President Spaulding announces retirement

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (February 10, 2023) — Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II has announced he will retire as the University’s seventh president at the close of the May 6, 2023 Commencement ceremonies.

He informed the Board of Trustees, “It has been the great joy and honor of my life to serve as President of MVNU, and especially to serve with the trustees. Your wisdom and support have given me strength to help lead this University. I will always have a special place in my heart for MVNU and for the traditions and doctrinal/moral convictions of MVNU.”

Communicating to the Senior Leaders and the Campus Community, Dr. Spaulding said, “It has been an absolute pleasure to serve with you in this role. You are truly special people and your support and friendship have lightened the load of this office. There will always be a special place in my heart for MVNU and for you.”

“MVNU has grown in so many ways under Dr. Spaulding’s leadership,” said Edward Phillips, MVNU Board Chair.  “More importantly he has guarded the principles of the University and the Church of the Nazarene and faithfully kept MVNU’s mission of ‘shaping lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service’ forefront.”

In 2012, after serving in a variety of roles and positions during his 30 years in higher education, Dr. Spaulding was elected President of MVNU. Since then, Dr. Spaulding has shepherded the University through a comprehensive General Education revision, directing the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s 10-year reauthorization process, spearheaded efforts which led to the achievement of a Level II designation from the Higher Learning Commission for MVNU’s online academic programs, and oversaw the 10-year reaffirmation of Higher Learning Commission accreditation process. During his tenure, the University has expanded its undergraduate and graduate program offerings and seen campus expansion including the completion of Ariel Arena, the Grand Hotel, the Stephen W. Nease Center for engineering, South Main Plaza, the CH4 Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium, and the Center for Student Success, just to name a few.

Speaking for the entire Board of Trustees, Phillips said, “While we have many successes of the past to build upon, we have a solid senior leadership team, dedicated faculty, and very capable staff who have worked tirelessly alongside Dr. Spaulding. We are extremely confident in their abilities to press on to the greater achievements of the future for the University even during this transition period.”

Dr. Spaulding is currently on leave while recovering from recent health issues. In his absence, Mr. Scott Campbell, CFO, has been appointed as the Senior Administrative Leader until a transition leader can be appointed. The Board of Trustees has already begun laying plans to initiate an immediate national presidential search.

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