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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

Written in Faith: Student-Athletes Leave Lasting Thoughts For Visitors
Just two days before MidAmerica Nazarene University dedicated its new Copeland Athletic Complex, members of MNU’s Association of...
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

Purpose Takes Shape Along The Way
Dr. Sarah Miller (’09, MSN ’10) never set out to become a university dean.
A Caring Welcome: Introducing MNU’s New First Lady, Faith North 
When Faith (Palmer ’92) North stepped onto MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus as a student in the late 1980s,...
Following the Light: Dr. Brady Braatz’s Journey of Purpose
Dr. Brady Braatz, MNU chaplain, is leading students toward more purposeful lives.
Rachel Marlow’s Purposeful Journey from Student to Kansas Teacher of the Year
Each time Rachel Marlow (MEd ’15) enters her music classroom at Central Elementary in Olathe, she brings not...
Purpose Beyond Position
When Dr. Nancy Damron (’95, MEd ’98) first stepped onto MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus, she wasn’t sure what...
Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Justin Pickens Inspires Future Educators
When Justin Pickens (’10) stood before 300 high school students considering a career in education, he shared a...
A Purpose-Driven Path to Justice
Andrew Speicher (’98) lives out MNU’s mission daily as a husband, father, attorney, and community leader. His faith...
Purposeful Lives In Action
Audrey Weaver, Shawn Evans and Abby Kovalcik are MNU's 2025 Alumni Award Recipients.
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...

Community Profiles

Back On Campus and Ready to Roll!
Why would a university buy a vintage fire truck? For MNU, the answer is simply history, mission and...
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!