MNU President Dr. Jon North announced the appointment today of G. Todd Garrett as vice president for University Advancement and Athletics, effective immediately. Garrett has served as the director of athletics at MNU since 2017.
Dr. North stated, “This appointment brings together two critical areas of our university operations under a person with proven leadership, deep institutional knowledge and exceptional performance. Todd has served MNU with distinction for nearly three decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Christian mission and remarkable success across multiple roles.”
Garrett’s history with MNU began as a student majoring in physical education and health education. He played catcher for the Pioneer baseball team and graduated in 1994. Embarking on a career as an educator at the Olathe School District in 1995, he taught physical education and health, and served as an assistant baseball coach at Olathe South High School. In 1998, Garrett returned to MNU as the head baseball coach, a position he held until 2006, when he joined the University Advancement team as director of athletic development.
Garrett’s career in fundraising progressed through increasing levels of responsibility, serving as director of the Pioneer Athletic Association, becoming director of development & corporate partnerships, then director of athletics in January 2017, a position that encompasses both fundraising and athletic administration.
“Todd’s experience uniquely positions him for this expanded role,” Dr. North said. “He has played a significant role in the success of the Bright Futures Campaign, raising millions for both the Cunningham Center and Copeland Athletic Complex projects at MNU. He is an exceptionally gifted fundraiser who is highly regarded throughout the community.”
On accepting this appointment, Garrett expressed, “It is an extreme honor to accept this role under the leadership of Dr. North as he begins implementing an exciting vision for MNU’s future. It has been my privilege to serve with an amazing group of servant leaders, coaches and directors over the past eight years in Pioneer Athletics as they have diligently invested in our young people through intercollegiate athletics,” he observed. “The commitment to excellence that I have witnessed from some of the most talented coaches and directors in the industry has been inspiring.”
Garrett’s leadership of MNU athletics programs has been highly successful and recognized in the athletic community. His multiple accolades include:
- MNU Administrator of the Year, 2022
- MNU Athletic Department Pioneer Pride Award, 2022
- HEART Conference Commissioner’s Cup Champions, 2023-24 (first-ever for MNU)
- HEART Conference Athletic Director of the Year, 2023-24
- HEART Conference Commissioner Cup Champions, 2024-25
Athletic department successes during Garrett’s tenure include MNU teams winning national championships, developing numerous all-American athletes, achieving scholar-athlete recognitions, and winning multiple conference championships.
Of critical importance to Garrett beyond the university’s athletic success is the mission of his coaches and staff to develop men and women of character in a Christ-centered environment.
President North reiterated the uniqueness of Garrett’s expertise relative to the vice president position. “With Todd’s athletic leadership, our programs have reached unprecedented heights of success. He has led our student athlete enrollment growth, culminating in an 80% increase since 2017. His extensive experience in development and corporate partnerships, coupled with his proven ability to build relationships and generate philanthropic support, makes him ideally suited to lead both advancement and athletics.
Todd and Karen Garrett, along with their son Easten and daughter Eva, are all MNU alumni. Easten’s wife, Maddie, is also an alum, and Eva’s husband, Nolan, is a proud supporter of the university. The Garretts live in Gardner, Kansas and attend Life Church of Overland Park, Kansas.
