Keith Veale named Honorary Alumnus

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Longtime Head Baseball Coach Keith Veale was named Honorary Alumnus during Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Homecoming Chapel on Nov. 10.

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to MVNU faculty, staff or friends who have been influential in the life of the University and have demonstrated a continuing interest in MVNU.

“Not another year should go by without us recognizing the devotion and dedication of our very own Keith Veale,” said Mike Cheek, Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement.

Veale came to MVNC in 1979 from John Wesley College in Michigan where he served as an assistant baseball coach under newly hired Head Coach Sam Riggleman. During his 44 years at MVNU, Veale served as intramural director, resident director, women’s soccer coach, women’s softball coach, and athletic director. However, it is his 34 years as head baseball coach for which he is most recognized. 

As coach, he has won over 1,100 games, 10 conference titles, five National Christian College Athletic Association national championships, and led the Cougars only two berths in the NAIA World Series in 1997 and 2004. He has been selected as the NCCAA National Coach of the Year six times and conference Coach of the Year nine times. He was named as the NAIA Region Coach of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2007, and has also had 14 players sign professional baseball contracts.

“The greatest descriptor about Keith is his example to his players and the MVNU community,” said Cheek. “He is a committed Christ follower and models Christlike leadership. He does not simply coach, but mentors his players. Generations of baseball alumni testify to his influence in their lives. Keith embodies our motto of servant leadership, and he regularly invites former players back to campus and has consistent communication with his alumni.”

To view the award presentation, visit mvnu.tv, and search On Demand for MVNU Chapel – Homecoming.