Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Carson Castleman announced the appointment of the Rev. David Mills as vice president for spiritual Life and Church Relations. This change in the university's administration is set to take effect at the beginning of 2024.
The selection process was thorough and comprehensive. Mills will start in the new position on Jan. 2, 2024, according to an MVNU press release. He was the unanimous choice out of three candidates interviewed by the selection committee. The panel included an East Central Region pastor, a university dean, and male and female ministry students. Castleman informed the MVNU Board of Trustees Executive Committee of the choice.
Carson Castleman shared his perspective on Mills' appointment. "God has uniquely gifted and raised him up for such a time as this. His compassion, humility and Christlike witness will be tremendous assets to our faith community. Rev. Mills has served the Church and his community with grace, kindness, and love for the last 25 years, and I am excited for him to join the MVNU family", Castleman said, according to an MVNU press release.
The Reverend also shared some insight into his past experiences. Mills has spent 15 years as lead pastor at Generations Church of the Nazarene in Independence, Kentucky, and nearly 25 years in the ministry, according to an MVNU press release. Mills said his background in building community engagement, church planting, and cultivating a desire to share the Gospel will be at the forefront of all that he does.
Moreover, more details about Mills' future responsibilities were provided. Mills will serve as chaplain on the President's Cabinet, and he will be charged with offering a strategic spiritual blueprint for the campus, according to an MVNU press release. He will oversee the Spiritual Life Department's programming and functions, direct and supervise music groups, and establish local and statewide service-learning initiatives that also include establishing mission opportunities serving the East Central Region and the global Church of the Nazarene.
In addition to his roles as chaplain and vice president, Mills will have further responsibilities in student welfare. His role will also have him working in collaboration with campus offices to address students' needs, cultivate relationships with the region's churches, and manage Church Relations events, according to an MVNU press release. Castleman and Mills will schedule a "listening tour" across East Central Region districts with superintendents and pastors for meaningful conversations.
