MVNU Board establishes plan for better communication and reconciliation

Submitted by MVNU Board of Trustees

It is with great sadness and yet optimism that we write today. The recent events on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) have sparked a firestorm of publicity and rumors. MVNU was even the subject of a recent article in Forbes Magazine as well as other social media forums related to a no-confidence vote by some faculty members.

The author of the Forbes article, Michael T. Nietzel, stated, “While the reasons for no-confidence votes vary from institution to institution, one of the most common scenarios is faculty displeasure with large-scale academic restructuring and budget reductions directed by presidents and chancellors.” MVNU is experiencing similar issues at the present time.

Near the eve of the implementation of a restructuring change, a no-confidence vote was orchestrated by certain faculty members who believed their voices were not being heard. Reports from some faculty in attendance at the meeting where the vote of no confidence was taken have stated that not all departments were notified ahead, healthy debate and open dialogue were omitted, and the vote was taken in haste. Some faculty voting for no confidence have now come forward to say they were not given the full picture, and having deeply regretted voting, are embarrassed that all the faculty “will be viewed in the same light.” Following the vote, the results were released to the press as if the communication was an official publication of MVNU, rather than being channeled through the appropriate university communication process.

It is disheartening that the content of this meeting has been proliferated and opinions shared openly what the vote means or does not mean without full knowledge of the concerns of both faculty and administration. In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul reminds fellow believers not to use the world’s tactics to settle disputes. MVNU has tried to foster an environment where healthy debate over issues can take place under the guidance of our Christian values. The MVNU Board of Trustees (Board) understands disagreements will occur in a strong academic environment, and respect among its leadership, faculty and staff, and adherence to policies are essential for a healthy organization. The Board affirms that it will hold its leadership and employees to observe the highest legal and ethical standards. Our encouragement to the entire MVNU community, including the Board, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, churches and other constituents, is to heed the wisdom found in James 1:19–20: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

The Board is made up of District Superintendents, Ordained Elders, Businessmen and Businesswomen, all striving to provide overall guidance and strategic direction for the long-term sustainability of MVNU and its mission, and to better prepare students with a higher degree of learning so they may in turn serve the Lord with greater impact in the world. The Board has but one employee, the President. We have set appropriate standards, checks and balances, to monitor the President and his performance.

At the November 2024 meeting, the Board reviewed information detailing how many institutions of higher education were closing their doors or on the brink of doing so. After reviewing the preliminary budget forecast for the upcoming year, the Board realized that, while more improvements were made, the budget will still not be balanced. MVNU is not on the cusp of financial failure; however, unless timely and appropriate measures are taken, it could be. Thus, MVNU leadership must take difficult but appropriate actions. MVNU has prided itself on living within its modest budget, and it must return to a balanced budget. Further, MVNU had found itself drifting away from the principles of the Nazarene Church. Students and the churches that support MVNU were strongly voicing their displeasure through reduced enrollment and reduction in support.

As a result, the Board charged the President, Dr. Carson Castleman, to bring MVNU more in line with the Church of Nazarene and its principles, and to balance the budget within two, but no more than three years, putting MVNU on good financial footing for years to come. This was not a decision and directive the Board took lightly. It reflects our commitment to sustainability and mission fulfillment for generations to come. Though the issues causing the imbalance were created long before Dr. Castleman arrived on the scene, the Board voted on this charge having full confidence that President Castleman could carry out the directive successfully.

Last fall, the Board was made aware of some complaints against the President. The Board took these very seriously and hired an outside law firm and third-party investigator who over several months performed an exhaustive unbiased investigation into these complaints. The Board determined the complaints of unlawful and unethical activity on behalf of the President were unsubstantiated. However, there were issues of perception identified which were shared and discussed with the President.

The Board affirms the incredible contributions of our faculty and staff and holds them to be valuable members of the MVNU team. It also recognizes there is a communication gap between administration, faculty, staff, and MVNU constituents, including local churches. The Board determined there is a need to create better communication among the various stakeholders and is taking appropriate action to ensure the faculty, staff, students, and constituents feel assured that their concerns are being heard, appreciated, and considered.

This week, the Board decided to establish a task force to build better bridges of healthy communication between faculty, staff, and administration and foster reconciliation. The task force will be made up of representatives from the Board, the President’s Cabinet, faculty, and staff with the charge to seek out ways to foster better communication and healing between faculty, staff, and administration. In an all-campus meeting last Friday, President Castleman stated his support for reconciliation and better communication to be of utmost importance.

Also, this week, with this knowledge and an intentional plan to move forward, the Board of Trustees of MVNU voted unanimously to reaffirm confidence in the leadership of Dr. Carson Castleman as the President of MVNU. Our hope and prayers are that regardless of whether we all see eye to eye, we will unite and work toward a common goal, to make MVNU the best it can be for His sake and for those we serve. We need to move forward in unity. Through these difficult times, the Board has reflected on the powerful impact the alumni have had locally as well as internationally since MVNU’s founding in 1968. We are very proud of their achievements, growth, and service. The Board is now looking forward and focusing its efforts to achieve fiscal stability, healthy communication, academic excellence, and to provide a high-quality Christian education to its students now and for many, many years to come. Organizational change, restructuring, and refining can be difficult at times, and we are optimistic that the future of MVNU is bright.