuesday, November 18 | 10 a.m.
College Church of the Nazarene | Main Worship Center

Welcome to a historic and joyous moment in the life of MidAmerica Nazarene University!

This special day marks an opportunity to celebrate our shared legacy, reflect on God’s faithfulness over the decades, and look forward with hope to the future under the leadership of Dr. Jon North as the 6th President of MNU.

The investiture ceremony will mark the official appointment of Dr. Jon North as MidAmerica Nazarene University’s 6th President.

Watch the Inauguration Online

Livestream starts at 10:00am

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Guest Information

Delegates

University Presidents/Representatives, Trustees, Faculty, Faculty Emeriti & Cabinet

  • Attire: Delegates are requested to provide their own academic regalia. Please secure personal items as there is no locked location provided.
  • Regalia/Robing: Check-in and robing will begin at 9:15 a.m. at Downhaus inside College Church of the Nazarene (signs posted).

Arrival and Parking

  • Location: The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the College Church of the Nazarene, Worship Center, 2020 E Sheridan St, Olathe, KS 66062.
  • Arrive Early: Parking and seating are first-come, first-served.
  • Parking:
    • Handicapped Parking: Available just north of the Vanderpool awning entrance, and additional spots just east of the Garrett Entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Please refer to map for detailed parking locations.
  • Shuttle Service: Cart drivers will monitor parking lots to deliver guests needing assistance to the entrances at no cost/tip charge.

Ceremony Etiquette/Attire

  • Cell Phones and Devices: Please silence or turn off all cell phones and personal electronic devices during the ceremony to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
  • Attire: Business casual.

Accessibility Accommodations

  • Recommended Entry (no steps): Vanderpool entrance.
  • Accessible Seating:
    • Handicapped/Wheelchair seating in Worship Center (available on a first-come, first-serve basis).
    • Guests are welcome to bring their own wheelchairs and assistive devices, as the university cannot provide them. Ushers will assist as needed.
  • Service Animals:
    • Only trained service animals or those in training are permitted. They must remain leashed or harnessed and rest in the seating area of their owner.
  • Alternate Seating: MNU reserves the right to assign seating in the lobby for streaming access.

Hotel Accommodations

MNU is pleased to offer reduced rates at several hotels in the Olathe area. Guests will be responsible for their room balance/additional lodging charges. Participating hotels offering rooms under MNU Inauguration Group Rate are listed below (room rates vary).

Rates are based on availability and all appropriate taxes and hotel fees. To guarantee a special rate, please book early and mention the “MidAmerica Nazarene University Inauguration” at the time the reservation is made.

To secure discount rate, rooms must be reserved by October 24.

Approx. 12 miles from College Church of the Nazarene

12440 Blue Valley Pkwy, Overland Park, KS 66213

913-338-3600

Ask for “MNU Inauguration Rate” 

Online Booking Link:

Book your group rate for MNU Presidential Inauguration

Cut-off Date for Booking: October 24, 2025

Approx. 5 miles from College Church of the Nazarene

10574 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061

Website: Four Points Olathe

Phone: 913-438-6666

Ask for “MNU Inauguration Rate” 

Cut-off Date for Booking: October 24, 2025

Approx. 6 miles from College Church of the Nazarene

10360 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061

Website: Holiday Inn Express Olathe West

Phone: 913-541-9999

Ask for “MNU Inauguration Rate” 

Cut-off Date for Booking: October 24, 2025

Additional Campus and Guest Services

Maps

Security & Emergency Services

  • MNU Campus Security will be on site during the event.

Lost & Found

  • Located at the Information Booth in Vanderpool Lobby until noon.
  • Items not reclaimed during the event will be forwarded to the MNU Campus Lost and Found in the Student Development Office (Cunningham Center, MNU Campus). Contact the Student Development Office at (913) 971-3297 for assistance.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to Inauguration@mnu.edu

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.

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