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News Category: PLSH Alumni

Purposeful Lives Alumni Profiles

A Purpose-Driven Path to Justice

Andrew Speicher photo

Andrew Speicher (’98) lives out MNU’s mission daily as a husband, father, attorney, and community leader. His faith journey began at church camp, where he committed his life to Christ—a decision that shaped his education and led him to MNU.

Paying It Forward With Purpose

headshot of Apa Visinia in 2023 posing next to the "Trust God" brick in Cunningham Center at MNU.

Apa Visinia, Jr. (’23, MBA ’25) is living out his purpose in a rewarding job that allows him to help those who are in the same situation he once experienced.

Living His Purpose Through The Law

headshot of Jerry Wallentine

When Jerry Wallentine (’95) arrived at MidAmerica Nazarene University in 1991, he brought with him a deep Nazarene heritage, a football scholarship, and a willingness to immerse himself in campus life.

Purpose Continues in “Retirement”

headshot of Roxanne Jones

Roxanne (Alexander ’81) Jones, RN, BSN, MA, never imagined her nursing career would take her around the world—and back again. When she transferred to Mid-America Nazarene College (now MNU) in 1978, it was a decision born of homesickness and faith.

Purpose Leads Alum Back to MNU

Jared Kellum in MNU SIM lab talking with three female students.

Growing up on MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus, Jared Kellum (’16, ABSN ’19, MSN ’25) always felt at home among the brick paths and friendly faces.

Capt. Tammie Jo Shults: Pilot, Mentor, Woman of Faith

Captains Dean and Tammie Jo Shults in front of a small plane

On April 17, 2018, Capt. Tammie Jo Shults made history by safely landing a heavily damaged Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 after a catastrophic engine failure and cabin decompression—an act of skill and composure that saved 148 lives. On April 11, 2025, the 1983 MidAmerica Nazarene University alumna was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

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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