Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) has named Dr. Joshua J. Black as its new Executive Director of Human Resources and Training & Development, effective immediately.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Josh Black to the MVNU community as our new Executive Director of Human Resources and Training & Development,” said MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. “Dr. Black brings more than two decades of exceptional leadership in Human Resources and Christian Higher Education, and his life’s work reflects a deep commitment to people, culture, and the Kingdom of God.”
Dr. Black previously served as Executive Director of Lee Online at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he was responsible for developing strategies to improve digital learning experiences for students worldwide over a 13-year tenure. He also held leadership roles at Indiana Wesleyan University, including Associate Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Regional Dean.
His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Adult Higher Education from Nova Southeastern University, an M.A. in Christian Ministries from Malone College, and a B.S. in Human Development from Lee University. He is an ordained bishop in the Church of God and has participated on the Christian Adult Higher Education Association Leadership Council.
“He is a man of deep faith and integrity, and Minister in the Church of God, and someone who understands that at the heart of any thriving institution are the people who serve, lead, and learn within it,” Dr. Castleman added. “Dr. Black’s passion for developing others and cultivating healthy organizational culture aligns beautifully with The MVNU Way. We are truly blessed to have him join the MVNU family, and I look forward to the significant impact he will make in the days ahead.”
In his role at MVNU, Dr. Black will manage all human resources functions such as policy development, employee relations, benefits administration, training initiatives, and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Black’s wife, Dr. Michaelia Black—currently Assistant Professor of Accounting at Lee University—will relocate to Mount Vernon after completing her contract later this spring. The couple has three married sons residing in Tennessee and Ohio; they also have one grandson and are expecting a granddaughter.
“My wife and I are excited to return to Ohio and for God’s call to MVNU,” said Dr. Black. “We both love Christian higher education and are eager to join our new colleagues at MVNU to be a part of the growth and momentum that is happening for the Kingdom of God.”
MVNU operates as an evangelical Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene according to its official about page. Founded in 1968 in Mount Vernon, Ohio and achieving university status in 2002, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs across several disciplines with accreditation by relevant bodies. The university emphasizes community service rooted in Wesleyan evangelical traditions and serves students from Ohio as well as neighboring states.
For more information on employment opportunities at MVNU visit mvnu.edu/jobs.
