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MNU And WashU Grad's Future Looking Bright

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Joseph Kim

Alumni Spotlight: Alex Goertz

MNU’s first graduate of its cooperative engineering degree program with Washington University of Saint Louis is Alex Goertz (’19). Alex attended MNU for four years, graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in physics.

During his studies at MNU, Alex was on the Cross Country and Track & Field squads where he was a five-time Heart of America Conference Champion and a member of the 2018 NAIA 4x400m All-American team. As a four-year Dean’s List honoree, he exemplified MNU’s ideal of a well-balanced student athlete.

Upon graduation from MNU, Alex spent three years at Washington University of Saint Louis. He recently graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and his Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. While completing these degrees he continued athletic competition for the Bears’ Track & Field program for the remainder of his eligibility.

Excited for his future, Alex is now employed at The Boeing Company in St. Louis as he puts his education to work in industry.

When asked about MNU’s impact on his success, Alex stated: “I would never have been able to get to where I am today without so many professors at MNU going above and beyond to share their enthusiasm for their respective fields, helping me with material I missed while traveling for sporting events, and opening the door for this opportunity at WashU. Unfortunately, the time goes by in the blink of an eye,” he added, regarding his affinity for his MNU experience.

Apr
9
Early College Open House
MNU Campus
8:30 am

12:00 pm
Apr
10
Presidents Honors 2026
Cook Center
6:30 pm

9:30 pm
Apr
11
MNU Percussion Ensemble | Percussion Show 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
7:30 pm

9:00 pm
Apr
16
MAX Improv 4/16
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
9:00 pm

10:30 pm

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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.