News & Events

Welcome to the energy and excitement that is MidAmerica Nazarene University!

Latest News

MidAmerica Nazarene to Inaugurate Dr. Jon D. North as its Sixth President Nov. 18

MidAmerica Nazarene University is proud to announce the inauguration of Dr. Jon D. North as the sixth president...

MNU Remembers Dr. James H. Diehl, Sr., General Superintendent Emeritus of the Church of the Nazarene

MidAmerica Nazarene University joins the global Church of the Nazarene in marking the passing of Dr. James H....

MNU Named a Carnegie Foundation School of Opportunity

MidAmerica Nazarene University has been nationally recognized as one of 478 institutions named a School of Opportunity by...

A Purpose-Driven Path to Justice

Andrew Speicher (’98) lives out MNU’s mission daily as a husband, father, attorney, and community leader. His faith...

Written in Faith: Student-Athletes Leave Lasting Thoughts For Visitors

Just two days before MidAmerica Nazarene University dedicated its new Copeland Athletic Complex, members of MNU’s Association of...

Purposeful Lives In Action

Audrey Weaver, Shawn Evans and Abby Kovalcik are MNU's 2025 Alumni Award Recipients.

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Upcoming Events

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MNU Jazz Ensemble | Java Jazz 2025

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Nov 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm

to Nov 19, 2025 @ 9:00pm

Java Jazz! Come hear big band jazz music performed by the MNU Jazz Ensemble. Relax in a comfy chair and enjoy a warm beverage and dessert. You won’t want to miss this event!

Performing Arts Preview

Bell Cultural Events Center

Nov 19, 2025 @ 3:00pm

to Nov 19, 2025 @ 9:00pm

If you're interested in MNU band, theatre, choir, or worship arts, this preview day is for YOU! Take an in-depth tour of our Performing Arts facilities, sit on rehearsals, enjoy dinner with current performing arts students, and meet our faculty and directors.

MNU Theatre | Student Directed One Acts

Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre

Nov 21, 2025 @ 7:30pm

to Nov 22, 2025 @ 9:30pm

Students in our Directing for Stage and Screen class present 10-15 minute one-act plays and films. All work is student-directed and performed! It is a fun evening showcasing our students in a variety of mediums and genres.

MNU Chamber Orchestra | Pops and Praise

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Nov 23, 2025 @ 3:30pm

to Nov 23, 2025 @ 4:30pm

The MNU Chamber Orchestra will be joined by the A Flat Youth Orchestra for a fun experience with the Pops ending with an anthem of praise through instrumental music.

MNU Improv 12/4

Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre

Dec 4, 2025 @ 7:30pm

to Dec 4, 2025 @ 9:00pm

The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!

MNU Festival of Christmas 2025

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Dec 6, 2025 @ 6:00pm

to Dec 7, 2025 @ 5:00pm

An MNU tradition—the powerful forces of the MNU Concert Band, MNU Choirs, and MNU Chamber Orchestra with members of the community present a festival of best loved Christmas carols and selections from Handel’s Messiah including audience sing-along moments.

Chorus Kansas City | Gloria!

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Dec 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm

to Dec 12, 2025 @ 8:30pm

CKC brings together adults of all ages who share a love for making beautiful music and building meaningful friendships. Their winter concert will feature Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” accompanied by chamber orchestra and works by contemporary composer Elaine Hagenberg.

December Virtual College Affordability Seminar

Online

Dec 13, 2025 @ 10:00am

to Dec 13, 2025 @ 11:00am

Are you a parent or student wondering how best to navigate the college financial aid process? Join our admissions staff for our Virtual Financial Aid Seminar, where you will be provided with tools for college financial planning.

Fountain City Brass Band | Bells-a-Plenty

Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall

Dec 13, 2025 @ 7:30pm

to Dec 13, 2025 @ 9:30pm

Celebrate the magic of the season with the internationally acclaimed Fountain City Brass Band as they return to the Bell Center for a festive evening of music, memories, and merriment!

MNU Theatre | 24 Hour Play Festival

Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre

Jan 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm

to Jan 10, 2026 @ 9:00pm

Join us for the 24 Hour Play Festival! Watch as students and community members come together to write, direct, and perform original plays in just 24 hours!

President

EdD; Educational Administration (Higher Education/Public Relations), Ball State University
MSE; Music, Ball State University
BS; Music & Art Education, Ball State University

Dr. David Spittal has been the president of MidAmerica Nazarene University since 2012. Under his leadership, the university is striving to reach the next level of God-honoring excellence.

Prior to coming to MNU, Dr. Spittal served as president of Southern Wesleyan University in Central, S.C., from 1994 to 2011. During his 17-year tenure, the university experienced historic growth and expanded to five campuses and learning centers. His work led SWU to strengthen and build relationships with the local and regional community.

An influential member of the local community, Dr. Spittal serves on various councils and boards including the Council of Advisors of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trustees for the Kansas Independent College Association and Kansas Independent College Fund. He is a member of the USA/Canada Council of Education of the Church of the Nazarene.

He and his wife Donna have two grown sons and six grandchildren.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Cleveland University-Kansas City Cooperative Program:

Accelerated pathway to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Acceptance into Cleveland for all students who complete appropriate coursework at MNU with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Specialized advisor for students of MNU who intends to pursue professional study at Cleveland.

To qualify for program entry at MNU students must:

Desire to pursue a career in Chiropractic Medicine
Major in Kinesiology

To qualify for program entry at Cleveland students must:

Complete an application to Cleveland 6 months in advance of desired entrance date.
Complete a minimum of 99 hours of an undergraduate degree at MNU.
Maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
Complete all coursework as outlined in the agreement between MNU and Cleveland.

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Leigh Kreshel at lakreshel@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Southwest Baptist University Cooperative Program:

Preference points on application into a highly competitive program.
Mission alignment between Southwest Baptist University and MNU.

To qualify for the MNU & Southwest Baptist University Cooperative Program students must:

Have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.
Complete the GRE
Complete the PT application through PTCAS
Provide documentation of 40 hours observation in physical therapy.
Complete selected prerequisite courses with a minimum of “C” and a 3.25 prerequisite GPA.

Your adviser will work with you to ensure that you take the required prerequisite courses to qualify for this program.

For additional information, contact Leigh Kreshel at lakreshel@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science cooperative program:

3+2 Option: Students spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to WashU for 2 years to earn an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU and a bachelor’s degree from MNU, or
3+3 Option: Students spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to WashU for 3 years to earn an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU, a bachelor’s degree from MNU, plus a master’s in engineering from WashU.
Combines the best of MNU with the strength of a top engineering school
Students participating in the 3+3 options receive a 50-60% tuition discount at WashU
GRE is not required for admission

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
Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or better in science and mathematics courses
Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at WashU students must:

Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
Complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of transferable college credit
Complete the following courses:
- Chemistry: one semester of general chemistry with lab
- Computer Programming: One course or certified proficiency in a high-level language
- English Composition: One course or certified proficiency
- Humanities and Social Sciences: At least 15 hours (see WashU website for specific prerequisites)
- Mathematics: See WashU website for specific prerequisites
- Physics: One year calculus-based physics with lab
See WashU website for department-specific prerequisites

To learn more about program offerings at MNU and degree specific prerequisites, visit engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Craig Masters at cmasters@mnu.edu

Give Online

To make a one-time or recurring gift, please use our secure online form.

Recurring gifts are processed on the 10th or 25th of each month. You may modify a recurring gift at any time by calling our office.

Give Crypto

Why Do We Accept Cryptocurrency Donations?

MidAmerica Nazarene University Foundation recognizes the growing significance of cryptocurrency in today’s economy. Donors may find it beneficial to make cryptocurrency contributions and should consult their tax advisor regarding how these donations may fit into their tax strategy.

Why Donate Cryptocurrency?

For donors in the United States, the IRS has classified cryptocurrency as a form of property. This means that when you donate Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, such as the MNU Foundation, you may be required to pay capital gains tax on donated cryptocurrency and still be able to claim a deduction for your gift. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

MidAmerica Nazarene University Foundation Gift Acceptance Requirements

In accordance with the MNU Foundation Gift Acceptance Policy, all contributions of cryptocurrency are immediately converted to cash upon receipt and cannot be refunded for any reason. While we are happy to honor requests for public anonymity, donors must identify themselves when making a cryptocurrency charitable contribution.

For more information, contact Associate Vice President Christa Jenkins at ccjenkins@mnu.edu or 913.971.3607.

Make your gift through our cryptocurrency partner.

Give Securities

To transfer securities to the MNU Foundation electronically via the Depository Trust Company (DTC), please provide the following information to your broker:

Charles Schwab

DTC #: 0164
Account Holder: MidAmerica Nazarene University Foundation
Account Number: 4867-1893

It is our desire to appropriately acknowledge the generosity of our donors in a timely and accurate manner. To assist with the identification of your gift, please ask your broker to include your name and address in the DTC transfer instructions. In addition, please notify our Associate Vice President, Christa Jenkins, of your gift and intended designation via email at ccjenkins@mnu.edu or by phone at 913.971.3607.

As soon as a securities gift is received and matched to a donor, the MNU Foundation will send an acknowledgment letter stating the nature of the gift, the gift valuation date, and the gift valuation amount.

Give by Mail

Checks should be made payable to MNU Foundation and the designation should be included in the memo line. Mail to University Advancement, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062.

Employer Matching

Many companies and corporate foundations encourage their employees’ philanthropic efforts by matching their contributions to non-profit organizations such as MidAmerica Nazarene University. Some companies will even match the donations made by retirees and/or spouses, gifts of volunteering, or offer payroll deduction. In most cases, MidAmerica receives dollar-for-dollar matches. But in some cases, the company’s match doubles or triples the employee’s gift. Use the search bar below to see if your gift is eligible for employer matching!

Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant information provided by

News & Events