MNU at
60 YEARS LATER, FAITH, LEARNING AND PURPOSE STILL SHAPE LIFE AT MNU.
This moment was new for me. But for God, it was simply the next chapter in a story He has been writing here for sixty years.
Dear MNU Community,
I will never forget the moment I handed out my first diploma.
Standing in College Church at commencement this spring, looking into each graduate's eyes, I felt the full weight of what it means to lead this place. It was my first commencement as president. My first time shaking those hands in that role. My first time speaking those words of blessing over a class of new MNU alumni.
This has been a year of many firsts for me. And yet, standing in that moment, I was reminded of something profound. While everything felt new to me, nothing about God's faithfulness to MNU was new at all.
For nearly 60 years, graduates have walked across the platform at College Church, and faculty have poured their lives into students. For 60 years, donors have believed in this mission before they ever saw the results. We celebrate 60 years of answered prayers, of lives changed, of the Kingdom of God advanced through men and women who called this place home.
It started with a conviction. People of deep faith, led by founding President R. Curtis Smith, believed that God was calling something new into existence on the Kansas prairie. They gave everything they had. And God honored their faithfulness. And He still does!
That is what I was thinking about as I shook each graduate's hand this spring. This moment was new for me. But for God, it was simply the next chapter in a story He has been writing here for sixty years.
To every Pioneer who has been part of that story, thank you.
We are so grateful. And we are just getting started.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Jon D. North, EdD MNU President
Accent is published by MidAmerica Nazarene University and mailed free to alumni, friends and supporters of MNU. It is produced for University Advancement by the MNU University Communications Office. Postage is paid at Olathe, Kansas, and additional mailing offices.
VOLUME 49, NO. 1 | Summer 2026
Submit news or comments: accent@mnu.edu
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EDITOR
Carol (Knight ’81, MA ’08) Best
CONTRIBUTORS
Pete Brumbaugh (’90, MBA ’04)
Chad Jenkins
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kory Gilmore
Andy Medina
Dalton Medina (’26)
Gift Orionoma
Christopher P. Smith
Linda Ticum
ART AND DESIGN
Kelly (Lawler ’11) Chesley
Lilly (King ’22) Nelson
04
MNU at 60
Times Change—the Mission Remains
10 Campus News
18
Transformation, Renewal, Engagement
President’s Honors 2026
Another Record Year—$1.3 Million
26 Driven by Data
Where Athletics Meets Analysis
28 Season Stats & Standouts
Pride and Prowess
31
36
38
The Pioneer Parent Guide
Connections for Students and Families
Homecoming 2026 Schedule
Save the Date
Alumni Updates
Catch Up with Friends Near and Far
ON THE COVER
Photos of Pioneers from yesterday to the present represent what we all know—it's people who make the MNU experience transformational.
MNU at 60
Where students still find faith, community, calling and a foundation for the future.
WHEN MIDAMERICA NAZARENE
UNIVERSITY WAS FOUNDED IN 1966, its founders were not stepping into uncertainty—they were answering a moment of extraordinary opportunity.
Across the United States, the first wave of Baby Boom students was reaching college age, and campuses were filling faster than they could be built. Higher education was becoming an expectation for families seeking stability and opportunity for their children. The 1960s marked one of the fastest periods of expansion in American higher education, with hundreds of new campuses launched to keep pace with soaring enrollment. Amid that growth, MidAmerica stood apart—established to offer an education shaped by faith, community, and a clear sense of calling for students in the North Central region.
Sixty years later, the original vision still resonates. The cultural landscape has shifted, but one question remains constant: Why do students choose MNU?
For the first students, the answer was often adventure and opportunity. For today’s students, the reasons are more varied but no less meaningful: a desire for community, belonging, and education that connects knowledge with calling. At its core, the decision is strikingly similar.
CHAPEL THEN
YOUNG AND FREE, CIRCA 1973-74
CHAPEL NOW
Pam (Harmon ’72) Burrus, an Iowa native from the university’s first graduating class, chose MidAmerica because she wanted a Christian college education. Here she found authentic, God-honoring professors who saw something in her that she did not yet see in herself.
“I was an introvert,” she remembered. “When I was here as a student, my professors believed in me and trusted me. Because of that, I learned to trust myself and to trust in God. I see where God has guided my life and provided avenues for me to continue the purpose He gave me way back in the 70’s.”
After a distinguished career in public elementary education, with numerous accolades as both a teacher and principal, Pam now teaches the next generation of educators at MNU, carrying forward the same encouragement that once shaped her.
Today, students continue to arrive at MidAmerica with their own questions about direction and purpose. For
Isaiah Cull (CS ’27), a student reaching his senior year during MNU’s 60th anniversary, the decision to attend was shaped by both opportunity and intuition.
A standout basketball player from Olathe Northwest High School, Isaiah was recruited heavily by MNU’s coaching staff. But beyond athletics, something deeper drew him in.
“I had other offers,” he said, “but when I came here, it just felt like where I was supposed to be. The people, the coaching staff, it felt like a family.”
Isaiah arrived with an interest in business but
Current student Isaiah Cull and Pioneer grad Pam Burrus.
without a clear path. Through his coursework, he discovered a passion for finance and is preparing for a summer internship with Creative Planning in Kansas City, where he will gain experience in wealth management and financial planning.
"Being part of a team where faith is part of what we do, it keeps you grounded,” he said. “It reminds you that it’s about more than just school or basketball.”
If Pam’s story reflects the early promise of MNU, Isaiah’s reflects its enduring reality. Across generations, students point to the same defining influence: relationships.
“It’s bigger than just a job,” he said.
Presidential Thoughts:
VOICES FROM THOSE WHO LED MNU
As MidAmerica Nazarene University marks 60 years, its story is best told through the leaders who helped shape it. From its early days as Mid-America Nazarene College to its growth into a university, each president has carried forward a shared mission while navigating new challenges and opportunities.
For Dr. Donald Owens, MNU’s second president, leadership meant strengthening the university’s foundation during a formative time. Facing fnancial pressures and the need to rebuild trust with supporting churches, he focused on improving communication, deepening relationships, and clarifying mission.
“I wanted it to be a hotbed of missionary interest and a Great Commission school,” he said. “And I wanted us to bathe ourselves in 1 Corinthians 13. Love had to be paramount.”
Owens believed Christian higher education should shape both the church and society. “MNU is the church at work in education,” he said. “A vital Christian experience— letting the Holy Spirit permeate everything we do.”
MNU’s two other former living presidents weighed in on “It’s about your relationships, MNU’s impact and mission. Read their thoughts in the full
Read more your faith, and the kind of person article by scanning the QR code.
you’re becoming.”
CAFETERIA THEN MAILBOXES THEN
CAFETERIA NOW MAILBOXES NOW
CLASSROOMS THEN AND NOW
As generations of students have changed, the classroom remains one of the clearest places to see MNU’s mission at work.
When Professor Emeritus Dr. Steve Cole began teaching biology at MidAmerica in 1969, the college was still finding its footing. At just 24 years old, Cole stepped into the classroom with a clear conviction: learning should be both rigorous and rooted in truth.
Over the course of more than four decades, he witnessed dramatic changes—from chalkboards and overhead projectors to web-based instruction and early online learning environments. Students changed too, shifting from largely rural backgrounds to more urban and suburban experiences. Yet for Cole, the heart of education remained the same.
“We’re after what’s real in the world,” he said. “You don’t
have to be afraid of the truth.”
That pursuit of truth—integrating faith and learning— continues to define the classroom today.
For Tricia Sinclair (MBA ’10), associate professor of business who has taught at the university since 2010, that mission is both personal and practical. “It’s important to me that students not only learn the material,” she said, “but connect knowledge to purpose and apply both in the marketplace.”
Tricia Sinclair (MBA '10)
Dr. Steve Cole
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER THEN CAMPUS THEN
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER NOW CAMPUS NOW
Sinclair emphasizes that MNU’s distinctiveness lies in its integration of academic rigor, spiritual formation, and genuine community. Even as technology reshapes the classroom through hybrid learning, real-world projects, and the rise of AI, she believes the most important outcomes remain unchanged: wisdom, character, and calling.
Sinclair and Cole both attest to the importance of faith integration in learning. “From the very beginning, we tried to integrate [faith] into the class,” Cole said. “And that never changed for me during my career.”
“We actively integrate faith and learning,” Sinclair asserted. “The combination of academic rigor and spiritual formation encourages students to see their studies as preparation for meaningful, missionminded lives.”
Across generations, the tools may differ, but the goal endures.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION IS STILL THE MISSION
While facilities, activities, and people have changed over 60 years, MNU’s purpose has not drifted. Here, spiritual formation remains woven into the rhythm of campus life. Students still participate in chapel each semester, but today they can engage in a variety of meaningful ways, from large worship gatherings to small groups and service through Go Groups. “Spiritual life…is something we are shaped in as we participate together,” said. Rev. Dr. Brady Braatz (’01), MNU chaplain. Across campus, that shared experience continues to ground students in faith, community, and purpose.
TRADITION CONTINUES THROUGH CAMPUS STEWARDSHIP PARTNERS
Olathe banker R.R. Osborne, helps lay sod on the new campus, circa 1968.
For six decades, MidAmerica Nazarene University has been shaped not only by students and faculty, but by faithful friends who rolled up their sleeves to help build something lasting. From the president, students and community members laying sod in the early years to alumni funding and furnishing new spaces, the story of MNU has always included people who cared enough to serve.
Now, that legacy continues through Campus Stewardship Partners (CSP), a new initiative designed to refresh and renew the spaces where purposeful lives begin. With thousands of students, campers and conference guests on campus each year, ongoing care is essential. CSP invites churches, alumni and community volunteers to give their time, talents and
resources to strengthen campus facilities and grounds.
President Jon North describes CSP as a continuation of a longstanding tradition: “MNU has a long tradition of supporters providing labor and funding to make this campus the best it can be. This new program continues that necessary tradition and provides alumni and friends of the university an opportunity to help create an excellent experience for students.”
The vision was sparked by donors Dr. Tim Buchanan, Allen Tollefson and Brent Barkman, who funded a comprehensive facility assessment through The Gordian Group, a national firm that helps organizations strategically prioritize facility needs. Their investment ensures that every project is thoughtful, timely, and impactful.
Led by Caleb Sandlin (pictured above right), a seasoned construction and maintenance professional, CSP coordinates volunteer groups of all sizes. Whether through landscaping, light construction special projects or financial support, individuals and groups can help preserve and enhance the place where generations of students discover their calling.
Visit the Campus Stewardship Partners (scan the QR code) to sign up for a project or donate funds.
THE HEART OF MINISTRY
EXPERIENCE AT MNU
OCTOBER 19-20
H.O.M.E.—The Heart of Ministry Experience—will welcome pastors and lay people to MNU October 19–20, 2026, for a twoday gathering focused on spiritual renewal and practical ministry.
Jointly presented by MNU and College Church of the Nazarene, the conference centers on holiness of heart and mind, inspired by Psalm 51:10. Participants can
Regional Nazarene teens help install sod.
expect keynote messages from respected ministry leaders, breakout sessions featuring thought-provoking content, and opportunities for experiential learning and collaboration with fellow pastors and lay leaders.
Attendees will also take part in an MNU chapel service, while fellowship time, informal conversation, and recreation will provide space for rest and connection. The goal is professional development, renewal, and an opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities and refocus on the heart of ministry.
Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Dr. Ron Jackson, said Nazarenes are known for the “heart-filled” ways they practice ministry. “Our leadership team has kept that focus in mind as we plan for this real-world, hands-on, down-to-earth conference,” he added.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
• Dr. David Busic
• Rev. Selena Freeman
• Dr. Richard Griffiths
Visit heartofministry.org to learn more or register for this unique event.
Experiential Learning
That Sets MNU Apart
Students toured the Lenexa, Kansas underground storage for the Nazarene Archives led by alumnus Ryan Giffin ('01).
TAKING HISTORY TO THE PUBLIC
In Dr. Darin Tuck’s Public History class, students explore how history is presented through museums, archives and community storytelling. Their course included visits to the Nazarene Archives and the National World War I Museum, along with handson experience in MNU’s own archives.
Another standout project is a grant-funded exhibit about the Madam C.J. Walker School in Merriam, Kansas, connected to the 1949 Webb case that helped pave the way for Brown v. Board of Education. Supported by Humanities Kansas,
students produced oral histories, research posters and a public presentation that drew regional and national media attention. Now they are assisting with fundraising for a permanent exhibit to be built at the original school site.
Students also cataloged and organized the Lee and Dorothy Kroh Trail Map Collection—considered one of the most complete sets of Santa Fe Trail maps in existence —to make it accessible for public research. The collection is housed in MNU’s Marge Smith Archives.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SCIENCES
Hands-on research is a hallmark of the science experience at MNU.
Under the leadership of Barkman Endowed Professor of Chemistry Dr. Chelsea Comadoll, students are working in world-class labs while still undergraduates. Current placements include the University of Kansas Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Research Institute.
Projects range from studying cancer-related RNA structures to placental development and infant behavior. Students are also investigating Alzheimer’s disease through mitochondrial research.
These opportunities give students early exposure to advanced research environments, preparing them for graduate school and careers in healthcare and science.
Students (below) Regan Miller, Leah Dresvyannikov, Justice McMath and Grace Klemp are thriving in exceptional opportunities.
GLOBAL MISSIONS IN PRACTICE
Students in Dr. Jason Lewis’s Practice of Mission course (above) visited the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, meeting with leaders to learn how missionaries are sent and supported worldwide—connecting classroom learning to global ministry in action.
POVERTY SIMULATION BUILDS UNDERSTANDING
This summer, MNU nursing students will participate in a Poverty Simulation to better understand the realities of poverty. The interactive exercise highlights both systemic barriers and emotional impact, challenging participants to see poverty not as a personal failure but as a complex social issue. It’s another step in preparing future healthcare professionals for compassionate, informed care.
Experiential Learning That Sets MNU Apart
Cast and crew of Beyond the Bible at its Cinemark premier.
HANDS-ON LEARNING BEYOND THE BIBLE
A $10,000 grant from the American Bible Society is helping MNU students bring Scripture to life through Beyond the Bible, a creative video series they have designed for young adults.
Led by Associate Professor Aaron Bohn, the project blends storytelling and theology through studentproduced content ranging from comedy sketches to cinematic retellings of biblical narratives.
The 18-month project involved 13 students, four alumni, eight actors and five professors, making it a model of interdisciplinary learning. Faculty from theology, sociology and media contributed to both
creative and academic aspects.
Student production included writing, acting, cinematography and marketing—gaining realworld experience in a professional environment.
“It was incredibly helpful to put everything the students are learning into practice in a professional setting,” Bohn said.
Premiering at a local theater and earning national recognition, the project continues as students analyze audience engagement and present findings at academic forums.
FORENSICS LAB TRAINS FUTURE
INVESTIGATORS
In MNU’s Criminal Forensics Lab, students don’t just learn procedures; they practice them.
The hands-on course places students in simulated crime scenes where they document evidence, analyze fingerprints and use professional tools like comparison microscopes and forensic lighting. Learning to document evidence so it stands up in court is the focus.
The lab opened in 2024 and continues to expand with donor support. It reflects current industry standards guided by SIRCHIE, an industry leader in forensic tools and education. Field trips to police departments and courtrooms further connect classroom learning to realworld application.
By graduation, students will have already been trained with the tools and techniques used in professional investigations, building both confidence and career readiness.
ECOLOGY RESEARCH IN ACTION
You’ve probably had maple syrup, but have you ever had walnut syrup? MNU biology students tapped various campus trees to study sap composition as part of an upper-division ecology course. The project examined sugar content, tree age and environmental factors using tools like a Brix refractometer. The students gathered sap from walnut, maple, sycamore, and pecan trees, as part of a larger project to survey trees on campus.
Beyond syrup-making, the students gained hands-on experience in field biology, data analysis and forest management. Findings were presented at MNU’s Celebration of Scholarship event, where visitors got to sample the various syrups.
At MNU, experiential learning isn’t an added benefit; it’s part of the design. Students are challenged to apply what they learn, engage the world around them and discover how their gifts can make a difference. It’s this commitment that ensures graduates leave prepared and ready to lead with purpose—often in ways that exceed expectations.
EMILY MOZIER MEMORIAL PRAYER GARDEN
Above: Generously donated by Dr. John, Sr. and the late MaryLou Mozier, is the Emily Mozier Memorial Prayer Garden located at Weatherby Chapel.
Left: MidAmerica Nazarene University has been named a Carnegie Foundation School of Opportunity—one of only 478 institutions nationwide, affirming MNU’s deep commitment to access, student success, and transformational support.
generously. Receive
Create a legacy that supports future generations at MNU and benefits you. Discover the benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity, including partial tax savings and dependable income for life. 01 02
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DONOR RECEIVES PAYMENTS on MNU RECEIVES THE a fxed schedule for the life per the BALANCE of the invested terms of the annuity agreement funds upon the donor's death
$1.3 Million+ for Scholarships
“This kind of generosity changes lives—helping students step into their calling.”
- DR. JON NORTH, PRESIDENT
A Night of Generosity
ONE NIGHT. LASTING IMPACT.
The 2026 President’s Honors gala brought the MNU community together with a shared purpose—opening doors for students. By evening’s end, more than $1.3 million had been raised for scholarships.
The evening included the presentation of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to Drs. David and Donna Spittal, recognizing decades of faithful leadership as MNU’s fifth president and first lady, and their service in education.
Since its inception, President’s Honors has become a cornerstone of MNU’s commitment to access and opportunity, raising more than $10.1 million to support students pursuing their education and calling.
Thanks to sponsors and donors, the impact of this night extends far beyond the gala. It will be seen in classrooms, careers and communities for generations!
More photos
Honorary Co-Chairs Jack and April Hansen
Dr. Jenifer Lewis
Music by MNU Performing Arts Lifetime Achievement Honorees Drs. Donna and David Spittal
BARKMAN ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP CELEBRATED
MNU’s newest endowed professorship was celebrated at this year’s President’s Honors. Chelsea Comadoll, PhD, and her students have already been reaping the benefits of this prestigious funding from MNU Alumni Brent and Lynette Barkman.
Established last spring, the Barkman Endowed Professorship in Chemistry is transforming the student experience in tangible ways. Updated laboratory equipment and chemicals significantly enhance both teaching and learning.
This year’s organic chemistry students used a new polarimeter and miniature gas chromatograph to explore chirality and molecular separation, bringing complex lecture concepts to life through hands-on analysis. “It allowed us to do analysis that we had not been able to do before,” said Dr. Comadoll, noting that connecting experimentation to theory is critical.
Working collaboratively around shared instruments and interpreting live data together, students took ownership of method development while Dr. Comadoll stepped back to guide rather than direct. The result was stronger collaboration,
sharper critical thinking, and a more engaged classroom—culminating in the highest performance of any of her classes on a nationally normed final exam.
Currently, the funds have initiated a bold new lab project that mirrors real-world pharmaceutical research. Students are collectively designing and troubleshooting a multi-step synthesis, requiring them to dig into scientific literature, test ideas, and learn resilience.
Professor Leigh Kreshel, chair of the Department of Natural, Health and Mathematical Sciences, sees Dr. Comadoll’s work with students as multifaceted. “More than just academic success for her students, Dr. Comadoll wants them to see how chemistry can truly celebrate God’s creation,” Kreshel said. “With the support of the Barkman Endowed Professorship, she is creating richer lab experiences for all students.”
Through the generosity of Brent and Lynette Barkman and the leadership of Dr. Comadoll, chemistry classes at MNU are not only well equipped but also deeply engaged, collaborative, and transformative.
Brent Barkman, Dr. Chelsea Comadoll, Lynette Barkman.
COMMENCEMENT 2026
Nearly 400 graduates were celebrated during two joyful ceremonies on May 2, 2026, as family and friends gathered to honor their achievements. Commencement speaker General Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Crocker encouraged graduates to live out their calling. Dr. Mark Hayse, Dr. Kim Humrickhouse, and Dr. Gwen Wagner were granted emeriti status, with Wagner also receiving the Robert I. Brower Award for Professional and Graduate faculty.
NATIONAL CONTENDERS
MEN’S SOCCER MAKES DEEP RUN AT NATIONALS
The Pioneer men’s soccer team continued to build on its recent national prominence, advancing once again to the NAIA postseason and competing deep into the national tournament field. Coming off a 2023 national title, the program sustained its elite standard with a balanced attack and a disciplined defensive structure, allowing it to remain among the NAIA’s top programs. Their postseason run showcased resilience, particularly in tight, high-pressure matches.
VOLLEYBALL RETURNS TO NATIONALS
WOMEN’S SOCCER ENJOYS HISTORYMAKING SEASON
The women’s soccer team authored a remarkable season, advancing for the first time to the NAIA final site and pushing deep into the national tournament before falling to a top-five opponent to close the year. Along the way, the Pioneers demonstrated explosive offensive play and strong midfield control, highlighted by key postseason victories that propelled them to the final site in Florida.
Pioneer Volleyball navigated an increasingly competitive Heart of America Conference this year to finish third overall during the regular season. During the conference tournament, they defeated Baker University to reach the semifinals before falling to eventual tournament champion Missouri Baptist. Paced by all-conference hitters Mia Olson and Isabella Munari and all-conference defensive specialist Emily Mathis, the team advanced to the opening round of the NAIA national tournament for the second time in four years.
MONGWE PACES WOMEN’S INDOOR/ OUTDOOR TRACK
Nikiwe Mongwe capped her senior season with one of the most accomplished years in MidAmerica Nazarene track and field history. The standout sprinter earned All-America
honors in both the 200-meter and 400-meter dash during the NAIA indoor and outdoor seasons, showcasing remarkable consistency on the national stage. Indoors, she claimed silver medals in both events and set a new MNU school record in the 400 meters. Outdoors, Mongwe reached the pinnacle of collegiate competition, powering to the NAIA national championship in the 400-meter dash. Her speed, determination, and championship performances leave a lasting legacy among the program’s alltime greats.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RETURNS TO NATIONAL TOURNEY
The women’s basketball team produced an outstanding 28–4 season, dominating conference play (19–1) and advancing to the NAIA National Tournament, including a run to the final site and a Round of 16 appearance.
The Pioneers showcased efficient offense and disciplined defense, capturing a conference championship and continuing a long tradition of national success, with 14 national appearances in the last 15 seasons.
MEN'S GOLF REPEATS TOP 10 NATIONALLY
Pioneer Men's Golf returned to the national stage in May. Steady throughout the four rounds, led by Cade Freeze, Patrick Neal, and Josh Killingsworth, they finished sixth overall. The Pioneers have finished in the Top 10 nationally for two consecutive years.
by Driven Data
HOW ONE STUDENT-ATHLETE TURNED RESEARCH INTO A FULL-RIDE FUTURE
On a spring afternoon inside MidAmerica
Nazarene University’s kinesiology lab, Gabriella “Ella” Margheim watches a screen fill with data— force curves, asymmetries, and subtle shifts in performance that most athletes would never see. For Ella, those numbers tell a story. And this year, they helped shape her own story.
A senior kinesiology major with a concentration in exercise science, Ella’s journey into research began with a simple curiosity rooted in her background as a lifelong gymnast.
“I’ve always been interested in how we can prevent injuries and recover better,” she said. “When I got to MNU and took biomechanics, something clicked. I realized I could combine my love for movement with data, and that changed everything.”
Under the mentorship of Associate Professor Dr. Chris Crawford, Ella quickly moved from classroom learning to hands-on research. After an initial study analyzing lower-body force production in volleyball players, she turned her attention this spring to a less-explored area: upper-body performance in track and field throwers, the Pioneer team she is on.
Using force plates—technology that measures how athletes generate force against the ground or surface—Ella designed a study centered on plyometric push-ups, an upper-body equivalent of a vertical jump. Working with a group of throwers, she tracked how training loads, fatigue, and recovery influenced performance over the course of the season. The results were both practical and promising. As athletes became more familiar with the movement, their performance improved in measurable ways: gains that mirrored their progress in competition.
“It was really exciting to see the data line up with what was happening in the field,” Ella said. “You could tell when they had a heavy lift the day before or when they were peaking for conference. The numbers reflected that.”
For Dr. Crawford, the project exemplified what makes MNU’s kinesiology program distinctive.
“Ella brought energy and curiosity,” he said. “But what’s been remarkable is seeing her develop a real sense of purpose. She’s not just collecting data; she’s asking meaningful questions and applying it in ways that impact athletes.”
Ella received multiple grad school offers ultimately accepting a spot at Ball State University that includes a graduate assistantship, full tuition and a stipend.
“This project gave me a jump start,” she said. “I’m walking into grad school already understanding how to use force plates and interpret movement data. That’s huge.”
Learn more about majoring in kinesiology at mnu.edu/undergrad/kinesiology
SPRING SEASON
BASEBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 26-27
CONFERENCE RECORD: 16-12
FINISH: 5th in Heart, Conference Tournament semifnals
STANDOUTS – 1st Team All Conference: Ronnie Rowley (Newcomer of the Year), Kaden Owens
2nd Team All Conference: Ryan Martinez
MEN’S BASKETBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 14-14
CONFERENCE RECORD: 9-11
FINISH: 10th in Heart
STANDOUTS – 2nd Team All Conference: Malachi Bryant
3rd Team All-Conference: Uriah Boutte
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 28-4
CONFERENCE RECORD: 19-1
FINISH: 1st in Heart, Heart Tourney Champs, Round of 16 at NAIA
National Tournament
STANDOUTS – Conference Coach of the Year: Jon Lewis
1st Team All-Conference: Kameron Green (2nd team All-America), Zaylee Werth (All-Defense)
2nd Team All-Conference: Mary Lukert
3rd Team All-Conference: Aubrey Rogers
CHEER
FINISH: 6th in Heart
STATS & STANDOUTS
MEN'S & WOMEN'S GOLF
FINISH: MEN: 5th in Heart, 6th at NAIA National Championships
WOMEN: 8th in Heart
STANDOUTS – All Conference: Josh Killingsworth, Patrick Neal, Hunter Schmidt, Amy Fusedale
SOFTBALL
OVERALL RECORD: 28-20
CONFERENCE RECORD: 14-14
FINISH: 9th in Heart
STANDOUTS – 2nd Team All-Conference: Mandy Brown, Lailah Simmons, Molly Nicas, Brie Manwarren
TRACK & FIELD (OUTDOOR)
FINISH: WOMEN: 4th in Heart
MEN: 5th in Heart
STANDOUTS: NAIA National Champion: Nikiwe Mongwe (400m dash)
Conference Champion: Eriyon Stamps (triple jump)
Updated stats occurring after press time are at mnusports.com
THE PIONEER PARENT GUIDE
WHY MNU?
At MNU, students are challenged to strive for excellence not on their own, but within a devoted community. Faculty set high expectations and come alongside students to help reach them. With small class sizes and personal attention, students are known, supported and encouraged to grow. Our commitment to integrating Christian faith in all we do shapes students spiritually while preparing them for meaningful careers. Together, rigorous academics and a vibrant campus life help MNU students fourish.
If I were sitting across from somebody thinking about coming to MNU, I would tell them that there is seriously no place like it—surrounded by all these individuals who follow Jesus and want me to succeed in my education and in life—it is truly an amazing place.
ALEX CUMMINS THOMAS (’26) BIOLOGY
AREAS OF STUDY
MNU has over 70 areas of study with many ways to customize a degree. Pre-professional options include engineering, medicine, dentistry and veterinary bioscience for dual degrees, advanced studies and early graduate school admission.
SCAN TO VIEW ALL AREAS OF STUDY
SAFETY FIRST
MNU enjoys a very safe campus and surrounding community. In fact, our students rank safety at the top of our student satisfaction inventory. Our
SUPPORT, SUCCESS AND ENRICHMENT
MNU resources help students thrive from day one through graduation.
01 FRESHMAN SEMINAR
Building Confidence for University Life
Starting college is a major life milestone for students and their families. Designed to help ease the transition, this eight-week, small-group course intentionally connects students with supportive faculty, staff, and trained upper-class student mentors. Together, they explore essential skills for success—from time management and wellness habits to navigating campus resources and building meaningful connections.
02 FACULTY MENTORSHIP
In the second half of the semester, students engage in academic seminars tailored to their chosen major—or explore options if they’re still deciding. In conversations with faculty and peers, students explore how their gifts, passions, and education intersect with God’s call on their lives. It’s a space to imagine their future beyond a career and into a purpose.
03 ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
MNU’s Academic Success Center provides academic and personal coaching, tutoring and support to help students understand concepts, raise grades and succeed. This center also provides testing and accommodations.
04 INNOVATION ACADEMY
Do you have a high-achieving student (3.5 GPA and above)? MNU’s Innovation Academy provides enriching engagement to challenge the best of the best. Offering four distinct pathways—scholar, entrepreneur, humanitarian and research—the program empowers students to immerse themselves in enriched coursework, specialized seminars, service and leadership opportunities, and experiential learning workshops.
Campus Safety ofcers work around the clock to ensure students, visitors and employees are safe. Our buildings are key-card-enabled after hours, and dorms are accessible only to residents. Emergency training is held annually, and our text notifcation system is available to students, parents, and employees.
THE VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Earning a university degree is an investment that pays of for a lifetime. It s still one of the most reliable pathways to greater mobility and long-term fnancial stability. Graduates consistently earn higher salaries over their lifetimes and are more likely to have greater security during economic uncertainty. Beyond income, a degree builds marketable skills, expands professional networks, and opens doors to meaningful work equipping graduates to strengthen their families, serve their communities, and shape a more secure future.
WEEKLY MEDIAN FULL-TIME EARNINGS
S
Source: “Education pays, 2024,” Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE
We believe you should be able to afford that investment in this transformational experience. Let us help your family pursue all the options!
• START BY FILING YOUR FAFSA. The door that opens financial aid options for your family. This includes grants, loans and scholarships available at MNU.
• SEARCH FOR OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS using free online databases.
• ONCE YOUR FAFSA RESULTS have been sent to the school(s) you listed, our financial aid office can start the award process.
• ON AVERAGE, MNU students are awarded over $20,000.
STUDENT LIFE AT MNU
Spiritual formation is an intentional part of our community. We strive to make MNU a place where students encounter God and grow in the Christian faith. Chapel services, small groups and learningby-serving opportunities are important aspects of the MNU experience.
There’s so much to choose from between on-campus studentled events, clubs, athletics, performing arts, and hanging out with friends. Kansas City’s art, culture, sports, attractions, parks, trails and lakes are all nearby. PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY
2026 HOMECOMING SCHEDULE OCTOBER 9-11
TIME EVENT LOCATION
9:30 a.m. Homecoming Chapel College Church
11:30 a.m. Alumni Award Honorees Luncheon (invite only) Cunningham Center (Austin Room)
12:30 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Bell Center (Performance Hall)
FRIDAY
3:00 p.m. Hymn Sing-Along Bell Center (McIntire)
5:00 p.m. MNU 60th Birthday Party and Dinner* Campus Mall
7:00 p.m. COLLAGE: Performing Arts Concert* Bell Center (Performance Hall)
7:00 p.m. Volleyball Game vs William Woods* Cook Center
9:00 p.m. Men’s Soccer Alumni Indoor Game Toca Fieldhouse (NW Olathe)
8:00 a.m. Homecoming Celebration Breakfast* College Church (Uphaus Hall)
9:00 a.m. Women's Soccer Reunion Pioneer Field
10:00 a.m. Class Reunions* Metz/Smith/Bell
10:00 a.m. Golden Reunion: Class of 1976* College Church (Garrett Chapel)
10:00 a.m. Nursing Alumni Brunch & Facility Tour* Cook Center
AY 12:00 p.m. Tailgate Lunch** Copeland Athletic Center
SATURD 12:00 p.m. Women's Soccer Game vs Grand View* Pioneer Field
1:00 p.m. Homecoming Football Game vs Missouri Baptist* Copeland Athletic Center
2:30 p.m. Men's Soccer Game vs Grand View* Pioneer Field
5:00 p.m. Pioneer Family Feast* Cunningham Center (Wylie Commons)
6:30 p.m. MNU Night of Praise Campus Mall
7:00 p.m. Women's Basketball Alumni Game Cook Center
8:30 p.m. Men's Basketball Alumni Game Cook Center
8:00 a.m. President's Memorial Prayer Breakfast* Bell Center (Grand Lobby)
SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Homecoming & Family Worship College Church
10:30 a.m. Golden Reunion Sunday School Class College Church (Choir Room)
*Event requires registration | **Event is at your own expense
NEWS
Rev. Dr. Sondra (Riley ’81) Cave and her husband, Rev. Bob Cave, Sr. (’16), have retired from full-time ministry after 33 years leading Faith Chapel, a multisite Assembly of God church based in Overland Park, Kansas. Sondra continues to serve as a leadership consultant for Gallup, specializing in StrengthsFinder assessment and application.
Kevin Borger (’90) was inducted into the 2025 Kansas Auctioneers Association (KAA) Hall of Fame. Kevin began auctioneering as a teenager at the MNU Autumn Auction. He has been the main auctioneer for President’s Honors, MNU’s premier gala, since its inception in 2012.
Dr. Andrea Herman-Chakravarti (’90) is retiring as a family physician at Catholic Health Initiatives in Omaha, Nebraska.
Todd Shipler (’00) is the cafe manager at Barnes & Noble in Ankeny, Iowa.
Erin (Shipler ’01) Johnson is the principal at the International Christian School in Hong Kong.
Amy (Brischle ’02) Cristy is the director of communications for the Carthage (Missouri) School District.
Michael (’02) and Sarah (Merryfield ’02) Lowenberg have been called to serve as missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene. They will be at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya, where Michael will be a ministry faculty member and Sarah will be an associate chaplain.
Hope (Tallent ’02) Owens is the assistant to travel for the Board of General Superintendents at the Nazarene Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
Kenneth Nelson (’04) earned his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He specializes in organizational development.
Nick Reed (’04) is a teacher with the Fruitport Community Schools in Muskegon, Michigan.
Mark Van Sickle (’07) is the executive producer for “Mundo in the Morning,” the #2 mid-market news talk show in America, as voted by 40 national radio program directors and corporate executives. He is also the reigning valedictorian for MNU Alumni Trivia Tuesday 2026.
Rachel (Schillie ’09) Zortman is a paraeducator with the Waverly-Shell Rock School District in Iowa.
Bob and Sondra Cave
Kevin Borger
Michael and Sarah Lowenberg
Will Darter (’10) received the Springfield Business Journal’s “40 under 40” in April 2026, representing 40 accomplished and still-rising professionals in southwest Missouri. Will is an educator, school superintendent, and author.
Brandon Smith (’12) is now the student pastor at Graceway Church in Independence, Missouri.
Randy Andren (’17) is the owner, founder and lead trainer of Still Waters Horse Company in West Fargo, North Dakota.
Makenzie (Anderson ’17) Flores earned her credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Stacey Hodges (MAC ’18) was recently appointed to the Marriage & Family Therapy Advisory Committee of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. She is a program manager for Marriage and Family Therapy with the Veterans Affairs Eastern Kansas Healthcare Systems.
Matthew Smith (’18) is the production manager at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) in Tucson, Arizona. OVCN is currently the largest Nazarene church in America.
Andy Cornelius (’19) recently accepted a position as an English teacher at Louisburg High School. Andy continues to serve on the MNU Alumni Council and chairs its communications committee. He and his family reside in Gardner, Kansas.
Michal Riha (’19) was promoted to senior compliance officer & deputy chief compliance officer at Standish Compliance Services.
Jacob Decker (’20) was promoted to compliance and Bank Secrecy Act officer at First National Bank in Cimarron, Kansas. The Bank Secrecy Act is an anti-money laundering law.
Rachel (White ’20) Pache has earned the status of ultramarathon runner. An All-America distance runner as an MNU student, Rachel has continued to expand her limits while serving as a nurse in Texas.
Mikayla Ussery (’21) was recently promoted to special education resource teacher in the Shawnee Mission (Kansas) School District.
Faith Irvine (’22) is currently serving as a seventh-grade English/Language Arts teacher in the Independence (Missouri) School District.
Sarah (Krehbiel ’23) Stutler is the assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Midland University in Nebraska.
Mark Van Sickle
Jacob Decker
BIRTHS
Alvaro (’16) and Krista (Joersz ’16) Beltran, a girl: Marina Angela, April 4, 2026.
Reuben and Lesley (Miller ’11) Bretey, a girl: Macy Louise, February 12, 2026.
Jeff and Lauren (Page ’20) Butler, a girl: Sutton Paige, January 22, 2026.
Brandon (’11) and Miquela Cluff, a boy: Briggsley Chip.
Gabriel (’13) and Rachel (Boan ’14) Crumpley, a boy: Isaiah Matthew, January 30, 2026.
Nathan (’23) and Lauren (Fleshman ’23) Davis, a boy: Ward Timothy.
Raul and Taylor (Conant ’13) De La Torre, a girl: Olivia Grace, April 9, 2026.
Connor and Jess (Werhli ’11) Durbin, a boy: Jamison Robert, December 11, 2025.
Jared and Lyndsee (Johnson ’18) Hobby, a girl: Caroline, March 21, 2026.
Justin (’22) and Bailey (Gruver ’26) Howard, a boy: Ezra, January 22, 2026.
Gage (’14) and Alyssa Krebs, a girl: Brielle Briar, January 21, 2026.
Joshua (FS) and Shelby (Leiker ’15) Lawson, a girl: Sofia Faith, January 21, 2026.
Landon (’11) and Robin (Spencer ’11) Letsinger, a boy: Corban Rex, January 16, 2026.
Caleb and Madison (Speicher ’18) McIntosh, a boy: Maddox Joseph, January 21, 2026.
Blake (’17) and Maddie (Carson ’17) Owings, a girl: Roselynn Joy, March 10, 2026.
Alexander (’23) and Lydia (Dages ’23) Page, a boy: Montgomery Allen, December 16, 2025.
Daniel and Whitney (Peck ’16) Quiring, a girl: Helen, February 16, 2026.
Matthew (ABSN ’17) and Hayley (Pankratz ’15) Reynolds, a girl: Harlow Mae, September 28, 2025.
Chance (’22) and Jade Roberts, a boy: Franklin James, January 20, 2026.
Andrew and Lacey (Unruh ’14) Rush, a boy: Jeremiah Dean, January 15, 2026.
Adam and Presley (Wilson ’15) Stuber, a girl: Marnie Rowe, October 25, 2025.
Seth (’24) and Tina Watkins, a girl: Hadassah May, January 20, 2026.
Bretey
Butler
Cluff
Davis
Savage Quiring
Watkins
Brycen and Sarah Sherwood
Mike and Rashell Jaklevic
HAVE NEWS?
PLEASE SHARE YOUR NEWS about births, marriages, new jobs and accomplishments with alumni@mnu.edu or connect on social media.
MARRIAGES
Tony and Alissa (Wieczorek ’03) Caravello, October 25, 2025.
Jonathan and Celeste (Albertson ’21) Daugherty, March 29, 2026.
Jeff and Ebonee (Bell ’14) Debiak, December 13, 2025.
Gregory and Lindsey (Letsinger ’13) Dodson, June 7, 2025.
Mike and Rashell (Yockey ’09) Jaklevic, October 11, 2025.
Asher (’17) and Amber George, March 6, 2026.
Brycen (’24) and Sarah (Melodia ’23) Sherwood, July 18, 2025.
Justin (’15) and Trishelle Vargas, December 28, 2025.
Asher and Amber George
Members of the Class of 1976 Golden Grads celebrated with the Class of 2026.
CONDOLENCES
We remember
Mary Lou (Miller ’76) Tabers, April 3, 2026. Jhon Vargas-Hernandez (’21), February 27, 2026.
Lonnie Marley (’79), February 18, 2026. Earl Leewright (Former MNU Foundation Member), February 7, 2026.
Sharon D. (Provost ’89) Redeker, February 19, 2026.
University Advancement
2030 E. College Way
Olathe KS 66062-1899
Change Service Requested
If you receive more than one Accent Magazine at your home, or if you are the parent of an alum and you are also receiving their copy, please call 877-496-8668 or email accent@mnu.edu
us OCTOBER 9-11
We are excited to gather together with activities for the whole family:
• Homecoming Chapel
• Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
• MNU 60th Birthday Party and Dinner
• COLLAGE Concert
• Homecoming Celebration Breakfast
• Class Reunions Celebrating in Our 60th Year!
1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021
• Copeland Athletic Complex Events
Men's and Women's Soccer Games
Homecoming Football Game vs. Missouri Baptist
• MNU Night of Praise
