MVNU NOW, Fall 2020

A N N UA L REP O RT

Plus

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSIT Y W i n te r 2 0 2 0 - 2 1

NOW Turning challenges into

OPPORTUNITIES

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention A Message from the President Annual Report News & Notes Tributes Learning Means Service

Learning Means Service P r e s i d e n t H e n r y W. S p a u l d i n g I I , P h . D .

The Eternal Flame stands proudly at the center of the MVNU quad. The flame reminds us that the Hebrews followed the fire that intended to lead them to the Promised Land. Those who have attended this University over the years think of it as God’s special place. Decisions around the altar radically changed life trajectories. Lifechanging friends often emerged on this land. Young men and women “found each other” on this campus and subsequently sent students to this good place. In fact, only eternity knows the goodness flowing from MVNU. A very important statement on the Eternal Flame speaks to the essence of the University. “To Seek to Learn is to Seek to Serve” proudly testifies to the DNA of MVNU. Two rivers flow from this campus. One arises from the human desire to understand the great mystery of the world.

Those who travel on this river learn to think critically and constructively, as well as develop professional expertise.

Our graduates compete for graduate admission and employment with the best schools in the country. The second river proceeds from the fountains of faith defined in the scripture. The story of Israel and Jesus fills the imagination of our students. It has been a pleasure to see emerging adults move toward a more mature faith for many years. The association of knowledge and faith informs our students that learning and serving belong together. After all, learning produces knowledge, which leads to service.

Francis Bacon is associated with “Knowledge is power.”

This stands in stark contrast with the motto found on the Eternal Flame – “To Seek to Learn is to Seek to Serve.” Beginning with the tone of our Founding President Stephen Nease all the way through to fall 2020, our students seek to apply what they learn to the hurts and dreams of those with whom they cross paths. Our students want to be schoolteachers, social workers, pastors, and missionaries. Even those who major in the sciences and arts really want to make a difference in the world.

While attending the University, our students take mission trips. They register for internships at “Lower Lights” in Columbus and the “Shepherd Center” in Indianapolis.

Before COVID-19, our students helped with reading groups in public schools and raised money so boys and girls could go to the Columbus Zoo for the first time. Our students weep for the suffering in the world. Recently, I talked to a recent graduate who serves in Texas, working with immigrants. She does this out of a deep love for people arising from the Christian desire to serve. This desire defines the ethos of MVNU.

" To Seek to Learn is to Seek to Serve."

Our graduates embody learning and serving. A few examples cast light on the ethos of the University: • Biology majors Taylor and Dr. Laura Myatt both graduated in 2012 from MVNU. Taylor is an outdoor conservationist, and Laura is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Laura recently completed her residency program, and they are planning to move to the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea, where they will serve as Nazarene missionaries, long-term, at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. Laura will be serving the women of Papua New Guinea, while Taylor will use his degree to help maintain the facility and bring conservational insights for the surrounding area.

• D ennis (’78) and Cheryl King (’81) live and serve in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where Dennis is the Senior Pastor of Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene. Before Dennis arrived to begin his pastorate, the church was experiencing a decline, and the congregation was comprised of an aging population of predominately-white folks.

Seeing the needs of their community and the opportunity their building offered with its gymnasium, the church began a new ministry called “Basketball Church.” Although the church itself had few youths who attended when they started this ministry, they began reaching an ethnically diverse group of teenagers and young adults. Basketball Church now reaches into the inner city of Columbus, and those who attend are finding hope, help, and faith.

• Cody Thomas (’14) was a Media major at MVNU. After graduation, Cody moved to Kenya, where he taught music, made instruments, and helped establish a dedicated music school for children. After leaving Kenya, Cody moved to Thailand, where he has continued his music career, teaching at the International Community School of Bangkok. Cody continues to make a difference in the lives of his students through his intentional investments and willingness to immerse himself in diverse cultural settings.

Many more of our graduates serve the world, that is, the people of the world, serving in places with little notice for no other reason than the love of Christ.

Service is not something our graduates do; it is something that we are. Our students do not serve because of duty, but because the love of Christ lives in them. Service flows from hearts and minds made new in Christ. Service arises from a vital participation in the life of God. Paul writes, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12b-13). Our students reject the idea that knowledge is power. Rather, they live out another motto, “Knowledge Means Service.”

" Service is not something our graduates do; it is something that we are."

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• N icolle Bosworth Bompart (’90) majored in Business at MVNU. Using her degree in a unique way, Nicolle and her husband David started Eyes Wide Open International, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), which is located in Haiti. As a part of Eyes Wide Open, they operate an orphanage, which is currently raising 33 children. Unfortunately, while serving the children in Haiti, David was murdered. Today, Nicolle has remarried and continues overseeing the operations of Eyes Wide Open and the orphanage they started.

• T iffany Tripp (’99) was an Education major at MVNU. Tiffany is not only an elementary education teacher, but she also helped start a non-profit in Central Ohio to help combat human trafficking known as Out of Darkness. Through her passion for teaching, she is educating the next generation, and through her heart to bring hope to the hopeless, she works tirelessly, helping trafficked people find dignity. The ministry operates a drop-in center in the inner city of Columbus as well as a safe house in a rural part of a neighboring county.

INDEX

NOW Winter 2020-21

Turning challenges into OPPORTUNITIES

11

President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D. Vice President for University Relations Rev. James Smith

Assistant Vice President for Development Justin Nowicki Coordinator of Communications/PR Samantha Scoles

Director of Creative Services and Marketing Production Tricia Bowles Director of Web Development & Communications Carlos M. Serrao

A N N UA L RE P O RT

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CUT TING EDGE C O V I D - 19 S C RE E N I N G

Art Direction / Design Caleb Bryant NOW is published twice a year by Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

Campus Switchboard: 740-392-6868 Subscription Updates:

MVNU.Communications@mvnu.edu

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N EW S & N OT ES

TA Y LO R : WE MUST B U I LD B R I D G E S

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I N ST I T U T I O N OF THE YEAR

23

COVID-19 has made it difficult for high school seniors to connect with colleges and universities. You can connect seniors to MVNU and give them a chance at a $2,500 Alumni Referral Scholarship. Encourage a high school senior to apply and tell them to list your name as the referral source on their application.

Encourage a senior to apply today: mvnu.edu/alumni/referasenior

Rules: • $2,500 Alumni Referral Scholarship available for Fall 2021-22.

• Only FA21 Incoming Applicants qualify for the drawing (excludes FA21 MVNU CCP or Dual Enrollment Applicants).

• Applicants must list the Alumni’s full name on their application to qualify (a referral name field is located on the application).

• Only brand new applicants qualify.

• Offer expires on April 30, 2021.

• Drawing for the $2,500 scholarship will be held on May 3, 2021. The winner as well as the alumna/alumnus who made the referral will be notified.

• There are no limits as to how many FA21 Incoming Applicants an Alumni can refer.

• Transfer and current MVNU students do not qualify.

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention A Message from the President

Lincoln Boyd Stevens October 14, 1950 — September 26, 2020

MVNC/MVNU Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Lincoln Stevens, passed away September 26, after a brief illness. He joined the faculty in 1977 as Assistant Professor of Philosophy and developed a reputation as a rigorous but generous professor, according to MVNU President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II. “He believed that a philosopher needed to probe the mind with penetrating questions and thoughtful arguments. He gave special attention to guiding students to a deeper understanding,” said Spaulding. “He served with distinction in this role, training and mentoring generations of young philosophers who teach around the country. Several years ago, many of them returned to MVNU to celebrate his influence on a day named, ‘Thinkin’ with Lincoln.’

The love and deep appreciation of his former students filled the room. The day ended with Lincoln’s response to his students that was both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.”

Annual Report News & Notes Tributes

Dr. Stevens is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” ( Jarvis) Stevens; children, Sarah (David) Lehman and their daughter Lola of Charlottesville, Virginia, Adam Stevens (’00) and his children Micah, Jonah, and Lydia of Boardman, Ohio, Peter Stevens (’02) of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Katherine (Ben) Radcliffe (’04) and their children Simeon, Matthias, Tabea, Naomi, and Luka of Kudjip, Papua New Guinea; siblings and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A TRIBUTE TO LINCOLN STEVENS

A l e x Va r u g h e s e Professor Emeritus of Biblical Literature

Learning Means Service

Dr. Stevens was honored by colleagues as Faculty Member of the Year in 1999 and 2011, and again posthumously in 2020.

A colleague wrote this on his nomination of Dr. Stevens, “Lincoln Stevens is among that great group of faculty who have poured themselves into this place. It is humbling every day to pass by his door and know that he has been at MVNU since before I was born, and he has been at work already for two hours before any of the rest of us got there.”

Though I have been retired for six years now, I fondly remember Lincoln Stevens, my friend and colleague during my 32 years of teaching. Our conversations, and his exuberant laughter which often echoed in the hallways of our office building.

During my tenure at MVNU (1982-2014), I witnessed Lincoln’s strong loyalty to our department and to MVNU’s mission. I remember his demeanor during intense debate over curriculum issues, and how he expressed his dissenting views, gracefully with integrity, collegiality, and love. His vision for general education helped me to broaden my own understanding of its role in a Christian liberal arts university. I found in him an ally who shared my passion for proper reading and interpretation of the Bible.

I saw in Lincoln a strong passion to teach with integrity, expect hard work from students, and help those who were struggling in his courses. He challenged his students to think and act Christianly, constantly strive to expand their mind and their worldview, and love God with their whole being. He maintained personal relationships with his students, and trained Philosophy majors and minors for graduate studies. I remember his excitement when he shared with me the news of his students completing graduate programs and finding teaching positions, or entering the legal profession.

Lincoln impacted the world in which he lived. As his former colleague and friend, I remember Lincoln’s life with gratitude for his influence on my life.

Steve Doenges May 25, 1950 — October 1, 2020

Steve Doenges passed away Oct. 1, following a long battle with cancer. He served MVNU for 33 years and retired on Sept. 30, 2011. As IT Director, he recruited a department that demonstrated his commitment to service and professionalism, according to Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, MVNU president.

“Steve was on the frontlines of making everything work on this campus from financial information, instructional, and communication technology,” said Spaulding. “He typified the

meaning of staff support, never out in front, but making faculty and administration work possible through his commitment to excellence.”

Steve is survived by his wife Karen (Kreider) Doenges; children, Stephanie (’97) (Andrew) Diehlmann of Sunray, Texas, Ami (’99)(Darren) Workman and their children Grayson and Emmilyn of Mount Vernon and Aaron (’02) (Bryan Currie) Doenges of Nashville, Tennessee; siblings and many nieces and nephews.

A TRIBUTE TO STEVE DOENGES J o h n Wa l c h l e D i r e c t o r o f I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y S e r v i c e s

Steve Doenges was hired in the spring of 1978 at MVNU (then MVNC) as the first Director of Administrative Computing to implement the school’s computerized administrative software system. This mainframe system would connect the admissions, registrar, and student accounts information into a single recordskeeping system and transform processes from paper-driven to electronic for the first time in the history of the school.

Through the years of Steve’s tenure at MVNU, the administrative system was replaced twice, expanding the connections between offices and their data and the scope of his duties. With the advent of the internet the range of users increased as well, from administrative offices to all employees and students and empowering users with their own data. In 2010, Steve was made the first Director of Information Technology Services, uniting administrative computing, network computing, and the helpdesk under one director for the first time at MVNU.

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Steve was all about connecting – not only connecting offices to gain synergy in their processes, but connecting people to processes, and to each other. He knew the efficiencies that could be gained by automating time-consuming tasks. He knew we could work better by working together, by understanding what we each need to accomplish with our tasks and work toward that as a unified goal.

Steve was quiet and most of his work was behind the scenes, but his impact on the university can be seen in the Information Technology department today. He taught us that we are not just working at a job, but that we are blessed to be able to use the gifts God has given us to support His work and the mission of the school. That each person you help is important and deserving not only of assistance but compassion and care.

That there was more to being a programmer than knowing how to write code – you need to understand what a person is requesting and why it is important to them, and that it should be important to you as well.

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Learning Means Service

Tributes

News & Notes

Annual Report

A Message from the President

2020 Retention

Academics

Faculty & Staff

University Relations

Cougars Honored

NEWS & NOTES

FACULTY AND STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

30 Year Award

During a virtual Back-to-School Celebration and Recognition Service, the following were recognized for their years of service to the University:

Judy Madtes

5 Year Award – Jennifer Adkins, Jill Ballenger, Laurie Cellar, Ryan Downs, Benzel Enyart, Brittany Estep, Laural Heinze, John King, Katie Rhodes, Amanda Short, and Julie VanZant.

30 Year Award

10 Year Award – John Ballenger, Heidi Foos, Deanna ShiraTackett, Lynn Shoemaker, Eric Stetler, Carla Swallow, John Todd, and Mike VanZant.

Debra Devore

15 Year Award – Tricia Bowles, Eric Browning, Joe Rinehart, and Kelly Rush.

20 Year Award – Lorna Hagner, Bob Kasper, Greg McClain, Brian Payne, Yvonne Schultz, and Bill Wantland

35 Year Award Mel Severns

25 Year Award – Joyce Applegarth, Tim Chesnut, Brent Midcap, and Theresa Shanyfelt

MVNU1968

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ThisIsMVNU

#ShineForth

JENKINS JOINS SCHOOL OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Dr. Shantelle K. Jenkins was recently appointed Assistant Vice President for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. In her new role, Jenkins will work in collaboration with Academic Affairs, external review authorities, and accreditation bodies to develop new programs and ensure that existing programs are consistent with university mission, vision, and values. She will also serve on the President’s Advisory Council and the Nontraditional Academic Council.

Dr. Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in public affairs journalism from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in education from Saint Joseph’s University, a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as a certificate in non-profit management from Bryn Mawr College.

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES Sarah Wingert, senior ILA major/Honors Scholar and 2020 MVNU graduate, won an Honorable Mention for her essay “Feminism in Gaudy Night,” in the 2020 Lewis and Friends Colloquium Student Writing Contest at Taylor University in May. She will be presenting her essay at next year’s rescheduled conference.

Marissa Smith, a senior in Visual Arts Education, has been selected to be a part of Manifest Gallery’s 16th Annual Rites of Passage exhibit in Cincinnati in June 2021.

This is a highly competitive exhibit as final selection includes 16 works by 10 artists from 10 different colleges and universities.

There were 258 entries from 70 artists. Of the 16 works selected, two are artworks created by Smith.

The works of Justin Sorensen, Assistant Professor of Art, and his wife, Laura Tabbut, Gallery Director for the Schnormeier Gallery, were recently displayed in the Metcalf Gallery at Taylor

University. The show consisted of work the couple created together. The exhibition revolves around a meeting between Amos Root – an Ohio beekeeper and businessman – and the Wright Brothers. Root was the first person to see the brothers fly in a circle at Huffman Prairie in Dayton, Ohio.

The work in the show included video, installation, and sound, and revolved around the encounter at Huffman Prairie.

SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Dr. Eric Vail, Associate Professor of Theology, has released a new book titled "Eschatology." This book is part of the Wesleyan Theology Series from The Foundry Publishing, the publishing arm of the Church of the Nazarene. The book is a significant and much needed contribution to the life and conversation of the church.

“Eschatology” follows Dr. Vail’s previous book “Atonement & Salvation,” which is also a part of the series. Both are available from The Foundry Publishing.

JETTER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Dr. Terry Kwon, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has been accepted to participate in a course entitled Science, Religion, and Society sponsored by Scholarship and Christianity in Oxford (SCIO; the UK subsidiary of the CCCU).

Dr. Qiuyan Li, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been accepted to participate in a course entitled Science, Religion, and Society sponsored by Scholarship and Christianity in Oxford (SCIO; the UK subsidiary of the CCCU).

STRICKLAND PRESENTS ON CSS RESPONSE TO COVID Joy Strickland, AVP for Student Success and Retention, joined Rachel Phillips-Buck of Pharos Resources (MVNU Connect) to present a webinar, “Off-Balance: The Opportunity to Transform Higher Ed within COVID Uncertainty” on June 24. This webinar featured the swift response by the Center for Student Success in conjunction with Student Life and Institutional Effectiveness personnel to survey students’ needs in the early days of the transition to remote learning.

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Kenna Williams, Undergraduate Education Coordinator, was elected to serve as a delegate from the North Central Ohio District to the General NMI Convention (Nazarene Missions International) in the summer of 2021 in Indianapolis.

SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention

MVNU was recently recognized as a 2019 Tree Campus USA. Tree Campus USA is a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

MVNU met the five core standards for an effective campus forest management, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and the sponsorship of student service learning projects. Thanks to the work of the Campus Tree Advisory Committee, MVNU is now a “Tree Campus USA� as designated by the Arbor Day Foundation.

This distinction will serve MVNU well and is fitting for such a special place. What was once, in the not-so-distant past, a corn field and working farm is now a beautiful, verdant, tree-filled campus."

Annual Report

A Message from the President

MVNU DESIGNATED TREE CAMPUS USA

News & Notes

WNZR LICENSE RENEWED

Learning Means Service

Tributes

WNZR successfully renewed its broadcast license from the Federal Communications Commission through Oct. 1, 2028. The process is required every eight years and was led by the efforts of Marcy Rinehart, station manager, and Wesley Boston, production director.

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ThisIsMVNU

WNZR NOMINATED FOR QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD WNZR has been named as one of three nominees for the 2020 Quality of Life Award by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. The award is given to a nonprofit Chamber member whose work enriches the lives of Knox County.

MVNU is proud of WNZR's continual commitment to, and partnerships with, the Knox County community.

#ShineForth

The

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

ANNUAL REPORT

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention A Message from the President Annual Report

A Message from President Spaulding 2019-2020 brought many challenges, but also opportunities for MVNU. Last year revealed the deep love our students, staff, and faculty have for the University. I was encouraged throughout the year by the steadfast support for the mission of MVNU. The numbers regarding enrollment, budget, and fundraising cannot tell the entire story. The real story was told on the faces and in the minds of our community. While adjustments had to be made, and goals adjusted, the mission

News & Notes Tributes

FINANCIAL AID

ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET REVENUE

2019–2020 Budget

2019–2020 Actual (a)

2020–2021 Budget

Traditional Net Tuition Revenue Tuition Revenue

38,543,284

38,417,251

38,014,845

Unfunded Tuition Discount

(23,853,085)

(23,706,995)

(23,356,188)

14,690,199

14,710,256

14,658,657

Other Revenue Tuition Revenue

5,721,478

5,747,383

5,747,383

Financial Aid

(125,000)

(101,967)

(125,000)

5,596,478

5,645,416

5,622,383

Other Revenue

11,470,692

11,451,032

11,487,513

TOTAL

31,757,369

31,806,704

31,768,553

EXPENSES

2019–2020 Budget

2019–2020 Actual (a)

2020–2021 Budget

Operating Expenses

30,452,290

28,709,452

Capital Expenses

Learning Means Service

remained the same — to educate the whole person as we open the door toward lifelong learning. The most lasting memory of 19-20 remains the faithfulness of God to MVNU. We praise the Lord for His manifold blessings!

$22,807

$25,348

*includes all aid offered, including work study, to incoming students for the 2020–21 academic year

TUITION/COST SPRING

TOTAL

Tuition

$15,680

$15,680

$31,360

Room

$2,469

$2,469

$4,938

30,907,709

Board

$1,976

$1,976

$3,952

Student Fee

$125

$125

$250

TOTAL Direct Costs

$20,250

$20,250

$40,500

654,166

977,895

29,363,618

31,885,604

Operating Surplus / (Deficit)

544,495

2,443,086

(117,051)

Designated Reserve Transfers

(475,391)

(912,439)

(140,437)

Surplus / (Deficit)

69,104

1,530,647

(257,488)

Covid-19 Funding

—

3,068,375

235,620

69,104

4,599,022

(21,868)

(a) Preliminary, subject to completion of 2019 - 2020 audit

2019–2020

FALL

760,584

Total Surplus / (Deficit)

2018–2019

RESIDENTIAL STUDENT

31,212,874

Total Expense

AVERAGE TRADITIONAL STUDENT AID PACKAGE

ACCREDITATION The Higher Learning Commission 230 S. LaSalle, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604 800-621-7440 | hlcommission.org

Enrollment STUDENTS

FIRST TIME IN COLLEGE (FTIC) PROFILE

FALL 2017

FALL 2018

FALL 2019

FALL 2020

TRAD

1377

1405

1420

1393

GPS

451

433

396

379

GPS

394

405

389

369

2222

2243

2205

2141

UNDERGRADUATE

GRADUATE

TOTAL

GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION FOR ALL TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

87%

OF STUDENTS ARE FROM OHIO

35.4%

NAZARENE AVERAGE ACT

2.6 ABOVE OHIO AND NATIONAL AVERAGES

88.4% OF STUDENTS ARE FROM OHIO

FEMALE

44% MALE

11%

STUDENTS OF COLOR

TOP 5 MAJORS Elementary Ed. Nursing Biology Christian Ministry Business

15 STATES+ 5 COUNTRIES

48%

TRANSFERRED IN COLLEGE CREDIT

10%

ATTENDED MVNU AS CCP STUDENTS

84%

LIVING ON CAMPUS

25

STATES

COUNTRIES

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

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10

56%

It is a MVNU distinctive that for many years, various programs and employees have assisted students in achieving academic success. There are alumni who can attest to the difference these supports made to their MVNU experience.

However, even good programs can become better. When Dr. Henry Spaulding II unveiled MVNU’s strategic plan for the Decade of Excellence for 2013 to 2023, an invigorated commitment to student success emerged.

Three key initiatives have taken place since then: • MVNU was awarded, and completed, a five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions grant.

Pray for MVNU Grapevine 2020 Retention

Academics

Faculty & Staff

University Relations

Cougars Honored

MVNU celebrates retention and graduation gains

Learning Means Service

Tributes

News & Notes

Annual Report

A Message from the President

MVNU RETENTION

• A Retention Council of university leaders was formed and meets regularly.

In addition to the above, commitment and focus by faculty and staff to support student success both systematically and in individual ways with students is creating a culture of academic growth and success. We are grateful that the results of these efforts has been increasing retention and graduation rates at MVNU at a time when many other universities are seeing decreases. MVNU plans to continue to pursue excellence in the area of student success.

Note: Official rates will be released in February 2021.

FTIC 1ST TO 2ND YEAR SEVEN-YEAR AVERAGE

79.0%

• Center for Student Success opened because Dr. Spaulding and the administration believed in the necessity, vision, and mission fit of a center providing a cadre of academic services which support students’ academic quality and vocational calling. Funding was made available by the Board of Trustees and a Title III grant.

FTIC 1ST TO 3RD YEAR 2016-2018 COHORTS

+5.7%

70.7%

+2.1%

FOUR-YEAR GRADUATION RATES FROM 2016-2020:

52.4%

2020 GRADUATION RATE

56.7%

+4.3%

MVNU Shines as Lighthouse Award Winner

Mount Vernon Nazarene University was named the winner of the 2020 Pharos Lighthouse Award — Institution of the Year.

Pharos Resources provides software expertise to higher education institutions that assists with relational retention and student success. The awards were developed to highlight beacons of light that serve and safeguard their communities and build successful practices to identify and engage at-risk students.

The university was singled out for its good work and dedication to student success day after day, and specifically during the challenges of the pandemic.

According to Rachel Phillips-Buck, Pharos Resource’s Vice President for Student Success, “Joy Strickland, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention, has always been a shining light for Student Success at her institution. However, when COVID-19 hit, Joy’s leadership of MVNU’s effort to ensure students were safe and successful was unmatched.”

Strickland is quick to turn the focus on the collaborative effort across campus that truly makes this award an institutional success.

“We are so honored that Pharos Resources selected MVNU for their Institution of the Year Lighthouse Award,” said Strickland.

“It is a confirmation of what I see and appreciate every day at MVNU, which is the campus-wide commitment to holistic student care and service. It’s been truly impressive how quickly, and fully, a very high number of faculty and staff partnered on initiatives, programs, and tools to support students’ academic, personal, and spiritual growth, especially during the additional challenges from the pandemic. MVNU faculty and staff embrace that student success is everyone’s job, and we are grateful for the Pharos Resources tools that help us to better coordinate our efforts.

Faculty and staff – congratulations on this award! MVNU was chosen because of your hard work and collaboration.”

MVNU was one of first schools to connect students with the Pharos/MacMillan Impact survey. This outreached results in over 500 student responses that provided much needed insights to set students on a course for success in a difficult time for higher education and learning. With the insights collected, staff and faculty were able to identify students who were struggling in myriad ways and began to provide solutions.

“From delivering financial relief and addressing students’ technology difficulties to empowering faculty-student connections, MVNU made very clear that they were invested in their students’ success,” said Phillips-Buck. “Over the summer, this commitment has not wavered. MVNU created a campaign to call every student, assess their needs, and remind them that although they were not together on campus, they were still a connected community.”

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ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Learning Means Service

Tributes

News & Notes

Annual Report

A Message from the President

2020 Retention

Academics

Faculty & Staff

University Relations

Cougars Honored

New program sees emergency management through Christian lens In 2020, the importance of emergency management became front and center as the global pandemic made its way to the United States. From implementing logistics for mass testing and vaccinations, managing the supply of personal protective equipment for public safety agencies, and communications between necessary organizations, as well as the public, directors of emergency management agencies quickly became key leaders in every community across the country.

A new program, for both traditional and non-traditional students, developed by Thad Hicks, Ph.D., CEM, and Eric Stetler, Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies and Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, will prepare graduates for these and other careers in emergency management and homeland security.

The program was designed for students new to the field as well as public safety professionals who are looking to upgrade their competencies and skills. Both traditional and adult students will be prepared to make decisions, problem solve, plan, implement,

and coordinate resources necessary for preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from possible disasters.

The core requirements will allow any graduate to work, or continue to work, in public service, no matter their area of focus. Students graduating from the program who are interested in continuing their education can expect to be prepared for graduate school courses of study such as continued emergency management work, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Public Health, Law School, Public Administration, an MBA, and even seminary work.

“To have a trained individual who’s approaching these emergencies and crises, especially with a Christian worldview, I think it makes us better and more equipped to respond to whatever we encounter, whether it be man-made or naturally occurring,” said Hicks. “The student coming out of MVNU is going to have been presented with the skill set to be successful.”

DEMAND FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS:

5% INCREASE BETWEEN 2018 AND 2028

1,672

JOB POSTINGS DURING AUGUST 2020 IN OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, MICHIGAN, AND KENTUCKY

EXPECTED ENROLLMENT BY YEAR 5:

40+ STUDENTS

Cutting Edge COVID-19 Screening A team of senior Biology (Pre-med) majors is gaining hands-on laboratory experience to complement their classroom education with a new lab under the direction of Dr. Geoffrey Fuller. Their objective: Detect the coronavirus in saliva samples.

MVNU opened the lab in late September to implement saliva screening protocols as part of the COVID-19 Response Task Force’s initiative. The goal was to keep the campus safe, healthy, and open throughout Fall semester. Initial baseline testing of students took place on Oct. 20, followed by faculty and staff.

Since then, screening was conducted weekly throughout the semester. Each week throughout the semester. Students were also offered the opportunity for exit screening to prepare them for their return home for the break.

“The establishment of the surveillance screening laboratory is significant,” said Dr. LeeAnn Couts, Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences. “It allows the university to closely monitor the rates of COVID-19 on campus and be able to respond quickly. It gives the biology student technicians valuable experience in the lab, and the department gets a RT-PCR machine to use for future studies. It is a win-win-win situation!”

– Ben James, lab team member, Class of ’21

Obviously, this opportunity seemed very valuable to me as I saw it as a way to improve my resume, which will be very beneficial in my current application to medical school, and for my career after. But more importantly, I wanted to do everything possible to make this happen, and I saw serving in this opportunity as a way to use my knowledge that I have learned from my Biology classes and apply it in a way that can benefit the entire MVNU community.”

– Gerrit Franko, lab team member, Class of ’21

Ashley Brown and Matias Malkamaki, both Senior Biology (Pre-med) majors, Class of ’21, are also members of the lab testing team.

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

17 NOW Winter 2020-21

Although the pool screening procedure is not a diagnostic test, the process allows lab technicians to screen large numbers of samples with quick results. It also provides a tremendous tool necessary to detect asymptomatic carriers. The findings enable the Task Force to make swift decisions regarding necessary campus protocols.

I am an aspiring physician and plan to attend medical school next year. The experiences that I have gained through this project have laid a crucial foundation for getting myself used to contributing to academic medicine in medical school.”

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention A Message from the President Annual Report News & Notes Tributes Learning Means Service

Faculty & Staff David Baker

Laural Heinze

Center for Innovative Education Coordination

Campus Events Manager

Hospitality Award

Staff Member of the Year David Baker, Center for Innovative Education Coordinator, was named Staff Member of the Year, for his commitment to MVNU’s mission through his years as an MVNU student, alumnus, and employee. As a lifelong learner, he has educated himself on what MVNU faculty need to survive teaching in a pandemic and was critical in the university’s success to quickly transition from in-seat instruction to remote learning.

Campus Events Manager Laural Heinze was awarded the Hospitality Award at MVNU's Fall Board of Trustees meeting. Laural is a diligent, committed, and faithful employee of MVNU. She goes above and beyond her assigned responsibilities to support our guests, as well as our students, faculty, and staff. Laural embodies our university motto "To Seek to Learn is to Seek to Serve". She is a lifelong learner who implements her findings into her daily work in order to better serve our customers.

RANK OF FULL-TIME TEACHING FACULTY RANK

FEMALE

MALE

Professor

5

23%

17

77%

Associate Professor

5

50%

5

50%

Assistant Professor

16

64%

9

36%

Instructor

1

50%

1

50%

TOTAL

27

46%

32

54%

FACULTY & STAFF CLASSIFICATION FULL-TIME

PART-TIME

TOTAL

Faculty

78

93%

6

7%

84

27%

Exec/Admin Fac

19

100%

0

0%

19

6%

Teaching Faculty

59

91%

6

9%

65

21%

Staff

205

89%

26

11%

231

73%

Exec/Admin/Mgr

41

100%

0

0%

41

13%

Other Prof

106

91%

10

9%

116

37%

Sec/Clerical

24

69%

11

31%

35

11%

Skilled Craft

10

100%

0

0%

10

3%

Service/Maint

24

83%

5

17%

29

9%

TOTAL

283

90%

32

10%

315

100%

University Relations

Giving Day replenishes student emergency fund short period of time. Not only did you surpass the goal of 500 donors, you helped bring significant financial backing where it was much needed.

Faithful friends, alumni, faculty, and staff gave from their hearts during MVNU’s first ever Giving Day, Aug. 12. The 24-hour fundraiser was specifically geared to assist students financially impacted by COVID-19. The addition of a unique matching opportunity set the tone for the day to reach a donor milestone rather than a monetary target.

“We are humbled and inspired by the pride and belief that our alumni, current students and friends have in this really sacred space,” said Justin Nowicki, MVNU’s Assistant Vice President for Development.

MVNU recognized the urgent need for a financial giving opportunity after the spring semester depleted the student emergency fund. We set a goal of 500 donors in one day, hoping to inspire and challenge the MVNU community.

“Giving Day has instantly become one of my favorite days of the year,” said James Smith, MVNU’s Vice President for University Relations, “It was encouraging and inspiring to see friends from across the generations join hands to meet this need.”

You rose to the challenge. The generosity of 686 individual donors, including the matched gift, raised a total of $77,840 in a

TOP 5 CLASSES

GIVING BY DECADE

BY AMOUNT GIVEN

KEY

COUNT

TOTAL

YEAR

COUNT

AMOUNT

1970s

67

$6,215

1999

43

$15,715

1980s

66

$5,555

2011

11

$3,185

1990s

118

$18,894

1971

10

$2,050

2000s

83

$3,775

1986

11

$1,775

2010s

99

$6,876

1970

13

$1,400

2020s

12

$225

Non-Alum

241

$11,300

BY DONOR COUNT 43

$15,715

Total

686

$52,840

2000

18

$1,025

1998

17

$455

% of Goal/ Average Gift

137.20%

$77

1972

15

$1,125

2014

14

$535

The top three classes based on amounts given, from highest to lowest, were 1999 with $15,715, 2011 with $3,185, and 1971 with $2,050. The top three classes based on donor count, from highest to lowest, were 1999 with 43, 2000 with 18, and 1998 with 17. Over 240 friends of MVNU contributed $11,300.

Giving Day allowed us to replenish our student emergency fund that had been completely depleted during the spring surge of COVID-19. This emergency fund provided money for students’ immediate needs such as housing, food, and transportation.

T O D O N AT E T O T H E U N I V E R S I T Y F U N D , email Jill.Ballenger@mvnu.edu, Director of the University Fund and Community Relations or visit mvnu.edu/give.

THE UNIVERSITY FUND

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

19 NOW Winter 2020-21

1999

The number of donors and the amounts given to the emergency fund were broken down by alumni decades and non-alums, as follows:

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations

FROM JULY 1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2020

$

2020 Retention

88,160.01

$

WAS RAISED FOR THE UNIVERSITY FUND, THE MOST IN THE PAST 10 YEARS

216,422.22

$

WAS RAISED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Learning Means Service

Tributes

News & Notes

Annual Report

A Message from the President

4,115,461.70 WAS RAISED FOR ALL PURPOSES

Academics

Faculty & Staff

University Relations

6%

ALUMNI GIVING PERCENTAGE

151

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBERS (GIFTS ABOVE $1,000)

Stadium, Plaza connect MVNU with City of Mount Vernon Two major projects have been front and center for the University Relations team with significant milestones hit in the last fiscal year. These additions to our main and downtown campuses are not only significant for the MVNU community, but also to the residents of Mount Vernon and Knox County.

House to practice and host home meets. The city’s bridge replacement project on Mount Vernon Avenue included new multi-use trails from MVNU to the Kokosing Gap Trail. The project was awarded the Knox County Chamber's Investor in the Future award.

The first phase of the Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium is complete with Cougar teams enjoying the benefits of the turf field, new scoreboard and lighting system. Fundraising efforts continue to secure the ability to construct stadium seating, restrooms, concession area and move.

For more on the stadium project, visit mvnu.edu/future.

The stadium is part of the Educational Gateway — a collaborative effort between MVNU, Mount Vernon City Schools and the City of Mount Vernon which provides for shared facilities. MVNU’s stadium will be used by the high school soccer teams while MVNU develops soccer fields that will become home to local youth leagues. In turn, MVNU indoor track teams will utilize MVSC’s new Energy Field

The re-imagined South Main Plaza has been brought to life with a whimsical fountain that features 18 cast aluminum dogs, a cat, four birds, a pony and an apple. Located just north of the Buchwald Center in downtown Mount Vernon, the transformed space has become a must-visit destination in the heart of the historic business district.

To read more on the plaza and sponsorship stories, visit mvnu.edu/southmainplaza.

21 NOW Winter 2020-21

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention A Message from the President Annual Report News & Notes Tributes Learning Means Service

Student Life – Cougars honored by NAIA The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its 22 honorees in addition to over 10,000 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes and over 2,000 NAIA Scholar Teams as a part of its annual NAIA National Awards Day on Sept. 15. The day recognizes the association’s highest individual honors and achievements of NAIA student-athletes, administrators and coaches. Additionally, the association announced the seven-member class of the 2020-21 NAIA Hall of Fame.

Overall, MVNU had 98 total student athletes honored as Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete Award winners for 2019-20. Honorees for each sport are listed below.

Baseball — Aaron Saal, Cameron Miller, Corey Clark, Damien Kandel, Jacob Roe, Jake Glover, Kaleb Bauman, Owen Paulus, Toby Walker, Yanni Patten Men’s Basketball — Jacob Paul, Jevon Knox Men’s Cross Country — Clayton Slemmons, Dan Sharp, Justis Paul, Nicholas Weiss Men’s Lacrosse — Grant Hauger, Jacob Ocknuzzi Men’s Soccer — Brandon Mount, Caleb Sayre, Colt Tanner, Connor Davis, Sammy Atkins, Tim Kasparek, Zach Miller Men’s Tennis — Logan Gauthier Men’s Track & Field — Clayton Slemmons, Connor Whitaker, Dan Sharp, Gerrad Williams, Isaac Wallace, Jayson Mitchell, Jonah Barnett, Joseph Joe, Justis Paul, Luke Couchman, Nicholas Weiss

Competitive Cheer — Kaitlyn King, Lauren Klopfenstein Softball — Chloe Brenneman, Courtney Knepper, Karmen Huntsberger, Kayla Tschudy, Kristin Davidson, Samantha Collier, Sydni Altman Women’s Basketball — Dani Ellerbrock, Elizabeth Fee, Jordan Campbell, Kayla Hovorka, Madison Near, Maggie Coblentz, Taylor Gregory Women’s Cross Country — Alyssa Gaines, Amy Kifer, Ashley Brown, Emerson Hamsher, Emily Cobb, Isabelle DiTullio, Katie Kearns, Kaylin Shackelford, Lindsey Goehring, Morgan Forney, Valerie Stitchert Women’s Golf — Kate Von Handorf, Peyton Broce Women’s Soccer — Adison Preston, Amberly Knox, Brookelynn Semmelroth, Kaitlin Meade, Kayla Kalischuk, Madison Therrien, Melanie Critzer, Missy Emery Women’s Tennis — Alyson Landis, Ashley Weber, Laurel Sidle, Sarah Higgins Women’s Track & Field — Amy Kifer, Ashley Brown, Cassady Thrapp, Ellie Ruby, Emily Weber, Isabelle DiTullio, Kaitlin Meade, Kasey Keith, Katie Kearns, Kaylin Shackelford, Lindsey Goehring, Lorelai Breakey, Missy Emery, Morgan Forney Women’s Volleyball — Alaina Wright, Alyssa Harrer, Ellie Ruby, Mary Kate Harmody, Nicole Winkler, Sydney Kendall

Follow MVNU athletics at mvnucougars.com

Building bridges to a better future Ta v a r i s E . Ta y l o r, M I M Director of Intercultural Life

Every new academic year brings fresh opportunities, challenges, and anxiety.

After working in higher education in one form or another for five years, I usually know what to anticipate.

The fall of 2020 was very different. To understand the fall of 2020, we have to revisit the previous spring. In my director and professor role at another university, I was experimenting with new zoom teaching trauma (definitely not my favorite thing) and consistent phone calls to various constituents to engage them amid the global pandemic. The world was being shaken, not solely by a pandemic.

Another plague resurfaced as many of us uncomfortably watched a law enforcement officer place a knee on the neck of a man for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. In that man, I saw my uncles, nephews, cousin, and honestly myself. An imperfect man, but even in his imperfection, I knew like the majority of us knew, the officer had gone too far.

That weekend I remember not being able to leave bed because, for the first time in my lifetime, I realized the safest I have felt in my adult life was when I lived outside my country. At that moment, I knew I wanted to do something different so that the next generation never has to share in that pain.

I knew the race divide was broadening, and the nation’s motto, “E pluribus Unum” (out of many one) was becoming a distant ideal. In that, I sought an opportunity to work in a place where challenging conversation surrounding the need for diversity and equity could become the norm and setting systems to end discriminatory practices were welcomed. In that, I found Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

My goals are ambitious, but we can get the job done at MVNU through time, effort, and collaboration. Next semester we will host a series of conversations and events to address the divide in nation, churches, and communities and how we can build bridges to a future better than our past.

I invite faculty, staff, and students to join us for these conversations and events, for this is not the work of one department in our university. It is our work; it’s Christ’s work. If we are willing to work, our university will become more assertive in diversity and inclusion thus, our nation will inherit that work ethic because we will send students into this nation with the heart, wisdom, and knowledge to bridge that gap through Christ.

tavaris.taylor@mvnu.edu (740)-397-9000 EXT 4606 23 NOW Winter 2020-21

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

MVNU rocks OAKtoberfest The sun was bright, the sky was blue, and students were ready to unwind during their midsemester break. An expanded OAKtoberfest provided the day of relaxation and entertainment they needed.

While still under the necessary COVID-19 precautions, students enjoyed a multi-day event that included over 25 different activities ranging from a pie eating contest to sports tournaments, puppy therapy, Worship Night, hayride, a haunted woods, all things pumpkin – smashing, launching and carving, and so much more.

25 NOW Winter 2020-21

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

Mission Statement

Mount Vernon Nazarene University exists to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service.

Vision Statement

Mount Vernon Nazarene University: To Change the World with the Love of Christ.

Senior Leadership Team Dr. Henry W. Spaulding, II President

Rev. Eric Stetler Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies, Dean of the School of GPS

Dr. Barnett Cochran Vice President for Academic Affairs

Rev. Tracy Waal Vice President for Student Life

Rev. James Smith Vice President for University Relations

Mr. Scott Campbell Vice President for Finance/CFO

M o u n t Ve r n o n N a z a r e n e U n i v e r s i t y 800 Martinsburg Road, M o u n t Ve r n o n , O h i o 4 3 0 5 0

740-392-6868 w w w. m v n u . e d u

THE UNIVERSITY FUND

YOU CAN MAKE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT. Your generosity to the University Fund will provide our students with timely needs such as: • Scholarships • Opportunities for new club sports • Campus-wide events

• Chapel speakers • Local and global discipleship, and so much more!

TO GIVE, VISIT MVNU.EDU/UNIVERSITY-FUND

Pray for MVNU Learning Means Service

Tributes

News & Notes

Annual Report

A Message from the President

2020 Retention

Academics

Faculty & Staff

University Relations

Cougars Honored

Grapevine

The GRAPEVINE

Rev. Raymon E. Baker (’72) is beginning his fourth year as athletic director at the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity, in Compton, California. They were the only American college basketball team to win a national championship (Association of Christian College Athletes) before the coronavirus shutdown all the remaining March Madness championship tournaments. Besides AD duties, he keeps busy as school chaplain, head librarian, and team statistician, along with being a professor. He has also continued his position as youth pastor at the Los Angeles Grace Church of the Nazarene.

Brenda (Gantt) Cagnon (’93) completed the program requirements and received a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting from Strayer University on June 22, 2020. She lives in Mount Vernon with her husband, Charles.

Brad Taylor (’00) successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in September 2020, graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Brad continues to serve as Executive Pastor at Lima Community Church of the Nazarene in Lima, Ohio, where he has been since 2013. Brad and his wife, Kari (Sutherland, ’02) have two sons, Braden and Keaton.

Caroline Phillips (’16) received her Juris Doctorate in May 2020 from the American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. She has passed the bar exam and will be starting as a law clerk at Salvetti Law Group.

@MVNUAlumni

RESPOND. REFLECT. RECONNECT.

If you are an MVNU alumni, we want to hear from you. Update your information online or text “MVNU” to 91999 to stay up-to-date on MVNU events and to reconnect with other alumni.

Please submit updates and photos for publication by email to alumni@mvnu.edu or online at mvnu.edu/alumni/publications

Visit mvnu.edu/alumni

In Memoriam

New Arrivals

Walter Schlosser, 67, passed away Nov. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.

He graduated from MVNC in 1972 and was a respiratory therapist at UCLA Medical Center, a master chef, and loved gardening.

Aubrey (Wilson) (’11) and Phillip (’11) Deaton of Aurora Ohio welcomed their son, Carter James Deaton, to the world on July 11, 2020.

Katherine “Katie” Marguerite McConaughy, 41, of Columbus, went to join her Savior on March 22, 2020. She died unexpectedly of natural causes at her home. Katie was a member of the MVNU Class of 2000. She is survived by her parents, Steve and Diana Borden McConaughy; her siblings and extended family and friends.

Connor (’15) and Amy (Rumsey) Riedel (’15) welcomed Hallie Joy Riedel on Nov. 23, 2019. The family live in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Mark (’97) and Krisi Russell of Bourbonnais, Illinois, announced the birth of their son, Cameron James Russell, on Jan. 3, 2020.

29 NOW Winter 2020-21

Dr. Wendell Kizzee, 86, passed away Aug. 23, 2020. He served as an MVNU trustee for 37 years and left a legacy of service to the church and the University.

The Doctor of Divinity Degree was conferred on him by MVNU in 2000.

His wisdom, wit, and passion will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Vivian; three children, Kathy (Mike) Pelley, Phil (Brenda) Kizzee, and Joy (Alan) De Vries; and six grandchildren.

Michelle (Vadasz) (‘05) and Chad King of Lake Worth, Florida, announce the birth of their daughter, Victoria Elise King, on March 26, 2020.

Victoria Elise King

In Memoriam

New Arrivals

Pray for MVNU Grapevine Cougars Honored University Relations Faculty & Staff Academics 2020 Retention A Message from the President Annual Report News & Notes Tributes Learning Means Service

Connect the Place You Love (MVNU), with the Place You Work!

The most important investment a company can make is in its employees. One of the best and typically underutilized methods of investing in employees is through educational partnerships and tuition assistance programs. When considering an educational partnership, think about both the long-term results for the company and the impact it can have on an individual employee.

About a year ago, Business Roundtable redefined what it means to invest in employees. It said in an article published in August 2019, “[Investing in our employees] starts with compensating them fairly and providing important benefits. It also includes supporting them through training and education that help develop new skills for a rapidly changing world.”1 The world is changing faster than ever, so it’s critical that employees be encouraged to keep learning as they need to take on more responsibilities. People will be more willing to take on an increased workload if they feel prepared for what will be added. In creating an educational partnership, you are setting both the company and the individual up for immense success.

Cigna studied the effects of continued education among its staff through the use of an education reimbursement

1

program. For every dollar spent on tuition reimbursement, Cigna earned that dollar back and saved another $1.29 in talent management costs, meaning a 129 percent return on investment in addition to the decreased turnover.2 In encouraging continued education, your company maintains a competitive edge in any marketplace. Whether it’s through a tuition reimbursement program or a simple agreement between the company and a university, your company can save both time and money.

Connect the place you love with the place you work.

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers specialized training programs and tuition discounts for partnered organizations.

If you are interested in connecting your employer with MVNU, contact Ryan Stagg, Director of Outreach and Strategic Partnerships, at ryan.stagg@mvnu.edu or Scan the QR code to fill out an interest form.

“ Business Roundtable Redefines the Purpose of a Corporation to Promote 'An Economy That Serves All Americans'.” Business Roundtable, 19 Aug. 2019, www.businessroundtable.org/business-roundtable-redefines-the-purpose-of-a-corporation-to-promote-an-economy-that-serves-all-americans

2

“ Talent Investments Pay Off - Cigna Realizes Return on Investment from Tuition Benefits.” Lumina Foundation, www.luminafoundation.org/files/resources/talent-investments-pay-off-cigna-full.pdf

How to pray for MVNU One of the most asked questions on campus is, “How can I pray for you?” In 2020, the response is not a simple answer, but every prayer is helpful and appreciated.

Please pray for: • Our students

• Our faculty and staff • Our leadership

• Our community • Our country

31 NOW Winter 2020-21

NONPROFIT

800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHAMPAIGN, IL PERMIT NO. 453

Start your free will today!

Looking for a powerful way to support families and students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University for generations to come without spending anything today? MVNU has partnered with FreeWill to provide a free, online resource to help you write your will and start your legacy immediately. In less than 20 minutes you can have a completely valid will and become a member of our Heritage Society.

Visit FreeWill.com/MVNU to start your will today!