MVNU celebrates Award Recipients, Service Milestones, and a Renewed Vision for the Year Ahead

MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman speaks to faculty and staff at the University Dinner, held Monday, Aug. 25, in Ariel Arena.

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University honored outstanding faculty and staff members during the annual University Faculty & Staff Dinner, Monday, August 25, celebrating excellence, dedication, and Christlike service within the MVNU community.

University Awards
Employee of the Year
The 2025 Employee of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Judy Gregg and Esther Carpenter for their commitment to MVNU’s mission, Christlike spirit, and distinguished service.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

• Dr. Daryl Gruver received the Lloyd Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring retired faculty who demonstrate wisdom, intellect, and faithful service.
• Dennis Hoffman received the Novice Morris Award, recognizing retired staff whose careers were marked by integrity, faith, and hospitality.

New Awards Introduced in 2025

• The Ginny Cameron Joyful Legacy Award, created in memory of longtime professor Dr. Ginny Cameron, was presented to Rachel Neal. This honor celebrates faculty or staff who embody joy, kindness, and Christlike compassion.
• The Spirit of Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Pheba George for modeling the highest standards of service, integrity, and compassion.

Years of Service Honorees
MVNU also celebrated employees reaching service milestones:

• 5 Years: Thad Hicks, Brian Ickes, Priscilla Mills, Kendra Mosher, Sarah Mowry, Jamie Parry, Madison Reffitt, Kelly Russell, Jeffrey Styer, Tavaris Taylor
• 10 Years: Laurie Cellar, Ryan Downs, Benzel Enyart, Brittany Estep, John King, Brooke Overholt, Katie Rhodes, Rob Stanley
• 15 Years: Heidi Foos, Eric Stetler, John Todd
• 20 Years: Eric Browning, Joe Rinehart, Kelly Rush
• 25 Years: Greg McClain, Brian Payne, William Wantland
• 30 Years: Tim Chesnut, Brent Midcap, Theresa Shanyfelt
• 35 Years: Judy Madtes
• 40 Years: Mel Severns

Each honoree received a commemorative gift, ranging from a custom MVNU Bible (5 years) to an engraved rocking chair with the University seal (40 years).

The evening also featured a keynote address by Dr. Carson Castleman, President of MVNU, who inspired faculty and staff with a vision he called The MVNU Way.

“Conviction, Conversation, Care, and Connection — these are not just leadership principles; they are Christ-centered ways of shaping our culture,” Castleman said. “If we live them out, we will not only teach and serve well, but we will also embody the Gospel to every student, family, and colleague we encounter.”

Castleman encouraged the community to see themselves as essential pieces of God’s larger puzzle at MVNU, saying:

“This campus only works when every piece is in place. You are not background. You are not a backup. You are a piece of a holy picture God is putting together here.”

He concluded by charging the MVNU community to embrace the new academic year with faith and commitment:

“Let’s do it the MVNU Way — by showing up with Conviction, engaging in Conversation, offering Care, and building Connection. With Christ before us, the best is not behind us; it is still to come.”

For more information on a career at MVNU, visit www.mvnu.edu/jobs.