Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Personnel



MidAmerica Nazarene University is an institution of the Church of the Nazarene. The official organization of the University is composed of several groups of interrelated personnel: a board of trustees, the officers of administration, the committees of administration and faculty, the faculty of instruction, the staff, and the student body.

Board of Trustees

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. The Board meets twice a year and upon call by the university president or by the chairman of the Board. Between the official sessions of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, elected by the Trustees, acts as an advisory and procedural group.

The Executive Committee

Daniel R. Rexroth, Chairman

Eddie Estep, Vice Chairman

Chad Cook, Secretary

Ervin L. Cash, Treasurer

David J. Spittal, University President

Merrill R. Conant

Deanna Edwards                                    

Eddie Estep

Steven P. Hoffman

Phil Rhoades

Daniel D. Rexroth

N. Jeannie Williams

Iowa
Rev. Tim Carter
District Superintendent
Cedar Rapids, IA

Rev. Darren Melton
Clergy
Oskaloosae, IA

Mrs. Brenna Selden
Administration
Ottumwa, IA

Joplin
Rev. Phil A. Rhoades
District Superintendent
Carthage, MO

Dr. Larry McIntire
Physician
Joplin, MO

Rev. Kyle Rogers
Clergy
Pittsburg, KS

Kansas
Rev. Jay E. Bessmer
Clergy
Manhattan, KS

Mrs. Crystal Page
Administrator
Wichita, KS

Kansas City
Dr. Eddie Estep
District Superintendent
Olathe, KS

Dr. Clark G. Armstrong
Clergy
Marshall, MO

Mr. Chad Cook
Attorney
Overland Park, KS

Mrs. LeEtta Felter
Businesswoman
Olathe, KS

Dr. Branson Roberts
Clergy
Shawnee, KS

Missouri
Dr. Michael G. Palmer
District Superintendent
Bridgeton, MO

Rev. Jason Hill
Clergy
Cape Girardeau, MO

Mr. Philip D. Speicher
Attorney
Florissant, MO

Nebraska
Rev. Daniel W. Cole
District Superintendent
Lincoln, NE

Dr. Deanna Edwards
Physician
Omaha, NE

Prairie Lakes
Rev. Steven P. Hoffman
District Superintendent
Fergus Falls, MN

Mr. Al Carlson
Businessman
Fergus Falls, MN

Rev. Sokurt Suos
Clergy
Crystal, MN

At-Large
Dr. Wendy Belcher
Physician
Greely, KS

Mr. Tim Buchanan
Businessman
Andover, KS

Mr. Ervin L. Cash
Businessman
Southlake, TX

Rev. Marcos Cisneros
Clergy
Olathe, KS

Dr. Merrill R. Conant
Physician
Dodge City, KS

Mr. John Dahl
Businessman
Sterling, ND

Dr. Susan K. Moore
Administrator
Olathe, KS

Dr. Daniel D. Rexroth
Businessman
Lenexa, KS

Dr. George R. Williams
Administrator
Prairie Village, KS

Dr. N. Jeannie Williams
Physician
Lenexa, KS

Alumni Association
Mr. Andrew L. Speicher
Attorney
Overland Park, KS

Nazarene Youth International
Rev. Fred Toomey
Clergy
Nixa, MO

President
Dr. David J. Spittal
Olathe, KS
 

Administrative Personnel

President’s Cabinet
David J. Spittal, B.S., M.S., Ed.D. - President
Abby Hodges, B.S., M.S., Ph.D - Vice President for Academic Affairs/CAO
Darrel Anderson, B.A., M.A - Vice President for Finance/CFO
Lisa Hood, B.S., M.L.A - Vice President for Strategic Expansion
Jon D. North, B.A., M.B.A., Ed.D - Senior Vice President for University Advancement
Daniel Rincones, B.A., M.A., LPC, SATP - Vice President for Student Development

Academic Affairs
Linda Alexander - Director of Career and Workforce Development
Kay Hall - Director of Accessibility and Testing
Mark Hayse - Director of Mabee Library
Rick Hanson - Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Jordan Mantha - Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
Jamie Myrtle - Dean, College of Professional and Graduate Studies
Rhonda Riley - University Registrar
Gieselle Taylor - Director of Persistence

Student Development
Devon Brown - Director of Residential Life
Lisa Downs - Director of Student Life and Recruiting Events

Enrollment Development
Lisa Gaiche - Associate Vice President for Professional & Graduate Enrollment
Drew Whipple - Associate Vice President for Traditional Enrollment

Business and Financial Services
Herb Albertson - Bursar
Angela Burr - Director of Financial Aid
Arlene Fender - Controller
Evie Kowalewski - Director of Human Resources
Jon Spence - Director of Facility Services

University Advancement
Roger Alexander - Director of Development
Pete Brumbaugh - Executive Director of University Communications, Public Relations and Alumni Engagement
Eric Bryant - Director of Development
Christa Jenkins - Associate Vice President for University Advancement

Institutional Administrators
Brady Braatz - Director of Spiritual Formation and University Chaplain
Todd Garrett - Athletic Director

Faculty Emeriti

Terry L. Baldridge, (1982-2016), Professor Emeritus of Music
Jack M. Barnell, (1986-2000), Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Sondra L. Cave, (2000-2011), Professor Emeritus
John W. Clark, (1972-1997), Professor Emeritus of Christian Education
Randall R. Cloud, (2003-2024), Professor of Biblical Language, History, and Philosophy
Stephen L. Cole, (1969-2014), Professor Emeritus of Biology
Martin H. Dunlap, (2007-2023), Associate Professor Emeritus of Education
James O. Edlin, (1989-2020), Professor Emeritus of Biblical Literature and Languages
Larry D. Fine, (1969-2018), Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology
Dean E. Flemming, (1991-1993; 1999-2001; 2011-2022), Professor of New Testament and Missions
Mary L. Fry, (2009-2019), Professor Emeritus of Counseling Education
Michael L. Gough, (1984-2018), Professor Emeritus of Business
Larry J. Haffey, (1986-2011), Professor Emeritus of Computer Science
Mark A. Hamilton, (1996-2020), Professor Emeritus of Communication
Douglas D. Henning, (1991-2002; 2003-2010), Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Marta E. Howard, (1978-1985; 1990-2008), Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology
Jack C. Jones, (2005-2024), Assistant Professor of Sports Management
Scott C. Laird, (1993-2011), Associate Professor Emeritus of Agriculture
R. Joann Lamar, (2005-2018) Professor Emeritus of Education
Clarence W. Linsey, (1974-2007), Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Karen L. McClellan, (1968-2011), Assistant Professor Emeritus of Music
Ronald K. McClellan, (1990-2011), Associate Professor Emeritus of Music
Michael E. McLane, (1991-2011), Assistant Professor Emeritus of Computer Science
L. Jeanne Millhuff, (1987-2011), Assistant Professor Emeritus of English
William W. Morrison, (1981-2018), Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology
Robert E. Norton, (1981-2000), Professor Emeritus of Education
Arvin F. Oke, (1987-2019), Professor Emeritus of Psychology
William D. Olin, (1999-2010), Professor Emeritus of Physical Education
Daniel L. Partrich, (1997-2011), Associate Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice
Lois M. Perrigo, (1997-2011), Associate Professor of Adult Education
Cynthia L. Peterson, (1991-2020), Professor Emeritus of Communication
Verla R. Powers, (1986-2003), Professor Emeritus of Education
Paul L. “Roy” Rotz, (1995-2011), Professor Emeritus of Counseling
Harry D. Russell, (1975-1996), Professor Emeritus of Communication
Jerri L. Sapp, (1994-2008), Professor Emeritus of Adult Education
Virginia R. Schafer, (1980-2012); Professor Emeritus of Nursing
C. Barth Smith, (1974-2011), Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology
Katheryn J. Smith, (1972-2010), Assistant Professor Emeritus of Music
Palma L. Smith, (1978-2007), Professor Emeritus of Nursing
Richard L. Spindle, (1980-2005), President Emeritus
Kelvin St. John, (1998-2019), Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Formation
W. Lloyd Taylor, (1978-1993), Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Eric S. Walser, (1984-1992; 1993-2008), Associate Professor Emeritus of Athletic Training
Patricia J. Walsh, (1996-2009; 2015-2020), Associate Professor Emeritus of Institutional Effectiveness and Registrar
Willadee Wehmeyer, (1988-2008), Professor Emeritus of Business

*The date in parentheses denotes initial, full-time faculty status.

Faculty

Professors

Linda K. Alexander, (2004- ) Professor of Education; Director of Career and Workforce Development
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Kansas
Mark A. Brown, (2002- ) Professor of Mathematics
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S., Wichita State University; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City
David J. Carter, (2021- ) Professor of Counseling
B.S., University of Nebraska; M.S., University of Nebraska; Ed.S., University of Nebraska; Ph.D., University of Nebraska
Yorton Clark, (2001- ) Professor of Business; Chair, Undergraduate Studies in Business Administration
B.S., Oklahoma Wesleyan University; M.P.A., University of Missouri - Kansas City; Ed.D., Saint Louis University
Martin D. Crossland, (2011- ) Professor of Computer Information Systems; Learning Management System Administrator;
B.S., Texas Tech University; M.B.A., Oklahoma City University; Ph.D., Indiana University-Bloomington
Todd M. Frye, (2007- ) Professor of Counseling; Associate Dean, School of Counselor Education
B.S., Northwest Nazarene University; M.Ed., Northwest Nazarene University; Ph.D., Idaho State University
Jill E. Gonzalez-Bravo, (2015- ) Tenured Professor of Education; Associate Dean & Unit Head, School of Education
B.S., Kansas State University; M.A., Wichita State University; Ed.D., Kansas Sate University
Richard Hanson, (2019- ) Professor of Psychology; Chair, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
B.A. MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S. Ed. University of Kansas - Lawrence; Ph.D., Michigan State University - East Lansing
Mark A. Hayse, (2003- ) Professor of Christian Education and Philosophy; Director of Mabee Library
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.R.E., Nazarene Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Trinity International University
Todd C. Hiestand, (2005- ) Tenured Professor of Criminal Justice
A.A., Southeast Community College; B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S., University of Missiouri-Kansas City: J.D., University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Kimberly D. Humerickhouse, (2010- ) Tenured Professor of Education
B.S., University of Central Oklahoma; M.S., Fort Hays State University; Ph.D., University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Bob G. Humphrey, (2000- ) Professor of Business; Program Coordinator, Professional Studies in Business
A.A., Nazarene Bible College; B.A., M.B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; Ed.D., Saint Louis University
Luke D. Johnson, (2014- ) Tenured Profesor fo Music; Chair, Department of Arts & Humanities
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.M., Kansas State University; Ph.D., University of Kansas                                      
Susan G. Larson, (1989- ) Tenured Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S., Ph.D., University of Kansas
Addison Lucchi, (2017- ), Tenured Professor; Reference Librarian
B.A., Ball State University; M.L.I.S., Simmons College; M.B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Jordan H. Mantha, (2011- ) Tenured Professor of Chemistry; Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
B.A., University of Montana Western; Ph.D., University of Nevada-Reno
Sarah M. Miller, (2013- ) Tenured Professor of Nursing; Unit Head, School of Nursing
A.S., Kansas City Kansas Community College; B.S.N., M.S.N., MidAmerica Nazarene University; Ed.D, Creighton University; D.N.P., University of Missouri-Columbia
Jamie S. Myrtle, (2000- ) Tenured Professor of Business; Dean, College of Professional & Graduate Studies
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; C.P.A.; M.B.A., University of Kansas; Ed.D., Olivet Nazarene University
Tia M. Strait, (2022- ) Professor, Department Chair, Pre-Licensure Nursing
A.S., Missouri Southern State University; B.S., Missouri Southern State University; M.S., Pittsburg State University; Ed.D., Saint Louis University.
Rion G. Taylor, (2010- ) Brent A. and B. Lynnette Barkman Endowed Professor in Science, Professor of Biology, Director of MNU Honors Program
B.S., Augusta State University; Ph.D., Syracuse University
Lisa Wallentine, (2003- ) Professor of Business Administration, Associate Dean and Unit Head, School of Business
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.B.A., Wright State University; Ed.D., Olivet Nazarene University
David L. Wegley, (1989- ) Professor of Business
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.B.A., University of Kansas; Ed.D., Saint Louis University

Associate Professors

Amanda S. Addis, (2015-) Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of Virtual Patient Center
A.D.N., Labette Community College; B.S.N., Pittsburg State University; M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Aaron Bohn, (2020- ) Associate Professor of Digital Communication
B.A., Ohio State University; M.A., Asbury University; M.F.A., Asbury University
Amy E. Cain, (2012- ) Associate Professor of Counseling
B.S., Missouri State University; M.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; Ph.D., Kansas State University.
Christopher P. Crawford, (2013- ) Associate Professor of Athletic Training
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S.E., University of Kansas; Ed.D., University of North Carolina - Greensboro
Lon E. Dagley, (2006- ) Associate Professor; Computer Services Librarian
B.A., Northwest Nazarene University; M.R.E., Nazarene Theological Seminary; M.L.S., Emporia State University
Scott B. Dermer, (2021- ) Associate Professor of Theology; Chair, Department of Christian Ministry and Formation
B.A., Southern Nazarene University; M. Div., Southern Methodist University; Ph.D., St. Louis University
Lynne M. Erickson, (1993-2000, 2013- ) Associate Professor of Accounting; Program Coordinator, Graduate Studies in Business
B.A., Olivet Nazarene University; M.A.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; CPA
Jennifer L. Ferguson, (2014- ) Associate Professor of Nursing
A.S.N., Cox College of Nursing; B.S.N., M.S.N., University of Missouri-Kansas City; D.N.P., Point Loma Nazarene University.
Brenda K. Harris, (2024- ) Associate Professor of Education
B.A., Park College; M.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City; Ed.S., University of Missouri-Kansas City; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Taylor L. Johnson, (2015- ) Associate Professor of Counseling
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.Div., Nazarene Theological Seminary; M.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; Ph.D., Regent University
Brad D. King, (1995- ) Associate Professor of Physical Education
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.Ed., Wichita State University
Craig Masters, (2022- ) Associate Professor of Physics
B.A., William Jewell College; M.S., University of Missouri-Kansas City; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Shirley A. Nichols, (2024- ) Associate Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., University of Kansas, KCKS; M.S.N., University of Kansas, KCKS; D.N.P., University of Missouri-Columbia
Jonathan M. Platter, (2021- ) Associate Professor of Theology
B.A., Southern Nazarene University; M.A., Nazarene Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Cambridge
Andrew P. Secor, (2013- ) Associate Professor of Counseling
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; Ph.D., Walden University
Christopher M. Smith, (2016- ) Associate Professor of Music
B.M., East Carolina University; M.M., East Carolina University; D.M.A., University of Kansas
Darin A. Tuck, (2018- ) Associate Professor of History
B.A., Washburn University; M.A., Kansas State University; Ph.D., University of Missouri
Ruth Waggoner, (2018- ) Associate Professor of Education
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.A., University of Kansas; Ph.D., Baker University
Gwenyth G. Wagner, (2019- ) Associate Professor, AGPCNP Program Coordinator
B.S.N., McMaster University; M.S., D.N.P., University of Kansas

Assistant Professors

Erin Augustine, (2019- ) Assistant Professor of Counseling
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University, Ph.D., Regent University
Emily Bethea Johnson, (2020-2023; 2024- ) Assistant Professor of Counseling
B.S., Southwest Baptist University, M.A., Southwest Methodist University; Ph.D., Kanas State University
Christina L. Bohn, (2020- ) Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
B.A., Mount Vernon Nazarene University; M.A., Ashbury Theological Seminary; Ph.D. Candidate, University of Manchester
Chelsea G. Comadoll, (2022- ) Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S., Appalachian State University; Ph.D., University of Kansas
Kathryn D. Dixon, (2023- ) Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S.N., MidAmerica Nazarene University
Natalie E. Eick, (2021- ) Assistant Professor of Psychology
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.A., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Psy.D., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Jennifer Dembowski, (2024- ) Assistant Professor of Counseling
B.A. Concordia University; M.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University
Renee Dutter Miller, (2022- ) Assistant Professor of New Testament 
B.S., Cairn University; M.A., Fuller Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary
Teresa L. Hale-Lespier, (2018- ) Assistant Professor of Computer Science
B.S., M.S., Michigan Technological University
Kay Hall, (2021- ) Assistant Professor; Coordinator, Academic Success Center
B.S. University of Kansas; M.S., University of Kansas
Susannah A. Hart, (2013- ) Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., University of Kansas; M.S.N., MidAmerica Nazarene University
Ed Heberling, (2024- ) Assistant Professor of Sports Management
B.A., Iowa Wesleyan University; M.S., American Public University; Ed.D.(Candidate), University of the Cumberlands
Ashley Hurt, (2019- ) Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., Pittsburg State University; M.S.N., Pittsburg State University
Leigh A. Kreshel, (2019- ) Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science, Chair, Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences
B.S., Wayne State College; M.S., Wake Forest University
Mattie F. Melton, (2024- ) Assistant Professor
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.S., University of Kansas
Brian B. Merriman, (2005- ) Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
B.F.A., M.A., Emporia State University
Rhonda G. Riley, (2021- ) Assistant Professor, University Registrar
B.S., Kansas State University; M.A.H.R., Ottawa University
Daniel M. Schwabauer, (2023- ) Assistant Professor of English
B.G.S., University of Kansas; M.A., University of Kansas; Th.D., Evangelical Theological Seminary (expected 2024)
Tricia L. Sinclair, (2019- ) Assistant Professor of Business
B.S., University of Kansas; M.B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University
Jill R. Speicher, (2018- ) Assistant Professor of Biology
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; D.V.M., Iowa State University
Gieselle D. Taylor, (2021- ) Assistant Professor, Director of Persistence
B.A., Central College; M.B.A., Park University
Heather A. Tinker, (2023- ) Assistant Professor of Theatre
B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University; M.A., University of Kansas
Danielle M. Traudt, (2021- ) Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., University of Nebraska Medical Center; M.S.N., Arizona State University