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MNU Announces Steve Jin as Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications

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Carol Best
Head shot of Steve Jin

MidAmerica Nazarene University is pleased to welcome Steve Jin as vice president of enrollment, marketing & communications. Jin comes to MNU with a long history of service in Christian higher education, having served at Biola University, Jessup University, and most recently Concordia University Irvine. He brings a proven record of significant enrollment growth, having led and supported initiatives that expanded traditional, professional, and graduate programs at each of these universities.

After nearly three decades in the field, Jin has a clear sense of calling to this work. As a graduate student and later as a professional, he has experienced firsthand how Christian colleges and universities can shape lives, deepen faith, and prepare students to serve others. That experience continues to guide his approach today.

Jin’s commitment to guiding students is also shaped by his own story. Having immigrated to the United States with his family from Korea, he understands the challenges of adapting to a new culture and system. That experience has given him a particular sensitivity to students and families facing complex or unfamiliar circumstances, including first-generation and international students. It informs his approach and his desire to remove unnecessary barriers so students can move forward with clarity and confidence.

In his role at MNU, Jin will lead the teams that help students find their way to the university, understand their options, and navigate the path from first inquiry through enrollment. His focus is clear and relational: listening carefully to students, helping families make informed decisions, and ensuring the university uses its resources wisely so students can thrive once they arrive. He views this work as stewardship—caring for students, institutional trust, and financial resources in ways that serve everyone involved.

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to serve MNU in this new role,” Jin said. “I believe God has great plans in store for MNU, and my hope is that I am a small part of our collective response to God’s call for MNU to transform the lives of students for His purpose. I am excited to work with all the great people that I have met so far in leadership, to absorb the culture of what makes MNU special and promote MNU as it seeks to fulfill its mission in the marketplace of higher education. Please keep us in your prayers as we step into a significant and demanding season. We are trusting God for wisdom, endurance, and clarity as we move forward, and we are grateful for your prayerful support along the way.”

Throughout his career, Jin has worked to strengthen admissions and enrollment teams by building trust, clarifying processes, and encouraging collaboration across campus. He is especially attentive to how departments work together, believing students are best served when academic programs, student life, financial aid, and enrollment staff share information and a sense of purpose.

Beyond his professional life, Jin is a husband and father of three daughters. His wife, Catherine, serves as a children’s pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine, California.

“We are grateful to welcome Steve to MNU and to the team dedicated to student success and meaningful outcomes,” said MNU President Jon North. “His commitment to thoughtful stewardship and student-centered leadership aligns with the university’s mission, and we look forward to the ways he will serve our students and community in the years ahead.”

Jin will begin his position on February 2, 2026.

Feb
19
PGS Education Virtual Information Meeting
Zoom
5:45 pm

7:00 pm
Feb
19
MNU Theatre | Theatre Cabaret
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
7:30 pm

9:45 pm
Feb
20
Performing Arts Preview
Bell Cultural Events Center
3:00 pm

9:00 pm
Feb
28
MNU Improv 2/28
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
7:30 pm

9:00 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.