Our History
Founded in 1966, MidAmerica Nazarene University opened its doors to students in 1968 with an enrollment of 263. Since that initial semester of operation, enrollment has increased dramatically and now totals nearly 1,500. The University offers undergraduate academic majors in over 40 areas, several degree-completion programs and graduate-level programs in business, education, counseling and nursing.
MidAmerica is located 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on a 105-acre campus in Olathe, Kansas. Because of its strategic location in the Greater Kansas City area, students and faculty have access to the metropolitan cultural, recreational and employment advantages. The permanent control of the University is vested in a board of trustees selected from the districts of the North Central Region of the Church of the Nazarene and at-large members.
A Word on Accreditation
MidAmerica Nazarene University, a comprehensive liberal arts university of the Church of the Nazarene, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; 800-621-7440; https://www.hlcommission.org/). The University is authorized to offer associate, baccalaureate, and certificate programs as well as master’s degree programs in the fields of administration/leadership, business, counseling, education, and nursing. Accreditation of the teacher education program has been achieved from the Kansas State Board of Education (Teacher Licensure, 900 SW Jackson, Topeka, KS 66612; 785- 296- 3201). Initial licensure programs are also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The baccalaureate nursing program and the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track of the master’s degree program are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (Landon State Office Building, 900 SW Jackson, Suite 1051, Topeka, KS 66612-1230; 785-296-4929) The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at MidAmerica Nazarene University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (655 K Street NW, Suite 750, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791). MidAmerica Nazarene University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190; 703-437-0700). The Master of Arts in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) (1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-535-5990). Business programs are accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) (11520 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213; 913-339-9356).
The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The Position Statement
MidAmerica Nazarene University is a liberal arts leaning university offering undergraduate and selected professional undergraduate and graduate degrees. Sponsored by the North Central Region of the International Church of the Nazarene, the University is committed to serving the church and its global mission. As a Christian community in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, MidAmerica Nazarene University seeks to transform the individual through intellectual, spiritual, and personal development for a life of service to God, the church, the nation and the world.
The Mission Statement
A transformative university that nurtures Christlike community, pursues academic excellence, and cultivates a passion to serve.
The Vision Statement
To impact the world for Jesus Christ through servant leaders recognized for their excellence, integrity, and spiritual vitality.
Our Motto: To Learn … To Serve … To Be
The Mission of MidAmerica Nazarene University as a holiness, liberal arts university is summed up succinctly in the motto To Learn, To Serve, To Be.
To Learn denotes the pursuit of excellence. Liberal arts in the context of Christian holiness calls for commitment to a life of learning.
To Serve means involvement in a life of compassion. The pursuit of excellence is to be blended with Christlike compassion.
To Be points to a journey toward wholeness. Wholeness means loving God with heart, soul, mind and strength. The journey toward wholeness makes every desk an altar, and every classroom a cathedral where faith and learning are blended together.
Institutional Goals
The University has four primary goals which are defined as the development of the student, service to God and humanity, career preparation, and an understanding of America’s heritage.
The Development of the Student. In seeking to meet the needs of whole persons, the University provides a wide variety of intellectual, social, and religious activities that serve a developmental function in students. These include the general education program, the major fields of preparation, chapel and convocation emphases, campus social events, annual fall and spring revival services, and intercollegiate/intramural athletics.
Service to God and Humanity. The University promotes its ideal of service through emphases on social concerns, mission and academic travel, and co-curricular activities such as the Associated Student Government (ASG) and chapel programming, and special events like the annual student led Passion to Serve project.
Career Preparation. Preparation for a rewarding professional life is a goal that is reached in the successful educating of students in a major field of their choice, and is assessed by means of a required senior comprehensive examination or project. All academic departments of the University emphasize formal objectives and a balance between the liberal arts and courses in specialized areas. The ultimate goal is to develop broadly educated individuals with specific skills and career knowledge related to a potential field of service and work.
Understanding America’s Heritage. The goal of understanding America’s heritage and an awareness of its distinctive opportunities and responsibilities in the world community is accomplished in several ways. These include participation in campus life, mission outreach, and a dynamic general education program.
Education at MidAmerica Nazarene University
The educational experience at MidAmerica Nazarene University is based on certain desired outcomes and consists of several components, including orientation programs, program of general education, a comprehensive field of in-depth study, and an optional minor, certificate, track, etc.. Graduate programs at MidAmerica Nazarene University are based on industry and/or licensure standards in advanced study areas, institutional expectations for scholarship and higher order thinking, and Academy hallmarks for graduate level credentials such as research experience. By these means the University seeks to achieve its educational mission of developing maturing individuals who are liberal arts- and career-educated persons who possess a commitment to service in a Christian, holiness lifestyle.
Types of Programs. Throughout this catalog, readers will see references to “traditional programs,” “professional programs,” and “graduate programs”. MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is approved to offer courses online, face-to-face, and in hybrid modalities like competency-based education and hyflex. Courses are bundled into programs that typically serve given student populations over two to four year periods. Traditional programs are designed for the student who wants to earn an undergraduate degree in a face-to-face learning environment, largely offered during traditional business hours. Typically, these students are from ages 18-25 and seek full campus life. Professional programs are designed for the student seeking an undergraduate degree but needs to work during typical business hours and attend classes in the evening or online. At MNU, students in these programs range in age from 21 to 70+. Lastly, for the learner who has already earned an undergraduate degree, MNU offers graduate programs in the fields of business, counseling, education, and nursing. In addition to these program types, MNU offers certificates and minors that can be added to specified programs.
Freshman Seminar. This one semester one-hour course designed for first time traditional students provides an introduction to MidAmerica Nazarene University as a place dedicated to relational, experiential, and integrative learning. This course will address both practical and cognitive skills necessary to thrive in college. This course is required for all traditional first-time freshman or traditional students with less than 24 credit hours.
General Education Philosophy. MidAmerica Nazarene University is a liberal arts oriented institution with a general education program designed to give students a common experience, producing a well-rounded person who has had opportunities to explore the world through dynamic core, elective, and major courses. The general education core provides a solid foundation for a student’s vocational calling in light of God’s creation and the person of Jesus Christ.
The Comprehensive Field of Study (The Major). A major provides a program of study that enables students to investigate a subject area in considerable depth and for postgraduate majors advanced studies and thinking skills. The structure of the major is a reflection of the logic of the discipline it represents. Some majors call for study in special topic areas, while others require an internship experience. Although students need not declare a major when entering college, this decision should be made prior to establishing junior standing.
Requirements for the various approved majors are listed in the Catalog, and students must satisfy the requirements of at least one major for graduation. Students desiring a double major must consult with both areas involved to determine specific requirements. All requirements for each major and minor including senior comprehensive exams must be met while earning a degree and prior to the conferral date of that degree.
Optional Certificates/Minors/Tracks. The University encourages students to add certificates, minors, tracks or secondary interest areas as a part of his/her comprehensive study plan to add credentials for the job search process, increase knowledge and skill sets, and provide more opportunities to serve. While these additions are optional, they may be recorded on the transcript of record by completing a prescribed number of hours in a particular field.
Statement of Belief
We believe in the Lord God Almighty, the Creator, and that in Him is perfect love, forgiveness and justice. Jesus Christ is His Son and in coming to earth provided for salvation and demonstrated the qualities of moral perfection for all humanity. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Christ’s redemptive work, leads and directs in all our patterns of living, purifies our hearts, and empowers us for service.
Individuals are of infinite worth because they are creations of God. They are integrated and complex spiritual, physiological, psychological, and social beings. Their highest sense of achievement and satisfaction arises from a personal relationship to God and a comprehensive stewardship of life.
The Bible is God’s inspired Word and provides the final authority for instruction and guidance in Christian living. Christ taught us to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. Our concept of service to God and humanity is based on this belief. We further believe in the doctrine of entire sanctification and the dynamic life of perfect love as reflected in Wesleyan theology.
We believe Christian education provides a foundation for leadership based on a sound philosophy of life, a personal relationship with God and responsible citizenship. We accept the importance of personal inspiration in the educative process and believe that models based on Christ as the master teacher are important in Christian education.
The goals and objectives of education at MidAmerica Nazarene University are designed to harmonize with this statement of belief.
Facilities
Osborne Hall houses the Department of Natural, Health and Mathematical Sciences while Lunn Hall houses administrative offices that include Registrar, Cashiers, Student Financial Aid Services, Institutional Effectiveness, Educational Technology, Human Resources, University Advancement, Communicatoins, Academic Affairs and the President’s Office. Residence halls include Stockton-Rice and Spindle Hall for women and Snowbarger-Lanpher and Uphaus Hall for men. Off-campus apartments adjacent to the campus for upperclassmen are in Colony West. Apartments for upperclassmen on campus are located in Draper Hall and Ramsey Hall.
The Bell Cultural Events Center houses a performing arts hall, black box theatre, vocal and instrumental music facilities, classrooms, Events and Conference Serivices, and the Department of Arts and Humanities.
Dobson Hall contains an art studio, and the Offices of Information Technology.
Cook Center houses Kinesiology classrooms, Pre-Licensure Nursing Education, a nursing skills lab and the Virtual Patient Center, athletics, a basketball/volleyball arena, two practice gyms, and several classrooms. A sports complex includes a field house and football stadium, softball field, baseball field, tennis courts, and track.
Smith Hall houses the Department of Christian Ministry and Formation, Study Abroad and Pioneer Trek programs, classrooms, and support for student media, as well as the Professional and Graduate Admissions Office.
Metz Hall houses the Departments of Undergraduate and Advanced Studies in Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Prelicensure and Advanced Studies in Education, Advanced Studies in Nursing, and classrooms. A computer lab and graphic design lab are an integral part of the facility.
The Counselor Education Building is adjacent to the southeast corner of the campus and houses Graduate Studies in Counselor Education, classrooms, the Play Therapy Certification program and the Play Therapy Center. The Community Counseling Center is also located in this building.
Mabee Learning Commons is located on the south end of the Campus Green and holds a range of learning resources for undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs including the library. The Center for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS) is located on the first floor. CAPS is comprised of the following learning resources: Academic Success Center (student success coaching, testing, accommodations, and tutoring), Career and Workforce Development, and Early College.
Weatherby Chapel offers a quiet setting for prayer and meditation and is located on the east side of the Campus green, north of Smith Hall and houses Spiritual Life offices.
The Cunningham Center houses the cafeteria and kitchen facilities, the Pioneer Store, post office, student mailboxes, student activity room, outside patio areas, and conference space. On the second floor are the offices of Student Development, Student Counseling Center, Traditional Admissions, and Associate Student Government.
Educational Resources
The University provides its constituency with various educational resources to enhance the learning experience.
Sullivan Center for Church Leadership
The Sullivan Center for Church Leadership (SCCL) is an umbrella organization bringing together the varied resources of MidAmerica Nazarene University and the local church community to serve the lifelong learning needs of ministers and congregations. SCCL offers campus and online learning experiences for continuing education credit, as well as access to technological services and resources to pastors and districts. SCCL also provides church-based learning experiences for congregations through partnership with MNU faculty and staff.
The Mabee Learning Commons
The Mabee Learning Commons provides creative and innovative services to enhance learning and scholarship of faculty and students. Additional Learning Commons service information can be found at https://www.mnu.edu/learning-commons. The Mabee Learning Commons houses the following services:
Library. The Library supports the informational and research needs of the MidAmerica Nazarene University community through a variety of collections, resources, and services. Students and faculty have access to interlibrary loan services, research instruction and assistance, electronic and print resources, technology support and collaborative study spaces.
Center for Academic and Professional Success. The CAPS (Center for Academic and Professional Success) is an academic support unit offering student success coaching for traditional students, professional advising for professional and graduate students, testing services, tutoring assistance, and special needs accommodation in addition to career and workforce development. Resume and job search support is also provided through the Center. Staff provide training in study and developmental skills. Tutoring is available in a variety of subject areas, both online and in person. Students in Professional Undergraduate and Graduate programs are offered student success advising virtually as well.
Computer Lab. The Computer Lab is open to university students, faculty, staff, and the community as a technological resource for learning, research, and teaching.
24/7 Study Room. Students may use their student ID card to gain access to the study room at times when the library is not open to the public. This room is located just inside the main entry to the facility and includes access to vending machines, desks, computers and a copier/printer.
Marge Smith Archives, Vennard College Archives, and the Donald S. Metz Rare Book Collection. The Marge Smith Archives is the official archival repository for MidAmerica Nazarene University. The archives were founded under the guidance and direction of Marge Smith, the wife of the first president of the University. The Marge Smith Archives houses documents related to the organization and founding of the University following the 1964 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene, and continues to document administration, faculty, and student life.
The Vennard College Archives is housed in the Marge Smith Archives. The Vennard College Archives is the repository for documents and materials related to the founding of Vennard College and its predecessor institutions (Central Holiness University, Epworth Institute, Chicago Evangelistic Institute, Fletcher College, and Kletzing College) from the early 1900s until its closing in November 2008.
The Donald S. Metz rare book collection is dedicated to the first academic dean of then Mid-America Nazarene College. Dr. Metz’s commitment to scholarship is honored in the holdings. The rare book collection contains many unique volumes that are difficult to find, covering all academic disciplines with emphasis on literature and the American Holiness Movement. All books in this collection are for in-library use only.
MNU Student Disability Accommodation
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The purpose of these laws is to remove barriers that prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities available to persons without disabilities. A student with a disability who wishes to request a reasonable accommodation must contact the Director of Accessibility and Testing at 913-971-3581 or access@mnu.edu. MNU’s complete policy regarding student disability accommodations may be found at www.mnu.edu/ADA.
Educational Rights and Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (also known as the Buckley Amendment) is a federal privacy law affording students certain rights with respect to their education records. MidAmerica Nazarene University complies fully with this law. The University Registrar serves as the institutional FERPA Compliance Officer. For the full Educational Rights and Privacy policy, please go to www.mnu.edu/ferpa.
Additional Information
Clery Disclosure. MidAmerica Nazarene University complies with the federal statute known as The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act. Students, prospective students, employees, and prospective employees may request a copy of the most recent Campus Annual Security Report from the office of the MidAmerica Nazarene University Campus Safety Department or by calling (913) 971-3299. The Campus Security Report is also available on the MNU website under the Resources tab.
Notice of Non-discrimination. MidAmerica Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected class. The university’s full Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement can be found at www.mnu.edu/accreditation-disclosures/ under Notice of Non-discrimination.
Sexual Misconduct Policy. It is the policy of MidAmerica Nazarene University to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on sex in the University’s educational programs and activities. Title IX and its implementing regulations also prohibit retaliation for asserting claims of sex discrimination. MidAmerica Nazarene University is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex. MNU’s Sexual Misconduct Policy & Complaint Resolution Procedures can be found at www.mnu.edu/accreditation-disclosures/ under Title IX (NINE) Policy.
Milestones at MidAmerica
May 27, 1966 R. Curtis Smith elected first president of Zone B Junior College at Nazarene Headquarters, Kansas City, Missouri.
December 6, 1966 MidAmerica Nazarene College incorporated in the State of Kansas.
September, 1968 MidAmerica Nazarene College begins classes with 263 students enrolled and five buildings completed.
January 14, 1969 The General Board of the Church of the Nazarene approves MidAmerica Nazarene College as a four-year liberal arts college.
May 3, 1972 The State of Kansas grants accreditation to the College as a four-year institution.
May 15, 1972 MidAmerica’s “Pioneer Class” graduates with a total of ninety-one students.
March 27, 1974 The College receives accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
July 18, 1985 Donald D. Owens elected second president.
August, 1989 North Central Association of Colleges and Schools grants initial accreditation for MidAmerica’s first graduate program, the
Master of Education degree.
September 19, 1989 Richard L. Spindle elected third president.
October 26, 1991 MidAmerica Nazarene College celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
March 8, 1997 The Board of Trustees votes to change the name to MidAmerica Nazarene University.
March 5, 2005 Edwin H. Robinson elected fourth president.
March 13, 2007 MidAmerica’s first team NAIA National Championship capturing the Division II Men’s Basketball crown.
October 29, 2008 North Central Association grants approval for MidAmerica’s first exclusively online degree, the Master of Education.
August 28, 2009 MidAmerica is reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission.
July 2011 James H. Diehl elected interim president.
January 17, 2012 David J. Spittal elected fifth president
March 22, 2016 MidAmerica’s first women’s team NAIA National Championship capturing the Division I Women’s Basketball crown.
June 27, 2016 Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission was reaffirmed.
2016-2017 MidAmerica Nazarene University celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding.
March 16, 2020 Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission is reconfirmed.
December 5, 2022 The Higher Learning Commission approved MidAmerica Nazarene University for Competency-Based Education programs.
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