Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) has reported a significant increase in enrollment and strengthened ties with Nazarene churches across the East Central field. Since 2023, the university has seen a 24.21 percent rise in total enrollment, growing from 1,789 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students in fall 2023 to 2,146 FTE in fall 2025. This growth is attributed to MVNU's commitment to providing Christ-centered education and building strategic partnerships with local Nazarene churches.
The College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) at MVNU has reached its highest non-traditional enrollment since 2013, with 993 students enrolled in fall 2025. This marks a 68 percent increase from the fall 2023 CAPS enrollment of 591 students. Johnna K. Vanover, Vice President for University Marketing and CAPS Enrollment, said, "We are excited for the enrollment growth we are experiencing within the College of Adult and Professional Studies programs."
Nazarene students made up 35 percent of this year's incoming freshmen class, highlighting the strong relationship between MVNU and Nazarene families. Dr. Carson Castleman, President of MVNU since October 2023, emphasized the importance of these relationships: "Our mission is clear — to ensure that our churches recognize MVNU not only as an academic institution but also as a ministry partner."
Annual contributions from churches have increased by approximately 19 percent since 2023, reflecting their support for Christian higher education. Dr. Castleman added that MVNU serves as a vital ministry within the Nazarene denomination.
While maintaining its Nazarene roots, MVNU aims to extend its mission beyond denominational lines by welcoming students from all backgrounds. Dr. Castleman noted, "We want any student — no matter their religious affiliation — to have access to MVNU."
For more information about MVNU’s programs, visit mvnu.edu.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private Christian teaching university located on a 327-acre campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio. It offers education both on-campus and online to nearly 2,200 students from various states and countries.
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