MidAmerica Nazarene University names Foundation Director as 6th president
OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) - MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe has named the MNU Foundation Executive Director as the sixth president in the school’s history.
MidAmerica Nazarene University announced on Tuesday, May 27, that Dr. Jon D. North has been chosen as its next president. After an extensive nationwide search, Dr. North will assume the role on July 1 as he becomes the 6th president in university history. He follows President David Spittal, who announced his retirement in January.
“After an extensive and prayerful search process, we are confident that Jon North is the right leader to guide MidAmerica Nazarene University into the future,” said Dr. Dan Rexroth, chair, MNU Board of Trustees. “He embodies the values and vision of our institution and will play a crucial role in advancing our commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community impact.”
According to university leaders, North brings a wealth of experience, deep commitment to Christian higher education and a ion for MNU’s mission of scholarship. He is currently the senior vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the MNU Foundation.
During his 15-year tenure, MNU said North led the university’s largest fundraising campaign, with more than $90 million attributed to scholarships, academic initiatives and capital development. The Foundation’s endowment assets have also quadrupled under his stewardship.
MNU noted that North earned his bachelor’s degree in international business and an MBA from the university. He went on to earn a doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.
Before his time at MNU, leadership indicated that North had a 17-year career at Heart to Heart International. Under his leadership as CEO, the humanitarian disaster relief agency expanded worldwide and was named to Forbes’ America’s Top Charities List.
University officials indicated that North is an active member of the Kansas City community and serves on several nonprofit and community boards. He has earned a variety of community leadership awards.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next president of MidAmerica Nazarene University. MNU has a rich history of faith-based education, and I look forward to building on its strong foundation to equip students for lives of purpose and service,” North said.
According to MNU, a formal inauguration ceremony is set to be held at a later date, with details to be announced in the coming months. Dr. North and his wife are university alumni, as are their four adult children. The Norths will continue to call Olathe their home.
For more information about MNU’s presidential selection process, click HERE.
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