MNU Picks New President

2 weeks ago

1 minute read

MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) will be led by Dr. Jon D. North as its next president.

Following an extensive national search conducted in partnership with FaithSearch Partners, he will assume the role on July 1, becoming the sixth president in the university’s history. North will follow President David Spittal, who in January announced his retirement from MNU after 13 years.

North brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership, a deep commitment to Christian higher education, and a passion for MNU’s mission of scholarship, servant leadership, and transformation. He is the senior vice president for University Advancement at MNU and executive director of the MNU Foundation. During his 15-year tenure at MNU, North led the university’s largest fundraising campaign, raising over $90 million to support scholarships, academic initiatives, and capital development. Additionally, the Foundation’s endowment assets have quadrupled under his stewardship. He is a graduate of MNU with a bachelor’s degree in international business and an MBA. He earned a doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.

Prior to joining MNU, North had a 17-year career at Heart to Heart International, a globally recognized international humanitarian and disaster relief agency. Under his leadership as CEO, Heart to Heart expanded its relief work worldwide and was named to Forbes magazine’s “America’s Top Charities List.” As an active member of the Kansas City community, Dr. North serves on several non-profit and community boards and has earned numerous community leadership awards.

Dr. Dan Rexroth, chair, MNU Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment: “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. 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.”

North shared his excitement about his selection, stating, “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 and his wife, Faith, are MNU alumni, as are their four adult children and live in Olathe.