Mount Vernon Nazarene University has announced the appointment of Dr. Jodi Mills as the new Dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Mills brings over 15 years of experience in nontraditional and adult education, having previously held leadership roles at Indiana Wesleyan University’s National & Global division.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jodi Mills as the new Dean for the College of Adult and Professional Studies at Mount Vernon Nazarene University,” said MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. “Dr. Mills arrives with extensive experience from one of the largest Christian universities in the United States and holds a Ph.D. in STEM from the University of Kentucky. With 17 years of leadership in Adult Education, she is an innovative leader who genuinely cares about students, working diligently to ensure their success at every stage of their educational journey.”
Dr. Mills' work has been centered on academic strategy, online program development, and competency-based learning innovation. She has played a key role in launching programs that meet state and accreditation standards while focusing on adult learners' needs.
Her recent roles include Chair of Undergraduate and Licensure Programs in the School of Integrated Learning and Development at IWU, as well as Interim Dean of the Division of Liberal Arts. Her efforts have contributed significantly to faculty development, curriculum design, and program assessment, broadening access to quality education for many working professionals.
In addition to her administrative duties, Dr. Mills has taught extensively as an associate professor and adjunct faculty member at several Christian universities, including Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
As Dean of CAPS at MVNU, Dr. Mills will manage adult, graduate, and online programs with responsibilities covering strategic leadership across academic innovation, faculty development, program growth, student support services, accreditation processes, and institutional partnerships.
“MVNU’s commitment to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service resonates deeply with my own values,” said Dr. Mills. “The opportunity to lead the College of Adult and Professional Studies in building upon its strong foundation, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships is compelling. CAPS is positioned to change lives through the power of online and graduate education, and I’m excited to support MVNU’s mission and goal of academic excellence.”
Dr. Mills holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences specializing in STEM Education from the University of Kentucky; a Master’s degree from the University of Findlay; and a Bachelor’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University.
“The search committee unanimously chose Dr. Mills recognizing her as a remarkable mission fit who has dedicated her life to serving the Church of the Nazarene in various capacities including as a pastor’s wife media specialist leader in women’s youth children’s ministries,” Dr. Castleman said “We are truly blessed to have such a high-caliber leader like Dr Jodi Mills guiding College Adult Professional Studies She person high ethics standards known innovative ideas successful implementation new programs”
For more information about MVNU's College of Adult and Professional Studies visit mvnu.edu/online.
