Rev. Jon Nicholas Appointed Executive Director of Traditional Enrollment at MVNU

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University is excited to announce the appointment of Rev. Jon Nicholas as the new Executive Director of Traditional Enrollment, effective June 1. With a remarkable 25-year background in church ministry and leadership, Jon is poised to bring invaluable experience and a passion for higher education to this important role.

In his new role at MVNU, Nicholas will oversee the traditional enrollment division, guiding the university’s initiatives to recruit and support undergraduate students. His extensive leadership experience, honed through his work in ministry, consulting, and educational development, will be instrumental in helping MVNU build on its legacy of providing an excellent, Christ-centered education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jon and his family back to the MVNU community,” said Rev. Rob Stanley, Vice President of Enrollment Management. “Jon’s extensive experience as an organizational leader, his deep ties to the MVNU community, and his proven ability to develop and inspire others make him the perfect fit to lead our traditional enrollment efforts. We are excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of our university and help us engage the next generation of students.”

Jon’s leadership style is grounded in his extensive experience as a consultant, coach, and mentor. As the founder of Presence Driven Leadership Solutions LLC, he has worked with church leaders nationwide, providing coaching and workshops to help them navigate challenges, develop leadership skills, and maximize their impact. His experience also includes creating and leading educational programs for leadership training at The Woods Church, where he developed a college degree program designed to nurture leaders in both ministry and the marketplace.

His experience leading both The Woods Church School of Leadership and the Overflow Worship & Creative Conference highlights his ability to build dynamic programs that foster personal and professional growth. He also has over 22 years experience as Worship and Creative Pastor at The Woods Church.

His deep-rooted connection to MVNU — both Jon and his wife, Rachel, are proud MVNU alumni — makes this appointment even more significant. Of their four children, one daughter, Lilla, is currently a student at MVNU and plays on the women’s volleyball team, while their son, Eli, will join the university this fall as a freshman and a member of the men’s soccer team. Jon and Rachel’s other daughter, Halle, is a senior at Olivet Nazarene University and a member of the women’s volleyball team. Their younger son, Luca, will be entering his sophomore year of high school this fall.

For more information on careers at MVNU, visit mvnu.edu/jobs.