Recognizing a lifetime of educational service, leadership, and influence.
MidAmerica Nazarene University is pleased to announce that Drs. David and Donna Spittal have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, the university’s highest honor. The award recognizes individuals whose enduring contributions to MNU and beyond reflect the university’s mission of transformational Christian higher education. Dr. David Spittal, who retired June 30, 2025, was MNU’s fifth president. The couple will be honored during President’s Honors, the university’s scholarship fundraising gala on April 10, 2026.
The Spittals’ lives have been dedicated to education and serving others. Dr. David Spittal began as a high school music teacher before advancing into public school administration. Along the way, he became superintendent of schools in Marion and Fort Wayne, Indiana, before transitioning to roles in Christian higher education. He served 17 years as president of Southern Wesleyan University. After a brief retirement, he was selected to lead a university again when he became MNU’s fifth president in February 2012. Serving in that role until June 30, 2025, President Spittal led MNU through challenging financial waters and created the momentum to build the Cunningham Center and Copeland Athletic Complex, both multimillion-dollar facilities for student good.
Dr. Donna Spittal is also an educator, having served as a public school teacher, a Christian childcare administrator, an educational marketer and as first lady for two universities. Often, she has served behind the scenes, contributing to the success of each institution where the couple served.
President Jon North said it was a clear choice to honor the Spittals for their lifetime of educational service. “The Spittals are a dynamic team,” North said. “He is a turnaround expert with a history of coming into very difficult situations and stabilizing them. He inspired new hope and optimism at MNU and then continued to do faithful, dedicated work for years, building a strong foundation. Donna is wise and discerning. A prayer warrior and a very effective administrator, she provided more support than many realize. Apart from their service at MNU, the Spittals have given their lives for others, and we are proud to honor them in this manner.”
Dr. Dan Rexroth, chair of the Board of Trustees, echoed North’s thoughts. “I witnessed firsthand Dr. Spittal giving his all for MNU,” Rexroth said. He worked tirelessly in service to the university. I never saw Dr. Spittal slow down, get discouraged, or lose hope, regardless of the challenges before us. He was a strong leader during a period when MNU needed that most. Donna was his trusted partner and a major encourager all along the way. She was a strong presence and instrumental in MNU’s success over the 13 years of their ministry at MNU.”
Beyond their extensive professional contributions, the Spittals exemplify a Christlike care for others, particularly students. Their mentorship, generosity, faithfulness, integrity, leadership, and humility have endeared them to generations of students and colleagues.
Information about tickets and sponsorships for the 2026 President’s Honors can be found at presidentshonors.org.
