Jenifer L. Lewis, PhD, is the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU), bringing a wealth of unique academic and administrative experience to the role. A seasoned educator, she is passionate about liberal arts and leadership studies and is poised to blend her extensive international experience with a commitment to Christian higher education.
Born into a military family, Lewis moved frequently during her formative years, ultimately settling in Kansas, and attending high school in Topeka. Her ties to the state began to take root when her father joined the faculty at Washburn University. She completed her undergraduate degree at Washburn, embracing the benefits of a liberal arts education, which she credits for her holistic worldview and interdisciplinary approach.
Lewis then pursued master’s and doctoral degrees in communication at the University of Kansas (KU). At KU she discovered her passion for the dynamics of communication and leadership studies solidifying her desire to become a university professor.
After teaching at KU and Western Kentucky University, Lewis’s career took an international turn when she accepted a position at the newly established Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan in 2011. This pivotal opportunity allowed her to be a member of the founding faculty of a university that sought to bring a Western style of education to Kazakhstan. The university began with a small cohort of 500 students and has since grown to an enrollment of 7,500.
At Nazarbayev, Lewis held several key administrative roles, including department chair, director, and most recently, vice dean of the Graduate School of Business. Her leadership was instrumental in the School of Business achieving its first international accreditation, a significant milestone underscoring her commitment to academic excellence and institutional development.
Lewis’s experience in Kazakhstan parallels with MNU’s pioneering history. Just as early MNU faculty members laid the groundwork for a thriving educational institution just 55 years ago, Lewis’s contributions to the genesis and expansion of a university in a foreign country highlight her ability to build academic communities and her can-do work ethic.
“Dr. Lewis combines a deep desire to learn with a wealth of experience in both building new systems and looking for ways to bring innovation and relevance to current academic programs,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Abby Hodges. “We are excited to have her here at MNU.”
In addition to teaching and administrative experience, Lewis is a prolific researcher with numerous publications and presentations centered on women in leadership roles. A current project she co-authors examines barriers to the advancement of women in leadership in Kazakhstan organizations.
“We’re looking at whether similar research from a Western context applies in an international context,” Lewis says. “Research isn’t what drives me in higher education, but I think it is an integral part of what we do, so I hope to stay connected to that in ways that fit the vision and mission of MNU.”
In her new role, Lewis approaches the opportunity to support and enhance liberal arts education with enthusiasm. She is committed to helping students develop critical thinking skills and a servant-leader mindset, preparing them for a rapidly changing world. “We have to prepare our students to think critically, prayerfully consider their decisions, and understand their impact on their communities, families, and workplaces,” she explains “What an opportunity, what a blessing, and what a responsibility that is.”
Lewis is delighted to work in Christian higher education for the first time. She sees this as a calling to integrate her faith into her professional life more deeply and to engage in meaningful conversations about what it means to live and lead as a Christian. “We as believers can’t hide. We need to be engaged in the marketplace and contribute to shaping a more civil and peaceful society.”
Her husband, Dr. Jason Lewis, shares her passion for academics. Holding a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Biola University, he continues his research remotely with their former university in Kazakhstan. Together, they are committed to education, faith and family life, raising two young children: a daughter, Maya, and a son, Asher. During their academic tenure, Jason Lewis supported local churches in Kazakhstan by fostering leadership from within the community. Over the previous year, they sensed God’s calling to return to the U.S. for new endeavors and their strong ties to Kansas led them to the Olathe area.
Dr. Lewis’s vision for the College of Arts and Sciences at MNU includes building on the existing strengths of the faculty and programs while exploring new avenues for growth and innovation. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where faculty can thrive and students are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and faith. In reflecting on her life and career, Dr. Lewis recognizes the hand of God in guiding her steps, from her formative years in Kansas to her transformative experience in Kazakhstan, and now to her new role at MNU. Her leadership is poised to inspire a new generation of students and faculty to pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning, and live out their faith in meaningful ways.
