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Class Of 2021: Honoring Our Graduates For The Many Milestones Reached

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Joseph Kim

On May 7 and 8, graduating Pioneers from traditional undergraduate, professional studies and graduate studies celebrated in style with three in-person ceremonies to accomplish COVID-19 social distancing standards. The School of Nursing also held its pinning ceremony in person.

MNU President David Spittal expressed gratitude that through God’s provision and the efforts of everyone, MNU was able to operate in-person this academic year as well as hold Commencement.

“Our three Commencement ceremonies last weekend were celebrations first and foremost of the students’ achievements, but also, of the whole community’s achievement,” he said.

While seating at the commencement ceremonies was limited, each event was livestreamed and can be viewed at www.mnu.edu/commencement.

A gallery of Commencement and Nurses Pinning photos can be viewed and downloaded at flickr.com/photos/mnu-pioneers/albums.

Apr
9
Early College Open House
MNU Campus
8:30 am

12:00 pm
Apr
10
Presidents Honors 2026
Cook Center
6:30 pm

9:30 pm
Apr
11
MNU Percussion Ensemble | Percussion Show 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
7:30 pm

9:00 pm
Apr
16
MAX Improv 4/16
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
9:00 pm

10:30 pm

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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.