The Flame, Winter 2024

THE FL AME

MOUNT VERNON NAZ ARENE UNIVERSIT Y WINTER 2024

MEET MVNU’S 8TH PRESIDENT A candid conversation with Drs. Carson and Angela Castleman

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

+ Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement + Alumni Spotlight: Rick Warren + New Look for Cougar Athletics

‘FALL’ FOR MVNU

Oaktober Fest is one of the best traditions at MVNU. It’s where pumpkins steal the spotlight, hayrides roll with laughter, and even the squirrels agree that MVNU is nuts about fall! 🍁 #OAKtoberFest #SmoreFunThanYouCanHandle

WELCOME TO THE FLAME. The Eternal Flame has served as a beacon of light and hope in the center of campus since it was first constructed in 1970. It has taken new shape and form since its original conception but still towers as a place of solitude, reflection, and prayer; a gathering place for friends; an anchor for our ribbon cutting ceremonies; and a space where faith and academics unite to prepare our students for their life of calling and service to God’s Kingdom.

Our hope is that this redesigned alumni magazine becomes a place where you — our network of alumni and friends — can “gather” around The Flame in reflection of your time on campus, the great work that continues here at MVNU, and service you are performing all over the world.

The redesign of the alumni magazine is not just a cosmetic makeover; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to reconnect with you! This isn’t just a magazine; it’s a rendezvous with the past, a window into the present, and a glimpse into the bright future of MVNU and our growing network of alumni.

As we embrace this momentous change, it only makes sense to do so in tandem with the welcoming of our new president, Dr. Carson Castleman. We invite you to sit back, relax, and gather together around this inaugural edition of The Flame.

“

We seek to follow his flame which shines before us.”

Dr. Stephen W. Nease, Founding President

CONNECT WITH MVNU

thisisMVNU MVNUAlumni @mvnu1968 Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Sincerely,

Samantha Scoles Editor/Communications Director

MEMORIES ANCHORED AT THE FLAME

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VIEW THE NOW ARCHIVES AT MVNU.EDU/ALUMNI/ PUBLICATIONS

WINTER 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

THE FLAME President Dr. Carson Castleman Vice President for University Relations Dr. James Smith ’99 Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Rev. Mike Cheek ’82

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A NEW CHAPTER IN LEADERSHIP

With a focus on growth, innovation, and community connection, President Carson Castleman, Ph.D., outlines ambitious goals for MVNU, while First Lady Dr. Angela Castleman expresses enthusiasm for her role in supporting her husband and fostering relationships.

NEWS & NOTES

FEATURES

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15 New vice presidents appointed Rev. David Mills and Johnna Vanover will join President Castleman’s Cabinet in 2024.

Blue-Green Day Returns IGNITE Launching Academic Accomplishments University Dinner

IN EVERY ISSUE

24 Alumni Spotlight 25 Alumni Events 26 Cougar Highlights

20 Reunited Homecoming 2023 was an extraordinary weekend on campus. Take a look at some of the highlights.

22 Engineering and computer science hub A generous gift will transform a downtown building into collaborative space.

Assistant Director of Alumni and Church Relations Heather Hoag ’98 Assistant Vice President of Marketing Katie Booth ’10 ’17 Editor/Communications Director Samanatha Scoles ’22 Creative Director Ben Eash ’97 Art Direction/Design Tricia Bowles ’01 Flame Editorial Board John Ballenger ’95 Katie Booth ’10 ’17 Mike Cheek ’82 Ben Eash ’97 Darrel George ’05 ’08 Justin Nowicki ’11 ’14 Samantha Scoles ’22 James Smith ’99 Tavaris Taylor Chip Wilson ’04 Cover Photo Gerrod Harder ’18 ’19 The Flame is published twice a year by Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Subscription Updates: MVNU. communications@ mvnu.edu mvnu.edu

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NEWS & NOTES

CAMPUS UPDATES

BLUE-GREEN DAY: BACK TO OUR ROOTS With its flourishing trees and abundant greenspace, MVNU has earned the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education designation each year since 2019. Long before then, students, faculty, and staff would dedicate one day each year to beautify our campus for commencement weekend.

The practice of Blue-Green Day first began in 1969 and became a campus tradition bringing the campus community together to work the soil God created to improve campus appearance.

After a several-year hiatus, student leaders successfully advocated for the return of Blue-Green Day in April

2023. Over 50 students, faculty, and staff worked across campus performing weeding, mulching, and general landscape maintenance culminating in a day of hard work, fellowship, and beautification of the land and campus God has provided.

BLUE-GREEN DAY RETURNS APRIL 19, 2024.

ALUMNI WISHING TO PARTICIPATE SHOULD REACH OUT TO ALUMNI@MVNU.EDU.

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IGNITE TRANSFORMING MVNU EXPERIENCE IGNITE (Independence and Growth Nurtured through Integrated Training and Education) was introduced in November 2023 as a two-year residential program for high school graduates with intellectual disabilities. These scholars will discover their callings through individualized, integrated college experience beginning in Fall 2024.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAM AT MVNU.EDU/IGNITE.

REC RENOVATION: SGA’S SOCIAL OASIS

ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMPS RETURNING IN 2024

The Recreational Equipment Center (REC) was expanded and remodeled over summer break to create space for Student Government Association events and indoor social interaction. The space encompasses the former post office and lobby space. A new Commuter Lounge and SGA Office are also part of the remodel.

MVNU launched Academic Summer Camps in 2023, giving 83 high school students a week-long immersive college experience that included hands-on academic program exploration.

“

We’re going to use this for events and to create more of the positive culture that we have here at MVNU.”

Summer Camps are more than academics. Students lived on campus, ate in the cafeteria, indulged in outdoor activities, and explored the Mount Vernon area taking in the full MVNU student experience.

Summer camps will return during the week of June 16, 2024.

VISIT MVNU.EDU/SUMMER-CAMP FOR CAMP DETAILS.

Logan Kazelman, SGA President

WNZR MAKES WAVES IN UNIVERSITY RADIO WNZR 90.9 FM, WMVO’s radio broadcast ministry received the first Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) University Station of the Year in 2023. WNZR was recognized for its Kingdom work, cohesive messaging, strong social media, community involvement, and professional sound.

LISTEN ANYWHERE AT WNZR.FM.

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NEWS & NOTES

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

GREGG INVITED TO ATTEND INTERFAITH AMERICA SESSION Dr. Judy Gregg, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, was asked to attend a pre-conference session by Interfaith America in Chicago on Aug. 3-4. The goal of the pre-conference was to bring together a select group of educators working toward embedding interfaith knowledge and skills in pre-health curricula.

CHAPTER CONTRIBUTION AND CONSULTANT ROLE FOR DR. LAMBRIGHT Dr. Nicci Lambright, Assistant Professor of Education, contributed a chapter to the book Using Assistive Technology for Inclusive Learning in K-12 Classrooms. Dr. Lambright’s chapter is titled “Proloquo2Go (P2G) in the Classroom: Providing Speech, Communication, Behavioral Support, Academic, and Social Support for Students.” Dr. Lambright was also selected to serve as an American Psychological Association Commission of Accreditation Consultant for a two-year term (2023-24).

MATH PROFESSOR CO-WRITES ARTICLE ON COMPUTATIONAL THINKING Deborah Hewlett, Associate Professor of Mathematics, co-authored an article, “Exploring the Landscape of Computational Thinking Resources on Teachers8 |

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Pay-Teachers: Resources, Characteristics, and User Evaluations” that appeared in the Journal of Interactive Learning Research.

NURSING PROFESSOR CERTIFIED AS HEALTHCARE SIMULATION EDUCATOR Esther Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Nursing, successfully completed healthcare simulation training and is now recognized as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

GAREE DEFENDS DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE PROJECT Dr. Debra Garee, Associate Professor of Nursing, successfully defended her Doctor of Nursing Practice Project, “Implementing Loneliness Screening to Impact Referrals to a Community Health Liaison,” at Grand Canyon University on Aug. 15, 2023.

DR. SHOAF JOINS ONE PLUS GOD BOARD Dr. Mark Shoaf, Professor of Management, began service on the Board of Directors for One Plus God Ministries in July 2023. One Plus God Ministries is a missions organization that plans and organizes short-term missions trips, supports missionaries, and holds local retreats to encourage a mission mindset every day and everywhere.

PULSE SURVEY SPOTLIGHTED IN SUCCESS STRATEGIES Joy Strickland, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention, and Krissta Hadsell, Director of Institutional Research and Accountability, were invited to serve on the “Innovative Strategies for Student Success” panel at the AICUO Collaborative Conference at Otterbein University on June 8, 2023.

Their discussion focused on the use of the PULSE Survey at MVNU. OLIVEIRA, STUDENTS PRESENT AT CHEMISTRY CONFERENCE Dr. Luiz Oliveira, Associate Professor of Chemistry, and two students, Hannah Crouse and Jerhett Morehouse, presented research findings at the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate computational chemistry (MERCURY) conference July 17-21, 2023, at Furman University in Greenville, SC. BALLENGER PUBLISHES TWO NEW POEMS John Ballenger, Assistant Professor of English, had two new poems: “The Difficulty of Talking About Color” and “Late Evening Walk” accepted for publication in the fall 2023 issue of Local Culture: A Journal of the Front Porch Republic.

ENGINEERING FACULTY, STUDENTS COLLABORATE ON ARTICLE Dr. Jose Oommen, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Baonhe Sob, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, along with two of their students, Nathaniel Dersom and Connor Williams, published an article entitled, “Modeling and Optimizing Automotive Waste Recovery for Optimal Performance” in the Journal of Modern Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 2023, 10, 41-54.

SORENSEN WORKS IN TWO SOLO EXHIBITS Associate Professor of Art Justin Sorensen held two solo exhibitions recently: “61 mph” at Divisible Projects in Dayton, and “Five Easy Pieces” at Ashland University.

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CLINICAL HOURS FIRST, GRADUATE SCHOOL NEXT For the sixth year in a row, 100 percent of the MVNU Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (CSD) class of 2023 who applied to graduate schools earned seats in graduate programs. The secret behind these bright students’ success? Clinical practicums. CSD students solidify their classroom knowledge and prepare for graduate school by working directly with patients in the Hunter Hall Clinic.

CURRENT & RETIRED EMPLOYEES HONORED AT UNIVERSITY DINNER MVNU celebrated the contributions of faculty and staff with newly-elected President Dr. Carson Castleman during the 2023 University Dinner. This annual dinner recognizes long-term service and peernominated awards.

Dr. Jessica Grubaugh was named Faculty Member of the Year. She was recognized for being innovative and essential to the success of MVNU’s education programs.

Katie Sherman was named Staff Member of the Year for her excellent attitude, abilities, and Christian character.

Karen Bush received the Novice Morris Award for her continued service to MVNU,

her church, and her community following her retirement.

Dr. Merel Pickenpaugh received the Lloyd Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award for his ongoing dedication to MVNU following his 2017 retirement. He has continued to adjunct, serve as guest speaker, and assist with trips, embodying MVNU’s “To seek to learn is to seek to serve” motto.

Service Awards were given to those who have invested in MVNU for various milestone years.

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DRS. ANGELA AND CARSON CASTLEMAN

Angela (‘00) and Carson met and fell in love at MVNU. They feel they have come full circle in their return “home” as MVNU’s President and First Lady.

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CASTLEMANS FOLLOW GOD’S CALLING BACK TO MOUNT VERNON Interview by Samantha Scoles, Communications Director

On Aug. 11, 2023, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Carson Castleman as the University’s 8th president.

“The Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Carson Castleman as the next president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Through a very robust national search process, we have found a collaborative leader in Dr. Carson Castleman. He has the right education, experience, interest, drive, and passion to lead MVNU into a bright future,” said Rev. Edward Phillips, J.D., MVNU Board of Trustees Chair. “Dr. Carson Castleman’s enthusiasm and welcoming style is infectious, and he has built a distinguished career with many accomplishments that have made him the unanimous choice of the Board of Trustees.

We believe Dr. Carson Castleman is the right leader to move MVNU to new heights as the premier Christian university in the region.”

Dr. Castleman is not new to the MVNU Community. In fact, he began his career in higher education in the Admissions Office as a counselor and later as Associate Director of Admissions. He also held the position of Director of University Advancement. He would move on to other institutions of Christian higher education where he spent time as a faculty member, dean, associate vice president and vice president.

MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT ON THE DR. CASTLEMAN WELCOME TOUR 2024.

MVNU.EDU/WELCOME-TOUR

PRESIDENT CASTLEMAN’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES + SHOW UNREASONABLE HOSPITALITY Care for all who come to MVNU and be good stewards of what God has provided in this beautiful campus.

+ HAVE A GROWTH MINDSET Begin to think what we can do differently to grow this organization, rather than what we’ve always done.

+ THINK THE BEST OF OTHERS Always assume the best of others. As people of God, we will show grace, especially where grace might not be warranted.

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A NEW START

Dr. Castleman joined Admissions staff and the campus community in welcoming new students to campus on Move-In Day.

“... I love my church, I love Mount Vernon, and I was humbled by the fact they would want me to come, be a part of, and lead the MVNU community.”

CARSON, CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE MOMENT WHEN YOU REALIZED THAT YOUR NAME WOULD BE TAKEN TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A VOTE? I can tell you that I was in the Columbus airport, coming back from vacation with my wife and my children, when they called me and told me that the search committee had decided that they would be moving my name forward — my name forward only. I was overwhelmed. In fact, I remember vividly because there were so many people in the airport, and I began to weep because I love my church, I love Mount Vernon, and I was humbled by the fact they would want me to come, be a part of, and lead the MVNU community.

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ANGELA, HOW DID YOU FEEL AT THAT MOMENT? Well, when he called on the phone, I was sitting at a baseball field in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and as he shared the news that they were moving his name forward, and that he would be the only name they moved forward, I couldn’t even speak.

I remember just sitting there trying to process it and he said, ‘Are you there?’

I said, ‘Yes, I’m here, and I am just in awe of this news.’ I truly can say that I felt the Lord had orchestrated all of it and just to be in that moment was so special, and I felt so grateful.

WE ARE IN A VERY CHALLENGING TIME IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION.

CARSON, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TAKE ON THE PRESIDENCY OF A CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY RIGHT NOW? I think that is a very fair question.

The outside firm reached out to me and asked me if I would be willing to talk to them about this position, about the presidency. I told them that I was honored by the opportunity to talk with them, but I really needed to pray about it. I needed to make sure that I was mentally and spiritually ready to take on a college presidency.

I’ve spent 26 years in higher education, and I have seen and witnessed what a presidency does to a president and their family. Angela and I did take four days to pray about it and to ask the Lord to give us guidance and direction because these are not easy days. We prayed about it. In fact, it was General Assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana, in a Sunday morning service when Dr. David Graves preached a

sermon about dump trucks. He showed a picture of a small dump truck. He said, ‘This is what we think our life is and what we can do.’ Then he showed the most enormous dump truck I’ve ever seen in my life. He said, ‘This is what God has planned for you, but you’re thinking about the little dump truck. God got the big dump truck for you.’ I looked at Angela, and I said, ‘He’s talking to me.’ That’s the moment I knew that I needed to walk to that door because God was going to take care of me, no matter what.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS MVNU’S BIGGEST STRENGTHS, AND HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO CAPITALIZE ON THEM OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? I think Mount Vernon’s greatest strength is the people that Mount Vernon has and their desire to grow the Kingdom.

How I will capitalize on that is utilizing those desires and the people to grow the organization through innovative programming, innovative partnerships, and opportunities to tell the world about Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

I personally believe that MVNU is one of the best kept secrets in higher Christian education, and we’re going to change that from the best kept secret to the greatest opportunity of a Christian education.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SHORT OR LONG-TERM GOALS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? My first goal is that we will begin to focus on first-time freshmen and that we will grow that enrollment to over 300 students in the next year. Another goal I have is to grow our Nazarene students. I love an ecumenical enrollment, what I mean by that is people from all different faiths coming.

I really want that to continue to happen, but I want to hone in and focus in on Nazarene students and what we can do to bring Nazarene students to Mount Vernon Nazarene University. My third goal is that I will create a bridge between Mount Vernon Nazarene University and every church in the East Central Region with a sense of commitment, connection, and value. That we as an institution have a connection, have a commitment, and we’re adding value to the churches. That means I will be traveling. That means I will be in the churches. That means I will be doing whatever it takes to build those things.

YOU ARE THE FIRST MVNU PRESIDENT FROM THE EAST CENTRAL REGION. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? To me, it solidifies the importance of Nazarene students.

“I think Mount Vernon’s greatest strength is the people that Mount Vernon has and their desire to grow the Kingdom. “ It also solidifies that within our region, God is working and preparing. Who would have thought that a young man from Eastern Kentucky, that’s a first-generation college student who grew up in the Covington Central Church of the Nazarene, would one day be president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University? Only by the providence of God does that happen. To tell you how much I believe that God knew this: My grandmother had a third-grade education; my grandfather had an eighth-grade education.

They had seven children and my grandfather worked at General Electric for 42 years. He never made over $6.10 an hour. None of his children went to college, but if you walk into the R.R. Hodges Chapel and you look on the wall, you will find my grandparents’ names — Gerald and Gertrude McCauley — who sacrificially gave to Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s chapel campaign in the late 80s because they believed in a holiness education. They sacrificially gave to that without having an education themselves and not having a child go there. But today, their grandson is the president of that institution.

WHEN WE LOOK AT YOUR RESUME IT’S WELL ROUNDED WITH HIGHER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE IN ENROLLMENT, DEVELOPMENT, STUDENT EXPERIENCE, AND ACADEMICS. HOW WILL YOU USE THAT EXPERIENCE TO THE UNIVERSITY’S ADVANTAGE? I believe that is the providence of God. When I didn’t even know what was happening in my life, God was preparing me for where I am today. So, I believe every position that the Lord has placed me in has given me insight, knowledge, connection, and a direction to be able to grow an organization. As I look back, some of those positions, and some of those things I’ve done, stretched me to a point that sometimes I questioned, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But it ultimately helped me become a better leader and a better person. I believe wholeheartedly that the Lord was working in my life, and every position and every institution I worked at, to prepare me for this day. But what I love is that God was preparing me for that exact place well before I even knew what he was going to prepare me for. I will utilize my experiences, my background, and my ability to create

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partnerships with the President’s Cabinet.

I will work with the President’s Cabinet collaboratively talking about these growth opportunities and we will come to a common agreement of how we’re going to do this and what is in the best interests of the organization. The number one thing I will always do is whatever is in the best interest of this organization. My number one fiduciary responsibility to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the Church of the Nazarene is whatever is best for the organization.

Drs. Angela and Carson Castleman speak with alumni from the Class of 2008 during Homecoming reunions.

CARSON, WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO KNOW ABOUT ANGELA? I mean this, you will not find a better person to be Mount Vernon’s First Lady than Dr. Angela Castleman.

She is a Christ-follower first and foremost. She brings joy, and she brings an element of positivity to every place that she goes. She will bring joy and positivity to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the community of Mount Vernon. Everyone will love her because she is the most lovable person there is.

ANGELA, HAVE YOU HAD TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR NEW ROLE WILL LOOK LIKE OR ESTABLISH SOME OF YOUR OWN GOALS? I’m still processing a lot of that, but I have definitely been feeling a lot of excitement and anticipation around this new role. I have really enjoyed my tenure on the board and the opportunity it afforded me to be a representative for not only my region, but the alumni that I went to school with there, all of those that have come behind me, the parents, and the churches. I’ve loved all of that as

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part of the Board of Trustees process, but the opportunity to really partner with Carson and be a support to him and to help him as he is engaging in this work. To be able to do that alongside of him is really exciting to me. Even greater than what the Board of Trustees afforded me, I really see the opportunity in the role of First Lady as having a relationship building piece that pours into students, faculty, and staff. We met the mayor of Mount Vernon at our reception, and I want to know what we can do in the city of Mount Vernon and beyond that and in the churches in our region, with prospective students and families, and alumni.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE MVNU COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT YOU, ANGELA? I want the MVNU community to know how much I love MVNU. I love the Nazarene Church, and I believe in the mission of MVNU. It is really a place where my faith was grounded and the values and the beliefs that I was taught as a young person were solidified and they

became my personal beliefs at Mount Vernon. They shaped me into the Christ follower I am today. When I came to Mount Vernon and found that my faith could intersect with my calling, that’s where I felt like God began to do something in me that I hadn’t ever experienced before.

ANGELA, WHAT DO YOU WANT THE MVNU COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT CARSON? I think people will quickly figure this out, but it’s really not possible to outwork him. Not that anyone is trying to do that, but he is such a hard worker, and he believes so much in the work that he is going to be doing. It really does go back to what he was saying: How all these different roles and opportunities that have been afforded to him were all purposeful. So, trust the process.

I want people to know that he has all the passion and drive to see some of the greatest days ahead for MVNU so we should all get behind him and make that happen with the Lord’s help.

NEW VICE PRESIDENTS APPOINTED VANOVER TAPPED VP FOR ENROLLMENT AND MARKETING President Dr. Carson Castleman appointed Johnna (Tidyman) Vanover to the position of Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing.

A 2011 alumna of MVNU, Vanover brings a proven track record of success including nine years in leadership roles where her teams achieved significant non-traditional enrollment growth through innovative marketing strategies.

“I am delighted to have Johnna come home to MVNU and help transform our Enrollment and Marketing areas,” said Dr. Castleman. “She brings a strong work ethic and a tremendous record of enrollment growth. I am thankful for a strong leader and alumni to be such an important part of our community.”

Vanover’s primary focus in her new role is to implement a comprehensive strategy that enhances enrollment and marketing for both residential and online students, supporting revenue growth and the University’s financial strength.

READ MORE ABOUT HER APPOINTMENT AT MVNU.EDU/VANOVER-APPOINTMENT

MILLS NAMED VP FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE AND CHURCH RELATIONS Rev. David Mills was appointed as Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations

by Dr. Carson Castleman, MVNU President.

With nearly 25 years in ministry, including 15 years as Lead Pastor at Generations Church of the Nazarene in Independence, Kentucky, Rev. Mills, and his family, are following God’s calling to Mount Vernon to embark on a multi-faceted position that is key to Dr. Castleman’s goals of enrollment growth and enhanced church relations.

“God has uniquely gifted and raised him up for such a time as this. His compassion, humility, and Christlike witness will be tremendous assets to our faith community.

I am excited for him to join the MVNU family,” said Castleman.

Rev. Mills will offer a strategic spiritual blueprint for the campus in the role of chaplain including functions and programming within the Spiritual Life Department, directing and supervising music groups, establishing and overseeing service-learning initiatives, and other duties.

READ MORE ABOUT HIS APPOINTMENT AT MVNU.EDU/MILLS-APPOINTMENT

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PLANT SEEDS OF SERVICE THROUGH FAIRBANKS CENTER FOR GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT Founding President Stephen W. Nease sowed the seeds of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s commitment to Christ-like service with the introduction of our timeless motto: “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.” This motto has been a guiding light throughout our journey.

However, it was the dedicated efforts of our fifth President, Dr. E. Lebron Fairbanks, and his wife Anne, that truly elevated the significance of this motto, forging a global impact and setting an exemplary standard of global Christian citizenship. The Center officially became the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement during General Assembly in June 2023.

Dr. Fairbanks left an indelible mark on MVNU’s global awareness and engagement.

He appointed an Assistant Chaplain for Mission and Ministry Opportunities, initiated the university’s first international study trip, collaborated with the Church of the Nazarene to further the Church’s work in Hungary through the endeavors of MVNU Collegians, and made a landmark decision by hiring the university’s first diversity officer, a role that has evolved into today’s Office of Intercultural Learning and Engagement.

Mrs. Fairbanks, in her own right, played a vital role in ministering to international students and children of missionaries.

In his farewell address to faculty in 2006, Dr. Fairbanks urged the integration of a cross-cultural component into the curriculum for every graduate. He believed that this addition would emphasize the distinctiveness of an MVNU education, one that would

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“

When I first heard of the Center for Global Engagement, I was elated. Anne and I shifted our endowment giving to support the development, sustainability, and global reach of the Center. It is a dream and vision come true.”

include face-to-face immersion within a culture other than their own, preparing students to become global Christians.

Now, nearly 17 years later, the Fairbankses continue to champion MVNU’s service in the world and wholeheartedly supports the mission of the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement.

“Think more globally. Live more simply. Love more deeply. Give more generously. The Center for Global Engagement is passionate about fostering these perspectives across our campus, irrespective of one’s position, academic major, or giftedness. In every possible and appropriate way, the Center is dedicated to empowering our campus community, both individually and collectively, to realize these noble goals,” Dr. Fairbanks said during the Center’s launch at General Assembly.

We are thrilled to announce the public phase of our campaign for the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement.

Our goal is to raise $1 million to endow the Center in honor of Lebron and Anne who have been, and continue to be, exemplars of servant leaderships as global Christians.

“The work of the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement has always been central to MVNU’s heart,” said Dr. James Smith, Vice President for University Relations. “However, the Fairbankses transformed our approach, inspiring us to engage not only our minds but also our hearts and hands as we partner with friends around the world in mutually beneficial ways.”

The Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement is a hub of transformative experiences for our students. It uniquely centralizes both on-campus and off-campus engagement, offering our students unparalleled opportunities to turn their academic pursuits and personal Christian callings into real-world service across the globe, all through its innovative servicelearning Collaboratory.

We have been diligently working behind the scenes to lay the foundation for this campaign. Lead gifts from supporters like Dr. and Mrs. Fairbanks have been instrumental in getting us to this point. Dr. Fairbanks shared his excitement about the Center during General Assembly.

“When I first heard of the Center for Global Engagement, I was elated.

Anne and I shifted our endowment

giving to support the development, sustainability, and global reach of the Center. It is a dream and vision come true,” he said.

With the support of generous donors, the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement will equip a new generation of MVNU graduates to find and follow their callings and engage in real-world challenges in real time. These graduates will go on to serve the world as Christ-centered leaders, embodying the spirit of global citizenship and service.

We invite you to join us on this incredible journey as we work together to support the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement and empower our students to engage the world.

There are multiple ways to contribute: you can make a general donation to the Center, sponsor a specific initiative for a year, or even name an initiative through an endowment.

Together, we can open hearts and minds to the power of Christian education, service, and global engagement.

LEARN MORE AND GIVE TODAY AT MVNU.EDU/CENTER-FORGLOBAL-ENGAGEMENT

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NEW PARTNERSHIP FURTHER EXPANDS GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT Students from MVNU and Africa Nazarene University (ANU) are one step closer to new academic programs and global engagement opportunities as the two universities forge a new partnership.

MVNU launched minors in Peace and Conflict Studies and International Business for the 2023-24 academic year that take students to the classrooms of ANU and the culture of Nairobi, Kenya.

“Our students will spend a semester at Africa Nazarene University learning from expert faculty and through local engagement. We are building a bridge to ANU for our

Explore Italy Head to Toe in 2025 FEBRUARY 22 MARCH 7, 2025

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The agreement, which was signed virtually in Spring 2023, will provide both on-campus and off-campus engagement through the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement.

Join Art Professor John Donnelly and Professor Emerita of Biblical Literature and Intercultural Studies Dr. Jeanne Serrao on an extraordinary 14-day adventure to Italy during Spring Break 2025. Prof. Donnelly, who has been leading MVNU trips to Italy since 1995, invites faculty, staff, students, friends, alumni, and pastors to embark on this remarkable voyage.

ASSISI ROME SORRENTO PALERMO

FOR FULL DETAILS, SCAN THE CODE OR VISIT MVNU.EDU/ITALY-TRIP.

Because bridges go both ways, the partnership allows for two ANU students to study at MVNU each semester at ANU rates for tuition, room, and board. The first ANU students start in Spring 2024.

Get ready for an exhilarating journey like no other!

VENICE

FLORENCE

students,” and Dr. Brenita Nicholas-Edwards, Assistant Vice President for Global Engagement and Director of the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement.

POMPEII

Be swept away to artistic, spiritual, and historial destinations including Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Palermo, Sicily, Vatican City, Assisi and more.

This is not just a journey — it’s an opportunity to earn academic credit. Six courses are on offer, catering to both undergraduate and graduate levels. Lifelong Learning Units (formerly CEU) credits are also available for Nazarene pastors.

For the all-inclusive adventure of a lifetime, the cost is just $5,895 per person (double occupancy).

Please note that certain exclusions apply.

SPAULDING’S INFLUENCE REMAINS AFTER RETIREMENT MVNU President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D., alongside MVNU’s First Lady Sharon, retired following the Commencement ceremonies on May 6, 2023. As the seventh University President, Dr. Spaulding strategically and prayerfully led MVNU for 10 ½ years, strengthening academic programs and expanding the University’s presence in downtown Mount Vernon.

“More importantly,” Rev. Edward Phillips, J.D., MVNU Board of Trustees Chair said, “He has guarded the principles of the University and the Church of the Nazarene and faithfully kept MVNU’s mission of ‘shaping lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service’ forefront.”

Dr. Spaulding left a distinct legacy by building relationships on and off campus while cheering on students and nurturing a cohesive Christian culture at MVNU. From brick-and-mortar growth to new programs and athletic expansion, MVNU grew in distinct ways under Spaulding’s leadership. Some exam-

“I hope people remember me as a person who in my time here, I was invested totally here; I was engaged here; that I didn’t leave anything else on the table.” ples include: Reorganization of the nursing program to improve passage rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); athletic expansion to include club sports, reserve varsity teams as well as new varsity sport options like lacrosse; adding the Engineering Department and Communications Sciences and Disorders (Speech Pathology and Audiology) major in 2014; completion of the Center for Student Success in 2015; opening of the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel in 2016; completion of CH4 Stadium and Knox County Foundation Community Fields; expansion of program offerings through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies; and the launching of the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement.

For over 50 years, Sharon was always a tremendous support for the president. In addition, she showered the

MVNU campus with love and compassion.

“She has a unique ability to see what the basic human needs are and fulfill them,” Dr. Spaulding said. “She’s always trying to support me. She is a great friend, counselor, advisor, and wife to me. She has certainly been essential to everything good I’ve done in my life.”

When asked what he felt his legacy at MVNU would be, Dr. Spaulding remarked, “I want it to be said that I honored and worked my life through the Christian faith. I want to be known as a person who cared about and was faithful to the Christian faith. I hope people remember me as a person who in my time here, I was invested totally here; I was engaged here; that I didn’t leave anything else on the table. I gave it everything I had every day.”

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THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME! 2

HOMECOMING 2024 was a dynamic blend of tradition and new connections, uniting alumni, students, and supporters. The weekend featured engaging forums, thrilling Cougar basketball, and a vibrant sense of community. This Homecoming was a true celebration of the MVNU family, bringing together past, present, and future in a weekend of excitement, worship, and memories.

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1. HOMECOMING CHAPEL Alumni and students worship together in our beautiful chapel.

3. INSTAGRAM WORTHY Alumni and their families take advantage of every selfie moment.

2. COUGAR BASKETBALL Ariel Arena was alive with excitement for both men’s and women’s games.

4. PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION Dr. Carson Castleman talks with alumni about his vision for MVNU.

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8 5. GOLDEN GRADS The Class of 1973 celebrates its 50th reunion as the Golden Grads.

6. KING AND QUEEN Homecoming King John Backus escorts Queen Julia Trotti during the Coronation ceremony.

7. WALL OF FAME Josh Richardson (’16), left, Annelise (Rohrer) Cisek (’16), center, and Richey

Burgos (’08), right, were inducted onto the MVNU Athletics’ Wall of Fame.

8. ALL SMILES This group of Pioneer students are always happy to be together on the campus they helped build.

9. 30 YEARS ALREADY? The class of 1993 looks just as young as the day they graduated 30 years ago.

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR FULL HOMECOMING RECAP

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MVNU ENGINEERS STATE-OF-THE-ART HW HUB A vacant downtown Mount Vernon building will become a state-of-theart collaborative hub for MVNU engineering and computer science students. Made possible by a grant from Ariel Foundation, the third largest gift to MVNU, the project includes over $1.4 million in equipment to enhance student learning and research opportunities in computer science and mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Named the HW Hub, the building honors Hunter Wright, former

high-tech facility will provide students with training in the latest cutting-edge technologies, prepare them for graduate studies, and bolster their ability to compete and perform in the job market.

“There is no question this new facility will strengthen our engineering and computer science majors in significant ways,” said Dr. LeeAnn Couts, Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences. “This move will foster greater collaboration between the computer science

“There is no question this new facility will strengthen our engineering and computer science majors in significant ways.” president of Ariel Corporation, who passed away in 2021. Wright served on MVNU’s Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, providing insight on educational objectives, and continually suggesting areas for program improvement.

In this “expansion” of the Nease Center, which is just steps away, the facility will include laboratories for cyber security, virtual reality, embedded systems research, computing and networking and mechanical engineering. This

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and engineering programs, thereby reinforcing our newly established computer engineering major.”

Not only will MVNU continue to provide top-notch bachelor’s degrees, we will also continue partnerships supported by Intel to lead short courses and experiential microcredential workshops for students.

We look forward to HW Hub’s opening in Fall 2025.

REFER A SENIOR Christian higher education at MVNU opens the door for students to explore all of the callings God will place on their heart — not just their profession.

REFER THE SENIORS IN YOUR NETWORK TODAY! MVNU.EDU/ALUMNI/REFERASTUDENT EVERY REFERRAL EARNS YOU A CHANCE TO WIN A PAIR OF APPLE AIRPODS! DEADLINE IS FEB. 1, 2024

THE TEACHER SHORTAGE IS REAL. MVNU HAS THE SOLUTION. Schools across the country are facing a critical shortage of teachers.

Class sizes are ballooning as districts struggle to fill open positions.

MVNU offers an innovative solution with our transition to teaching degree. This flexible online master’s degree provides a direct path to your Professional Educators License in just 22 months.

Start making a difference in students’ lives and earn your teaching credentials from MVNU’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

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MONTHS TO EARN YOUR TEACHING LICENSE

APPLY TODAY! MVNU.EDU/BECOMEATEACHER

Winter 2024 | 23

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

RECARDO “RICK” WARREN (’04) MATHEMATICS TEACHER AND HEAD BOY’S VARSITY SOCCER COACH AT SUFFIELD ACADEMY

Soccer has played a major role in Rick Warren’s life from the time he was a young boy in Jamaica. His passion and skills continued to grow and eventually — and unexpectedly — the sport would open the door for his journey to MVNU. In Spring of 2000, Rick was approached by then men’s soccer coach Paul Furey. He was offered an athletic scholarship to attend MVNU and a letter written by Konrod Morris (’03), a Jamaican already attending MVNU. These simple gestures, paired with his love of soccer, led Rick to MVNU to build lasting relationships with others who loved the game just as much.

“Brian Souder (’04) quickly took me under his wing. We came in together as freshmen soccer players and quickly became the best of friends; his parents became my surrogate parents in the U.S. To this day, Brian continues to be one of my closest friends,” said Rick.

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MVNU prepared me to be humble and always put others first, which has helped me throughout my career.”

The transition from Jamaica to Ohio was not easy. From the expected differences like food and weather, to the cultural changes, there were times Rick struggled with his decision.

“I would pray every day for God to continue to help me through each and every day,” said Rick. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. God will answer your prayer at the right time.”

God showed his faithfulness to Rick by introducing him to people who would love and care for him, listen and respond to his needs, and accept his differences. Some of those supporters included his future wife, Elizabeth Oswald-Warren (’05), Konrod Morris, Jefferson Hinds (’06), the Lakeholm Moms, Dr. Lebron and Anne Fairbanks, and the multicultural club.

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WE ARE HAPPY TO BE WITH OUR ALUMNI ANYWHERE! In 2023, we visited over 100 cities to spend time with our alumni and build a tremendous network.

We look forward to even more connections in 2024.

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS JANUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

12 – Delaware, Ohio 18 – Bellefontaine, Ohio 26 – Colorado Springs, Colorado 27 – Denver, Colorado

8 – Mansfield, Ohio 16 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina 17 – Charlotte, North Carolina 22 – Lancaster/Circleville, Ohio 29 – Phoenix, Arizona

MARCH 2024

5-12 – Florida Alumni Events with our baseball and softball teams 14 – Newark, Ohio 21 – New Philadelphia, Ohio

DR. CASTLEMAN WELCOME TOUR JAN. 19 – Cincinnati, Ohio JAN. 20 – Maysville, Kentucky FEB. 23 – Cleveland, Ohio MARCH 3 – Orlando, Florida

MARCH 4 – Tampa, Florida MARCH 17 – Columbus, Ohio MARCH 22 – Morgantown,

West Virginia

SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT MVNU.EDU/ALUMNI/EVENTS-AND-ACTIVITIES FOR MORE DATES AND INFORMATION.

MARCH 23 – Charleston,

West Virginia

APRIL 13 – Nashville, Tennessee APRIL 26 – Lima, Ohio APRIL 27 – Indianapolis, Indiana JUNE 1 – Washington, D.C.

*Events are subject to change.

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MVNU Athletics is bigger than any game.

It is a ministry of over 20 teams building body and character to further the Kingdom.

THE NEW FACE OF MVNU ATHLETICS If you follow any MVNU social media pages or have cheered on our Cougars in Ariel Arena recently, you have likely seen our fresh and fierce athletic rebrand. Transformed from a thin-lined profile of a Cougar, the new Cougar faces his audience with the same intensity and conviction as the student-athletes he represents.

“The new Cougar athletic brand aligns with the strong character and conviction that easily encapsulates who we are in Athletics and who we are as a university through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and athletic competition,” said Chip Wilson, MVNU Director of Athletics.

Along with a new Cougar, the new brand kit includes secondary marks inspired by our Christian mission. The new paw print nods to the Eternal Flame imagery, and the shield of faith is woven into additional design options.

Find the rebrand on the competition floor in Ariel Arena, on social media, the athletic website, and MVNU apparel!

FOLLOW MVNU ATHLETICS AT MVNUCOUGARS.COM

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Women’s Indoor Track & Field

lades granted to him for his integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution Runner-Up. Rhodeback competed in the 60m hurdles while Kyler Dickey represented MVNU in the shot put.

Four MVNU women’s track and field athletes made program history by making it to the 43rd NAIA Indoor Track Nationals. Ashley Burgess, Jocelyn Dornbirer, Lyssi Snouffer and Ellyn Coe “competed fiercely and handled themselves with grace,” said Coach Ellis Gallion.

The lady cougars placed 17th in the 4x800m relay.

Brooke Holloway competed in the Crossroads League Outdoor Championships in May 2023. The freshman placed first with a vault of 3.40m, defending her indoor championship in the pole vault.

Men’s Indoor Track & Field The men’s track and field team competed at the 58th annual Men’s Indoor Track and Field National Championships. Placing 26th overall, these Cougars ran away with All-Americans in the 4x400, 60m hurdles, and the shot put. The 4X400 team included Marcus Whaley, Liam Near, Jaden Haldeman, and Erich Rhodeback, and finished as National

Cheerleading Jordan Rowden earned the Crossroads League Player of the Year Award in February 2023, becoming MVNU’s first Crossroads League Player of the Year for cheerleading.

The following month, Rowden received NAIA’s National Cheerleader of the Year award. Rowden is the first student-athlete from MVNU to receive a National Player of the Year award since Andy Heimbach’s designation in 1999.

Head coach Melissa Nowicki praised Rowden for his incredible talent, leadership, and ability to make even rival teams cheer. “Jordan is the most skilled athlete on our team and the most humble,” Nowicki said.

Men’s Volleyball

Doug Sherer, MVNU head men’s volleyball coach, received the WolverineHoosier Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award. Additionally, Sherer was named to the Champions of Character team for the third straight season. He humbly and graciously accepted these acco-

NAIA’s national office named MVNU as a 2022-23 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution. MVNU was one of 171 universities lauded with this award for character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. MVNU earned additional points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages.

Stewart Recognized for Excellence in Sports Coverage Alex Stewart, Sports Information Director (SID), earned the Crossroads League’s 20222023 Sports Information Director of the Year, being the first SID from MVNU to obtain this award. Stewart merited the peer-driven recognition by publishing 550 articles, creating over 1,000 social media posts, assisting with MVNU’s recent athletic rebrand and leading the athletic website redesign.

Chip Wilson, MVNU Director of Athletics, said, “I am thankful for his continued hard work and effort to serve our student-athletes and entire Athletic Department at MVNU. He is continuing to improve and learn, and I have seen tremendous growth in him this year. Congratulations, Alex, on this well-deserved honor.”

Winter 2024 | 27

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID BURL VT 05401 PERMIT NO. 19

800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

PHONATHON JAN. 23 – FEB. 22, 2024 Phonathon is an incredible opportunity for you to hear how your generosity directly impacts student learning and spiritual growth.

SCAN CODE OR VISIT MVNU.EDU/PHONATHON TO GIVE NOW!

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