Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrated At 15th Annual Event

January 19, 2021 |

Joseph Kim

*Dr. Tiffany Anderson (middle) accepts the Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award from MNU with Dr. David Spittal, president (far right) and Dr. Victoria Haynes*

The life, influence and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were acclaimed at the 15th annual Community Celebration honoring his legacy at MNU’s chapel service January 19, 2021. Student Diversity Council members and Dr. Victoria Haynes, nursing professor and coordinator of diversity & cultural competency were featured throughout the service. Dr. Haynes introduced this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award honoree, Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka Public Schools.

Anderson presented thoughts surrounding the theme From Dreamers to Bridge Builders. Weaving Old and New Testament scripture throughout her talk and referencing Isaiah 40: 1-5, Anderson reminded the audience that they are “positioned on purpose,” right where God intends them to be in order to move from sharing Dr. King’s dream of the future, to “building bridges where no one else may choose to go.”

It is significant to note that Dr. Anderson is the first female African American to hold the position of superintendent of Topeka Public Schools not only because of the achievement that represents in her career but also because segregation in Topeka schools spawned a tipping point resulting in Brown vs. Board of Education (Topeka), a landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case in which the court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

Presenting her with the Living Legacy Award, MNU President David Spittal made the following remarks.

“This award is referred to as the ‘Living Legacy Award” to indicate that the challenge and the dreams of Dr. King continue to be pursued today in our nation, our community and on our campus. In addition, it is the call of Jesus Christ on those called by his name to lead in this commitment to freedom, liberty and justice for all. This year we are honored to recognize you, Dr. Anderson, for your leadership, service, and fulfillment of this legacy of faith and service in action as a community leader who has faithfully served your students and your community. You have been and continue to be a bridge builder in your life and work and an inspiration for all who know you.”
DR. DAVID SPITTAL
MNU President

Readers may watch the online event here.

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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