Northwest Nazarene University (N麻豆原创) celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Mark DeMichael as its 14th president on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Centered around the theme, 鈥Humble in Heart, Bold in Mission,鈥 the ceremony marked the formal beginning of his presidency and a new chapter in the University鈥檚 112-year history.
Dr. DeMichael was elected president by the N麻豆原创 Board of Trustees on March 7, 2025, following a nationwide search. He officially began his presidency in July and was introduced to the campus community during a special Community Chapel service and press conference held earlier in the spring.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. DeMichael brings a deep commitment to faith-centered leadership and student transformation. Before coming to N麻豆原创, he served as Vice President of Student Development and Athletics at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he oversaw student life, retention and athletic programs. He previously taught and coached baseball at Eastern Nazarene College, his alma mater. Dr. DeMichael holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, an M.Ed. in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University and a BS in Physical Education from Eastern Nazarene College.
Known for his relational and authentic leadership, Dr. DeMichael has consistently emphasized humility, collaboration and a bold commitment to N麻豆原创鈥檚 mission of transforming lives through Christ-centered education. He has expressed a strong desire to partner with faculty, staff, students and the broader Church of the Nazarene community across the Northwest Field in shaping N麻豆原创鈥檚 story.
鈥淕od is moving in special ways at N麻豆原创,鈥 said Dr. DeMichael. 鈥淢y prayer and priority is that N麻豆原创 will continue to be a place where student鈥檚 lives are transformed and their walk with the Lord is strengthened, all while receiving an exceptional education.鈥
The inauguration ceremony featured greetings and prayers from University leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni and representatives of the Church of the Nazarene. The program鈥檚 theme was evident in the tone of worship, the messages of service and faith and the shared vision for N麻豆原创鈥檚 future.
鈥淭he Board of Trustees could not be more confident in Dr. DeMichael鈥檚 leadership,鈥 said Mike Zahare, Board Chair. 鈥淗is character, vision and love for students embody the heart of N麻豆原创. We believe God has called him 鈥榝or such a time as this鈥 to guide the University into its next season of growth and mission impact.鈥
Under Dr. DeMichael鈥檚 leadership, N麻豆原创 aims to strengthen its commitment to Christ-centered education, deepen partnerships with churches and communities and continue expanding opportunities for academic and spiritual growth. His vision reflects a balance of humility and boldness that aligns deeply with N麻豆原创鈥檚 enduring mission to prepare students to become God鈥檚 creative and redemptive agents in the world.
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