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News Category: Accent

MNU Researchers Target Threat to Bees

James Mwihaki and Aidan Thomas working in the lab with honeybee and varroa mite dna samples.

With guidance from the Barkman Endowed Professor of Science, Dr. Rion Taylor, they are sequencing the metagenome of honeybee hives to learn how to protect these vital pollinators from one of their deadliest threats: Varroa destructor mites.

Student Perspectives As Dr. Spittal Bids Farewell

Donna and David Spittal by the MNU Welcome Home chair on the MNU campus mall, Aug 2020

Dr. David Spittal assumed MNU’s presidency in 2012 and has become an integral part of many lives through his 13 years of involvement and care for the campus and community. His leadership, participation, and humor have endeared him to the campus over the years, leaving a lasting impression. As Dr. Spittal’s time as president at MNU comes to a close, we asked several students to reflect on his impact both personally and throughout the school.

Archival History, Artifacts Serve Greater Good

Lon Dagley with MNU history students

Nestled on the second floor of the Mabee Learning Commons, the Marge Smith Archives serves as a bridge between the past and present, preserving the rich history of MNU for future generations.

MNU’s Next Goldwater Scholar: Alexandra Cummins

Alexandra Cummins, Goldwater Scholar

Alexandra (Alex) Cummins is MNU’s second-ever Goldwater Scholar. The honor, which includes a scholarship organized by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, is the most prestigious national award recognizing undergraduates.

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.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

  • Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
  • Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
  • Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
  • The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

  • Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 28
  • Participate in community service
  • Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
  • Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

  • Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
  • Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
  • Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
  • Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
  • Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
    • Biological Sciences 12 hours
    • Chemistry 13 hours
    • Biochemistry 3 hours
    • Physics 8 hours
    • English Composition 6 hours

 

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed

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