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MNU Thanks Kansas State Legislators

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Carol Best

Each year, many Kansas students receive financial support for college through the Kansas Comprehensive Grant. Currently, over 200 MNU students benefit from this state-supported program. For students who qualify, the program represents an investment in their future and the future of the State of Kansas.

This week, MNU expressed appreciation to local legislators who represent the districts, including MNU and Johnson County. Guests for the luncheon included Senator Dinah Sikes, Representative Robyn Essex, Representative Allison Houghland, and Representative Nikki McDonald. Dr. David Spittal, president, thanked legislators for their support and indicated, “Many of our students would not have the opportunity to attend MNU without the support of the Kansas Comprehensive Grant. This investment in Kansas youth supports their hopes and dreams for the future and will pay dividends for years to come.”

Matt Lindsey, president of the Kansas Independent Colleges Association (KICA), presented an overview of key challenges ahead for higher education in the state. He emphasized the importance of investing in the future through the rising generation of talented youth who pursue a college degree and then live, work, and contribute to the state and community. Several MNU students who benefit from the Kansas Comprehensive Grant were in attendance and thanked the legislators for this valuable support.

“MNU continues to pursue options and opportunities to provide scholarships to help students and their families experience MNU and its benefits,” Spittal said. “Our legislators are supportive of Kansas independent colleges and universities and the value they represent, and we are grateful.”

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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.