MVNU names Michael Black as Chief Financial Officer

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Black, a 1995 alumnus, as the new Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, effective today, July 1.

Black brings over 25 years of experience in financial planning, investment management, and business operations. He currently serves as a Financial Planner and Regional Director at Money Concepts Wealth Management & Financial Planning, where he provides strategic financial planning, risk management, and investment advisory services. Black also owns and operates Black and Co. Employee Benefits Advisors, a financial consulting firm specializing in employee benefits, insurance, and risk management.

Black’s ties to MVNU are long-standing. From 1991 to 1999, he served in the admissions office and later as a financial planning counselor, helping guide students and families through important financial decisions. He has also taught business courses at Indiana Wesleyan University for the past 15 years and Certified Financial Planning curriculum at the University of Charleston.

“Over 25 years ago, I left MVNU with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose, shaped by the mission and leadership that had poured into my life. From that moment, I carried a desire to one day return and give back — to use the knowledge, experience, and values I gained to serve the university that helped form me,” said Black. “In the years since, I’ve built and led a financial planning business, managed significant assets, and served on multiple boards of directors. These opportunities have equipped me with the strategic insight, relational networks, and leadership confidence needed to help guide MVNU into a stronger and more resilient future.”

In addition to his Bachelor of Business degree from MVNU, Black holds an MBA in Executive Management from Ashland University. He is licensed in Life and Health Insurance, Property and Casualty Insurance, and holds both a Series 7 General Securities License and a Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law certification.

“We are excited to welcome Michael Black as he steps into the role of CFO at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. With 20 years of experience in business ownership and leadership, Michael brings a wealth of expertise in finance, having successfully grown and sold multiple businesses throughout his career,” said MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. “Most importantly, Michael has a deep love and commitment to MVNU, as a proud 1995 graduate who began his professional journey working in Financial Aid and Admissions after graduation. He is a bright, well-rounded, and ethical leader who will play a crucial role in helping MVNU elevate its financial standing in the days to come.

“Michael is a man who lives above reproach and possesses a genuine heart for people. We are truly blessed to have someone of his caliber leading our financial division, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our university’s future.”

As CFO, Black will serve on the President’s Cabinet and lead MVNU’s financial strategy, operations, and compliance. His responsibilities include budget planning and oversight, financial reporting, endowment and debt portfolio management, facilities and capital asset planning, insurance and risk management, and representing the university with national educational and financial organizations.

“I share a vision with current leadership to boldly embrace our Christian identity —offering academic and operational excellence in Christian higher education without compromising Biblical truth,” Black commented. “Specifically, my vision for MVNU centers on three pillars: financial sustainability, mission-aligned innovation, and maximizing student value. That means stewarding our resources with care, investing in programs and technologies that meet student and market needs, and aligning every financial decision with our Christ-centered mission. I see the CFO role not just as a financial steward, but as a Kingdom builder — supporting faculty, empowering students, and expanding our reach while remaining faithful to our calling.”

MVNU looks forward to the visionary leadership and institutional knowledge Michael Black brings to this critical role. For more about jobs at MVNU, visit mvnu.edu/jobs.