MVNU’s McNeal receives Ohio law enforcement’s Victoria Allen Civilian Leadership Award

Mount Vernon Nazarene University assistant athletic director Paul McNeal, center, was honored with the Victoria Allen Civilian Leadership award by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy recently. Joining McNeal are Colonel Charles A. Jones, Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, left, and Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, right.

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University assistant athletic director Paul McNeal was honored Sept. 14 with the Victoria Allen Civilian Leadership award during the 2026 Law Enforcement Training Symposium in Dayton, Ohio.

The annual symposium, hosted by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, a division of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, brings together law enforcement professionals for training, professional development and recognition of outstanding service. This year’s event was held Sept. 13-15 and featured more than 50 workshops led by experts from Ohio and beyond.

The Victoria Allen Civilian Leadership Award honors a servant leader who, in the spirit of the award’s namesake, works to unite neighbors and local law enforcement for the betterment of the community.

McNeal was recognized for his work connecting people, institutions and public-safety agencies throughout Mount Vernon and Knox County. A Navy veteran and former teacher and coach, McNeal has continued his commitment to community service in his role at MVNU.

“I’ve been here for 2 1/2 years and, from Day One, Paul met with me and said, ‘You know, we really need to be proactive and be ambassadors for our law enforcement here in town,’” said Dr. Carson D. Castleman, president of MVNU. “So, every year we do one or two big events where we honor our local law enforcement, and Paul leads those.”

Among McNeal’s community efforts is his foundational partnership with the Mount Vernon Police Department’s Police and Kids United (PAK United), which works to build relationships between law enforcement officers and local youth. McNeal has helped strengthen the program by identifying venues, securing community partners, coordinating logistics and helping address challenges along the way.

“There are a number of things that stand out about Paul,” said Assistant Chief Andy Burns of the Mount Vernon Police Department. “For one, I think he’s about 6’ 6’’ or 6’ 7’’, so he’s easy to spot in a crowd. But in addition to being head and shoulders above most people physically, he rises above most people in general because of his heart for the community.”

McNeal has also helped establish and support events at MVNU that recognize and thank local first responders. The gatherings provide opportunities for police, fire and EMS personnel to connect with members of the community while strengthening relationships between local public-safety agencies and the university.

McNeal’s community involvement also includes support for Special Olympics events, youth outreach and civic gatherings. He has participated in the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, downtown First Friday initiatives, youth engagement efforts, charitable fundraising and nonprofit partnerships benefiting families throughout Knox County. His community service has also led to his recognition as one of Mount Vernon’s Volunteers of the Year.

“When I think of Paul McNeal, I think of the words connection and collaboration,” Dr. Castleman said. “They are what make a university better. Paul has done an outstanding job, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Mount Vernon, Ohio, are blessed to have him as a part of our communities.”

McNeal’s recognition was one of several honors presented during the 2026 Law Enforcement Training Symposium. Mount Vernon Police Chief Robert K. Morgan was also recognized during the ceremony, receiving the Blue Line Award for his contributions to Ohio law enforcement.