Mark Ford, EdD, JD, Vice President for Strategic Expansion, Professor
He was an alum of MNU, a professor, a department chair and a top-level administrator, and as President David Spittal said, “a trusted colleague and friend.” Dr. Mark Ford, Class of 1987, passed away February 11, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
After graduating from MNU, Ford continued his education earning the Juris Doctor (JD) in 1990 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, then an MBA from University of Kansas in 1997 and an EdD in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.
Ford served MNU in a variety of positions and used his background and experience to help the institution launch new programs and grow revenue. From 1990 to 1997, he taught Accounting and Business in the Division of Business Administration. He then chaired the division for ten years before becoming associate academic vice president. As AVP, he guided the institution through regional accreditation and had responsibility for a broad array of curriculum and instruction, academic support service, institutional effectiveness, and legal compliance functions. Most recently he was vice president for strategic expansion with responsibilities over professional, graduate, and online programs and operations.
Previously, when Ford spoke about his work at MNU, he did so with great fondness.
“MNU has played a vital role in my life,” Ford said. “It is the place where as a student I gained academic confidence, where my faith in God matured and deepened, and where I made enduring friendships. I am honored to give back to MNU and its mission to transform lives.”
Last fall, Ford was honored by the MNU Board of Trustees with emeriti status which will be conferred at Commencement in May. Ford leaves behind his wife, Christine (Morrow ’89) and daughters Rachel and Olivia.
Arrangements announced by the family are as follows.
Visitation at 10 a.m., funeral at 11 a.m., on February 25, 2023, at Westside Church of the Nazarene, 1700 W. Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Mark Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o MNU Foundation, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062.
