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News Category: President's Honors

Generations of Purposeful Ministry

11 members of the Spindle family at President's Honors

MNU welcomed several members of the Spindle family at President’s Honors April 11, 2025. MNU President Emeritus Dr. Richard and Dr. Billy Spindle served as honorary co-chairs of the annual scholarship fundraising gala.

President’s Honors Raises $1 Million In One Night For Scholarships

Mike Goeke, executive director of the Mabee Foundation (center left), and Dr. David Spittal surrounded by the Spindle family

MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) hosted its annual President’s Honors gala April 11, 2025, achieving a historic milestone by raising $1.16 million in a single evening to support student scholarships. This remarkable accomplishment underscores the unwavering commitment of MNU’s faithful donors to invest in the future of its students.

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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