Dr. Doug Matthews Appointed Division Chair of Christian Ministry at MVNU

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Doug Matthews as Division Chair of Christian Ministry, effective July 1, 2025. A seasoned leader in theological education and ministry, Dr. Matthews returns to MVNU to help guide the next generation of ministry leaders through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and church partnership.

Dr. Matthews previously served MVNU for over a decade in various roles, including Vice President for Enrollment and Student Development, professor of Theology and Philosophy, and non-traditional chaplain. During his tenure, he was known for his dynamic classroom presence, creative student engagement, and strategic enrollment leadership that contributed to significant growth and innovation in student development. He was also named Teacher of the Year at MVNU.

“Carol (my wife) and I are most joyous, honored, and humbled concerning our returning to MVNU,” Dr. Matthews said. “Countless dear friends, the students, north central OH-IO, and, most importantly, the stellar vision, mission, and values of the university are attractive. I’m so grateful and excited concerning this kingdom partnership.”

Since his departure from MVNU, Dr. Matthews has continued to serve the Church and Christian higher education with distinction. Most notably, he served for nearly a decade as Provost and Senior Vice President at Asbury Theological Seminary, where he provided executive oversight of academic programs, ministry centers, faculty development, enrollment and student services, and numerous strategic initiatives. During his leadership term, the Asbury team launched new degree programs, global partnerships, and multimillion-dollar ministry initiatives focused on church planting, faith and work integration, and leadership development. The close partnership of the academic and enrollment divisions helped shape a period of enrollment growth and financial stability during a challenging season for theological institutions nationwide.

In recent years, Dr. Matthews has served as Executive Pastor of Ministry Development at First Alliance Church in Lexington, Kentucky. There, he assisted with shepherding the church through a season of dynamic growth, strategic staff development, and expanded intergenerational discipleship. He has also served as a consultant for Asbury Theological Seminary, the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry and Pathways initiatives, and numerous churches and institutions seeking to thrive in today’s ministry landscape.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Doug Matthews as the new Division Chair of Christian Ministry at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Dr. Matthews is a highly respected theologian who has dedicated his life to enhancing Christian Higher Education,” said Dr. Carson Castleman, MVNU President. “With an extensive career as a faculty member, Vice President, Provost, and Senior Vice President, he brings a wealth of experience and insight to our community. We are truly blessed to have him join the MVNU faculty. Dr. Matthews exemplifies a life lived above reproach and will be a leader who wholeheartedly embraces the values, principles, and ethos of the Church of the Nazarene.”

As chair, Dr. Matthews will lead by shaping curriculum, mentoring faculty, engaging the Church, and developing a vibrant, praxis-oriented ministry degree program rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. A respected author, speaker, and mentor, he continues to be an advocate for preparing ministry leaders equipped to serve in a rapidly changing cultural and ecclesial landscape.

“This opportunity is a very welcome, providential, and timely blending of teaching, discipling, mentoring, equipping faculty, training future leaders and ministers, intentional church and denominational teamwork, university-wide missional collaboration, and cutting-edge new program development. By God’s grace and for God’s glory this could be an incredible season of enhanced ministry preparation at MVNU,” said Dr. Matthews.

Dr. Matthews holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor University, with an M.A. in Theological Studies from Wheaton College and a B.A. in Philosophy-Religion from Spring Arbor University, plus post-doctoral coursework in Wesleyan and Holiness theology at Nazarene Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. He is currently an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church and previously served as an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.

For more information about MVNU’s Christian Ministry programs, visit mvnu.edu.