Dr. Jodi Mills appointed Dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University is pleased to announce that Dr. Jodi Mills has been appointed 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, with a strong record of leadership 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.”

Her work has focused on academic strategy, online program development, and innovation in competency-based learning. She has been instrumental in launching new programs that align with state and accreditation standards while prioritizing the needs of adult learners.

Most recently, Dr. Mills served as Chair of Undergraduate and Licensure Programs in the School of Integrated Learning and Development at IWU, and previously as Interim Dean of the Division of Liberal Arts. She has led significant efforts in faculty development, curriculum design, and program assessment — initiatives that have expanded access to high-quality education for thousands of working professionals.

In addition to her administrative leadership, she has taught extensively as an associate professor and adjunct faculty at several Christian universities, including Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

As Dean of CAPS, Dr. Mills will oversee MVNU’s adult, graduate, and online programs. The role includes strategic leadership across academic innovation, faculty development, program growth, student support services, accreditation, 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.”

She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences with a specialization in STEM Education from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Findlay, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering 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, and leader in women’s, youth, and children’s ministries,” Dr. Castleman said. “We are truly blessed to have such a high-caliber leader like Dr. Jodi Mills guiding the College of Adult and Professional Studies. She is a person of high ethics and standards, known for her innovative ideas and the successful implementation of new programs.”

For more information about MVNU’s College of Adult and Professional Studies, visit mvnu.edu/online.