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Pioneer Football Kicks Off At ODAC As New Complex Nears Completion

photo of MNU football field under construction

Pioneer football fans, the 2025 season is almost here, and we can’t wait to cheer on our team! While our highly anticipated new home, the Copeland Athletic Complex, nears completion, games will initially be played at the Olathe District Activities Center (ODAC).

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.

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.

Heart Conference Names Todd Garrett Athletic Director of the Year

Todd Garrett, vice president of university advancement and athletics on the campus of MNU

After a very successful 2024-25 athletics season for MNU, Director of Athletics Todd Garrett, yesterday he was named Conference Athletic Director of the Year by the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Pioneer athletics department celebrated multiple conference titles and national appearances.

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.

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.

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.