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Firm Selected for MNU Presidential Search

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Carol Best

Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee Chair Dr. Dan Rexroth announced today the selection of executive search firm FaithSearch Partners for MNU’s presidential search as the university prepares for the June 30, 2025, retirement of President David J. Spittal. Selecting a highly qualified search firm with a strong understanding of faith and higher education is critical for this important time in university history.

Multiple professional search firms were interviewed prior to the Executive Committee of the Board’s approval to hire FaithSearch Partners. According to Rexroth, FaithSearch Partners is the largest executive search firm in the U.S. focusing on serving the complete spectrum of the faith community, including colleges/universities, non-profits, healthcare organizations, K-12 schools, ministries, churches, and faith-oriented businesses.

“This firm has extensive experience in successful searches in Christian higher education and has a strong track record of placements of university presidents across the country,” Rexroth said. “MNU will be working with senior vice presidents Dr. Andy Westmoreland and Mr. Brian Jensen.”

A presidential search is a complex and strategic process, requiring expertise, thorough research, and a deep understanding of MNU’s mission and values. To that end, Rexroth said FaithSearch Partners will gain input from the MNU community through a series of listening sessions in mid-March.

“The Search Committee covets your prayers for God’s clear direction in this major decision for MNU,” Rexroth said in a letter to faculty and staff. “Our sixth president must, first and foremost, represent our values, but also have a vision and execution strategy for our future success. Please commit with me now to focused prayer the sixth day of each month for our sixth president. Thank you for making this a day of prayer for MNU.”

The public can follow the presidential search process at www.mnu.edu/presidential-search, and through the MNU newsroom as updates warrant.

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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.