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News & Events

Welcome to the energy and excitement that is MidAmerica Nazarene University!

Latest News

Purpose Found Through Unexpected Detours
Trey Larimer arrived at college with a clear plan—and a problem. He wanted to help people, and he...
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Purpose Found In Faith, Family And Folks
Sam Riley’s life is proof that transformation doesn’t always come quietly.
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MidAmerica Nazarene University To Honor Drs. David and Donna Spittal with Lifetime Achievement Award
MidAmerica Nazarene University is pleased to announce that Drs. David and Donna Spittal have been selected as the...
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MNU Alum Helps Bring World Cup Soccer to KC
Yann Passet was part of the executive committee representing Kansas City’s successful FIFA World Cup 2026 bid, sharing...
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Purpose Recognized As Alum Named 2026 Horizon Award Recipient
Cordelia Hanger ’24 is living out her purpose in her elementary school classroom, and the state of Kansas...
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MNU Announces Steve Jin as Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications
MidAmerica Nazarene University is pleased to welcome Steve Jin as vice president of enrollment, marketing & communications.
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Cover of the Fall 2025 issue of ACCENT Magazine, featuring University President Dr. Jon North in a blue suite in front of a dark wood panel background
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Upcoming Events

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We Love Alums Week
MNU Alumni & Friends Facebook and Instagram Pages
Mar 2, 2026 @ 7:00am
to Mar 6, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Join us March 2-6 for We Love Alums Week in telling the MNU story through your personal experience. Participation is free.
Innovation Academy Invitational
MidAmerica Nazarene University - Cunningham Student Center
Mar 7, 2026 @ 10:30am
to Mar 7, 2026 @ 3:00pm
MNU's Innovation Academy Invitational is for high-achieving juniors and seniors in high school. During the event, students
MNU Concert Band | From Sea to Sky
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Mar 7, 2026 @ 6:00pm
to Mar 7, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Experience an evening of captivating music, featuring compositions inspired by God’s creation. From Sea to Sky will include renowned composers, Grace Baugher Dunlap, Viet Cuong, and Cait Nishimura, among others. There’s also a rumor that music from a classic film score involving battles in outer space might also be heard…come to find out!
MNU Choirs | Messiah
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Mar 8, 2026 @ 3:30pm
to Mar 8, 2026 @ 5:30pm
Join us for a stirring full performance of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah—the greatest story ever told, brought to life through one of the most beloved musical settings of all time.
Nursing Open House
Cunningham Center - 2041 E Pioneer Blvd, Olathe, KS 66062
Mar 11, 2026 @ 3:00pm
to Mar 11, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Join us for our open house to get an overview of MNU's three unique BSN programs, our admission and prerequisite requirements and more.
MNU Theatre | Charlotte's Web
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
Mar 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Mar 29, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Watch this beloved children’s novel by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette come to life on the stage. Featuring all your favorite characters, Charlotte’s Web will be a heart-warming performance enjoyable for the whole family! The Sunderland Black Box Theatre will be transformed into a barnyard where you can watch Wilbur and Charlotte’s story unfold.
March Virtual College Affordability Seminar
Online
Mar 28, 2026 @ 10:00am
to Mar 28, 2026 @ 11:00am
Are you a parent or student wondering how best to navigate the college financial aid process? Join our admissions staff for our Virtual Financial Aid Seminar, where you will be provided with tools for college financial planning.
Presidents Honors 2026
Cook Center
Apr 10, 2026 @ 6:30pm
to Apr 10, 2026 @ 9:30pm
Join the MNU Foundation in celebrating God’s faithfulness, donor generosity, and all that makes MidAmerica Nazarene University’s mission worthy of unwavering, sacrificial support at the 2026 President's Honors.
MNU Percussion Ensemble | Percussion Show 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Apr 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Apr 11, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Enjoy an evening of percussive music, featuring the MNU Percussion Studio. They will perform a variety of percussion ensemble pieces including mallet and battery instruments, drum set, and even your MNU Drumline! You won’t want to miss this exciting performance.
MAX Improv 4/16
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Apr 16, 2026 @ 9:00pm
to Apr 16, 2026 @ 10:30pm
The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!

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.

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