Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Carol Matthews as its new executive director for foundational learning and retention.
According to a press release, Dr. Matthews will oversee several key academic and support initiatives at MVNU, including the Center for Student Success, the General Education program, and the IGNITE Program, which serves students with intellectual disabilities. Her responsibilities also include chairing the University Retention Council and managing student onboarding and academic transition support through the Nease Institute.
"Dr. Matthews brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in student success initiatives," said MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. "Her deep commitment to intentional care for students aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a nurturing and supportive academic environment."
Matthews returns to MVNU with extensive experience in higher education, having served at the university from 1999 to 2012. She later held roles at institutions such as Asbury Theological Seminary and Toccoa Falls College. Her professional background spans academic support services, disability services, assessment, and faculty leadership at both national and international institutions. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Baylor University, as well as degrees from Wheaton College and Spring Arbor University. In addition to her academic work, she is a licensed counselor and has contributed to curriculum development, accreditation efforts, and student services across various institutions.
"The MVNU community has incredibly strong and Christ-centered networks that have been a source of tremendous enrichment to my life," said Matthews. "I look forward to renewing bonds with precious friends from previous years and establishing new connections as well."
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), founded in 1968, is a Christian liberal arts college in central Ohio affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. The university is based on Wesleyan-Arminian theology and integrates academic study with spiritual development. MVNU has a 327-acre campus and enrolls approximately 2,100 students from 22 states and 21 foreign countries. Its student body includes individuals from more than 40 Christian denominations. The university reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, offers over 30 athletic programs, and provides financial aid.
