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Condolences: Former Athletic Director Ron Hill Passes Away

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Joseph Kim

Ron J. Hill, former athletic director for MidAmerica Nazarene University, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Homestead of Olathe North. He was 76.

During his 29 years at MNU, Ron served in many roles. He was a professor of physical education, a basketball, baseball and golf coach, faculty athletic representative, registrar and for the last 14 years prior to his retirement, athletic director. Ron was awarded Athletic Director of the Year by the Heart of America Conference in 2007, the same year that he oversaw the Pioneer men’s basketball team win the NAIA National Championship. In 2014, Ron was inducted into MNU’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Men’s basketball coach Rocky Lamar (’76), Ron Hill, Rod Radcliffe (’76).
Men’s basketball coach Rocky Lamar (’76), Ron Hill, Rod Radcliffe (’76).
Ron was a member of College Church of the Nazarene and served in different capacities including the Stephen Ministry.

Ron loved traveling and being outside. He loved walking the beach or hiking in the mountains. Over the years, he played baseball and fished with his grandchildren. Ron and his son, Brian, loved deep sea fishing, hunting, skeet and trap shooting. Ron loved visiting his daughter, Renee at her family farm and going on family excursions.

Ron is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Brian (Kristi) and daughter, Renee (Denny) Gillard. He has four grandchildren: Tyler Hill, Brooke Hill, Chance Gillard, and Noah Gillard.

A private graveside services will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Olathe College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 East Sheridan at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held with the family after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Pioneer Athletic Association at MidAmerica Nazarene University. 2030 East College Way, Olathe, Kansas 66062.

Read more about Ron J. Hill at Penwell-Gabel.

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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.

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

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

  • Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
  • Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
  • Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
  • The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

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
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 28
  • Participate in community service
  • Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
  • Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

  • Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
  • Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
  • Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
  • Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
  • Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
    • Biological Sciences 12 hours
    • Chemistry 13 hours
    • Biochemistry 3 hours
    • Physics 8 hours
    • English Composition 6 hours

 

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed

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