A year of growth and transformation at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — When Dr. Carson Castleman took the reins at Mount Vernon University on Oct. 2, 2023, the journey ahead was daunting yet full of potential. Since his election to the presidency on Aug. 11, 2023, he has spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives that have profoundly impacted both the university and its alignment with its church mission.

Reflecting on his first year, Dr. Castleman described it as a period defined by “change and growth.”

“We’ve worked hard to steer the institution in the way that I believe is conducive for the church and for the university alike,” said Dr. Castleman. “When you look at the things that we have accomplished in this short amount of time, it really is remarkable.”

One of the standout achievements during this period has been the success of the campaign for the Fairbanks Center for Global Engagement. Dr. Castleman noted that when he started, the University had raised $476,000 of its $1 million goal for the center.

“We are currently over $1.1 million,” he proudly announced. “We have focused heavily on that and have made that a reality. That's an exciting time for the organization.”

This accomplishment underscores the community’s commitment to advancing global engagement by ensuring that global perspectives are woven into the fabric of the student experience through on-campus, off-campus and collaborative opportunities.

The university has also undergone a major restructuring of its admissions and enrollment strategies. Enrollment growth has been another focal point. The university registered a 10.2-percent increase in first-time freshmen for fall 2024 and the overall campus growth was nearly the same.

“In my first year, we concentrated on mission, fundraising, enrollment growth and setting the organization up for growth,” Dr. Castleman explained. “Despite an almost complete overhaul of the enrollment department, we have seen positive growth.”

A notable addition to the university’s offerings is the International Executive Studies program, which launched in late January 2024 and now includes over 170 students.

“The growth in this area has been substantial,” Dr. Castleman noted, highlighting this as a significant success.

“If you look through the changes — some of it was decisions I made and some of it was natural attrition,” Dr. Castleman said. “In essence, we've turned over almost the whole entire enrollment department in a year's time and still came out with a growth opportunity. That, in itself, is a miracle that has nothing to do with me. God's been in it, and God has touched us and given us direction.”

Dr. Castleman also prioritized strengthening church relations through new initiatives such as the Gateway Program, which partners with churches, nonprofits and corporations to increase access to education, reflecting his commitment to community engagement.

“The Gateway Program helps create opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access to a degree,” he said. “Our gateway program allows to come alongside and partner with them to help grow enrollment, but also help create access and accessibility to people to get a degree that would have never been afforded those opportunities.”

Financial stewardship has been a key area of focus. The university had a $5.8 million deficit when Dr. Castleman took office and, through strategic initiatives, has reduced it down to $3.6 million. Dr. Castleman remains committed to achieving a balanced budget.

“My goal is, over the next two and a half to three years, to come to a balanced budget, which is imperative for us as an organization. But I believe that we're on the trajectory to do that,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Dr. Castleman is optimistic about the future. Under his leadership, MVNU has embarked on a transformative journey, marked by resilience and innovation. The university is poised for a promising future, driven by its renewed focus on growth, community engagement and financial stability.

“One of the things that I want people to know about my first year is that I am committed to doing what is best for the organization and the church at all costs,” he concluded. “I love Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I love the Church of the Nazarene as it has changed me and helped me become who I am.

“The decisions I make are not always decisions that people understand. But my hope and my prayer are that they will at least rest in knowing that the decisions I make are for the greater good of the organization and the church, even though they might not see it today.”

To learn more about MVNU, visit mvnu.edu.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to over 2,000 students from 22 states and 21 foreign countries.

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