Skip to content

About MNU

History

More Information
REQUEST INFO
Request here
APPLY NOW
Apply here
contact mnu

MidAmerica Nazarene University
Main Campus
2030 East College Way
Olathe, KS 66062-1899

Santa Fe Commons Site
13563 South Mur-Len Rd.
Olathe, KS 66062-1899

Santa Fe Commons Site
13563 South Mur-Len Rd.
Olathe, KS 66062-1899

Office Hours
Most University offices are open from Mon. – Fri. 8:00am – 5:00pm

Our History & Campus

MidAmerica Nazarene University has a rich heritage built upon the strong faith and pioneer spirit of our founders. Thanks to God’s gracious guidance and the contributions of committed faculty, staff, students, parents, churches and donors, MNU has grown from its five original buildings and 263 students to become a beautiful, thriving campus with 23 buildings, an enrollment of 1,500 students, and more than 30,000 alumni. After 50-plus years of growth and change, MNU continues to impact the world for Jesus Christ through servant leaders recognized for their excellence, integrity, and spiritual vitality.

Meet at the flag pole, prayer circle
Student Body
  • More than 35 undergraduate programs
  • More than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students
  • Students from 35 states and 16 countries
Cooke Center Entrance walkway lined with flowers
Campus
  • Located in Olathe, Kansas; 19 miles southwest of Downtown Kansas City
  • More than 100 acres, with over 1,000 trees and 6,000 flower bulbs planted annually
  • 56 percent of our undergraduate students live on campus.
  • Nine residence halls, 10 academic buildings, a fine and performing arts center, dining commons, athletics center, library
Dr. Spittal at Presients Circle Event
Affiliation
Affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene

The permanent control of the University is vested in a board of trustees elected from the various districts of the North Central Region of the Church of the Nazarene: Iowa, Joplin, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, Nebraska and Prairie Lakes.
Graduates lined up for commencement
Academics
  • MNU offers more than 35 undergraduate academic programs and 15 graduate and professional degree programs.
  • Average class size is 16 for traditional undergraduate; 18 for professional studies; 9 for graduate degrees.
  • We employ 81 full-time faculty members and many adjunct professors.
Cheerleaders
Athletics
  • Member of NAIA Division I Athletics and Heart of America Athletic Conference
  • Six men’s sports teams, six women’s sports teams and one co-ed team
  • Intramural athletics
  • 2007 NAIA Men's Basketball national champions
  • 2016 NAIA Women's Basketball national champions
Students wearing health masks on the Campus Mall during Covid
Campus life
  • Theatre
  • Athletics/Intramurals
  • Choir
  • Improv
  • Student Government
  • Join a Chapel worship team, ministry team or traveling music ensemble
Trek Trip, global impact on youth
global impact
MNU alumni work and serve all over the world. We commit to being the hands and feet of Jesus through passionate service.

timeline

1966
MidAmerica Nazarene College Founded
1968
MidAmerica Nazarene College opened its doors to students with an enrollment of 263 students. The first president was R. Curtis Smith.
January 1969
The state of Kansas accredits the University with four-year institution.
May 15
1972
The “Pioneer Class” graduates with a total of ninety-one students.
May 15
July 18
1985
Dr. Donald D. Owens elected as the second president.
July 18
September 19
1989
Dr. Richard L. Spindle elected as the third president.
September 19
March 8
1997
Name changed to MidAmerica Nazarene University.
March 8
March 5
2005
Dr. Edwin H. Robinson elected as the fourth president.
March 5
August
2007
Bell Cultural Events Center opens.
August
July
2011
Dr. James H. Diehl elected as interim president.
July
January 17
2012
Dr. David J. Spittal elected as the fifth president.
January 17
February 23
2014
Mascot Pioneer Pete makes his debut on campus.
February 23
July
2017
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of MNU
July