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A Season of Celebration and Thanks

Dr. Spittal with student leaders on campus

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.

MidAmerica Nazarene University Announces Selection of Next President

Dr. Jon North

MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Jon D. North as its next president following an extensive national search conducted in partnership with FaithSearch Partners. He will assume the role on July 1, 2025, becoming the sixth president in the university’s history.

Firm Selected for MNU Presidential Search

Presidential Search Graphic with photo of campus from Cunningham to Mabee

Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee Chair Dr. Dan Rexroth announced today the selection of executive search firm FaithSearch Partners for MNU’s presidential search as the university prepares for the June 30, 2025, retirement of President David J. Spittal

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.