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Purposeful Lives Start Here

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

Your Place for Purpose

MNU students pursue a pioneering spirit and cultivate a passion to serve within a Christlike community as they learn how to lead purposeful lives. You’ll see purposeful lives manifested in class, in dorm rooms, chapel, the dining hall, clubs, labs, clinical experiences, groups, troupes, teams, counseling sessions, advising sessions, friendships, relationships, the heat of competition, quiet moments, thin places, studying, learning, challenging yourself, overcoming, stepping outside of your comfort zone, asking for help, prayer, success, failure, in a leap of faith, in Christ…because Purposeful Lives Start Here.

Profiles of Purpose

Capt. Tammie Jo Shults: Pilot, Mentor, Woman of Faith

On April 17, 2018, Capt. Tammie Jo Shults made history by safely landing a heavily damaged Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 after a catastrophic engine failure and cabin decompression—an act of skill and composure that saved 148 lives. On April 11, 2025, the 1983 MidAmerica Nazarene University alumna was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Student Profiles

Generations of Purposeful Ministry
MNU welcomed several members of the Spindle family at President’s Honors April 11, 2025. MNU President Emeritus Dr....
Student Makes Groundbreaking Discovery in REU Experience
Senior physics and mathematics double-major Saragrace Felvus was one of eight students participating in a highly competitive Research...
Student Success: Danielle Hertzler, Class of 2024
“Everyone’s journey is different,” says Danielle Hertzler who just graduated from MNU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing...

Alumni Profiles

Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid Honored with Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award
MidAmerica Nazarene University is proud to announce Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid (’96, MEd ’99) as the 2025 recipient of...
Paying It Forward With Purpose
Apa Visinia, Jr. (’23, MBA ’25) is living out his purpose in a rewarding job that allows him...
Living His Purpose Through The Law
When Jerry Wallentine (’95) arrived at MidAmerica Nazarene University in 1991, he brought with him a deep Nazarene...
Purpose Continues in "Retirement"
Roxanne (Alexander ’81) Jones, RN, BSN, MA, never imagined her nursing career would take her around the world—and...
Purpose Leads Alum Back to MNU
Growing up on MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus, Jared Kellum (’16, ABSN ’19, MSN '25) always felt at home...
Capt. Tammie Jo Shults: Pilot, Mentor, Woman of Faith
On April 17, 2018, Capt. Tammie Jo Shults made history by safely landing a heavily damaged Southwest Airlines...
MNU Nursing Alum Logan Frye Recognized for Outstanding Patient Care
Logan Frye ('22), BSN, RN, was honored with the DAISY Award® for extraordinary nurses. The DAISY Foundation sponsors...
Alumni Awards 2024 Presented at Homecoming
Each year, the MNU Alumni Association selects outstanding alumni and friends of MNU to honor with the Alumni...
Event Marketing Internship Leads to Career Opportunity
Recent marketing graduate Ava Miller’s (’24) career at the Olathe Chamber of Commerce started a year ago when...

Community Profiles

Olathe Mayor John Bacon to Receive Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award
Olathe Mayor and MNU Alumnus John Bacon will be honored with the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award from...
Transformational Experiences for MNU Nursing Students in Ecuador 
MNU nursing students traveled to Ecuador to help children who rarely see a healthcare provider. Along with two nursing...
Alumni Spotlight: Major John Roland
On January 16, 2024, one of MNU's own, Olathe Police Major John Roland, a 2004 graduate, was honored...

Prayer Partners

Join in praying with and for MidAmerica Nazarene University by signing up today to be a Prayer Partner. All of our partners will receive a printable prayer guide, as well as regular emails on specific ways to pray for MNU, for our students, faculty and staff, and for members of the extended Pioneer family. Thanks in advance for praying for MNU!