Rinehart, Porter named MVNU Employees of the Year

Mount Vernon Nazarene University honored employees at the annual University Dinner held recently in Ariel Arena. Pictured from left are Dr. Elizabeth Napier (Joyful Legacy Award); Joe Rinehart (Employee of the Year); Dr. Debra Garee (Spirit of Excellence Award); and Chelsea Porter (Employee of the Year). Not pictured are Dr. Gary Sivewright (Lloyd Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award) and Denny Taylor (Novice Morris Award).

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MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University named Joe Rinehart, program director for Communication and Media, and Chelsea Porter, assistant director of Spiritual Life and Service, as its 2025-26 Employees of the Year during the annual University Dinner on Aug. 24 in Ariel Arena.

Rinehart was recognized for his commitment to students, colleagues and the University mission. In addition to leading the Communication and Media program, he directs WNZR-FM and WNZR.tv, viewing the station as a formation and learning platform for students. He was also recognized for his willingness to take on the often-unseen work that keeps academic programs moving forward and for his commitment to excellence, collaboration and service.

Porter was recognized for her compassion, servant leadership and commitment to helping students live out their faith through service. Through CoSMO Groups, she connects students with service opportunities throughout Knox County, while Faith Works Trips provide opportunities for students to serve and learn in communities around the world. Her colleagues also recognized her willingness to listen, encourage and serve others without seeking recognition.

University Awards

JOYFUL LEGACY AWARD

Dr. Elizabeth Napier, professor of Education, received the Joyful Legacy Award, established in memory of longtime MVNU faculty member Dr. Ginny Cameron.

Cameron was known for her vibrant personality, kindness and Christlike character during more than 40 years at MVNU. The award recognizes faculty or staff members who reflect those qualities through compassion, enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment.

Napier was recognized for her kindness and encouragement toward students and colleagues, as well as her enthusiasm for learning and continuous improvement. Through her work with New Student Institute and faculty development, she helps create resources and opportunities that benefit the broader University community.

SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Dr. Debra Garee, associate professor of Nursing, division chair and program director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, received the Spirit of Excellence Award.

Garee was recognized for her servant-hearted leadership, particularly her work in faculty recruitment and program leadership across chemistry, biology and nursing. She was also recognized for her integrity, dependability and genuine care for students, faculty and colleagues.

The Spirit of Excellence Award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional service, integrity and compassion while reflecting Christ’s love and the values of MVNU through everyday work and relationships.

LLOYD TAYLOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dr. Gary Sivewright received the Lloyd Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a retired faculty member for broad service to the University, active participation in the Church, intellectual insight, a gentle spirit and godly wisdom.

Sivewright has served MVNU in both administrative and faculty roles and has influenced thousands of students through teaching, mentoring and ministry. He was recognized for his deep faith, commitment to Christian education and ability to help others see Christ at the center of life.

The award honors Dr. Lloyd Taylor, who joined Mount Vernon Nazarene College as academic dean in 1967 and played an important role in the institution’s transition from a two-year college to a four-year institution and in its initial regional accreditation.

NOVICE MORRIS AWARD

Denny Taylor received the Novice Morris Award, which recognizes a retired staff member whose service reflects competency, hospitality, integrity and faith.

Taylor served MVNU for more than 20 years and played a significant role in many of the University’s major building projects. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence helped shape the physical campus, while his hospitality, integrity and willingness to serve earned the trust and respect of colleagues across the University.

The award honors Novice H. Morris, who served MVNU from 1973-91 in several administrative roles and was remembered for her loyalty, character and influence on university staff.

YEARS OF SERVICE

MVNU also recognized employees reaching significant service milestones, including Johnna Vanover, Cynthia Sizemore, Aaron Burgess, Emilie Miller, Natalie Oswalt, Thomas Smith, Baonhe Sob and Christy Taylor for five years of service.

Michael Simmons, Fabio Gonzalez-Sanchez, Jane Mikulec, Stephanie Hurt, Justin Sorensen and Jon Bossley were recognized for 10 years of service.

Candice Krabill, Joshua Cunningham, Amy Dubusky, Margaret Allotey-Pappoe, Judy Gregg and Brenda Cheek were honored for 15 years.

Employees recognized for 20 years of service were Michelle Hedrick and Brian Humphrey, while Trinia Huddleston and Elizabeth Rood celebrated 25 years.

Tressa Daley, Geoffrey Fuller and David Wilkes marked 30 years, John Walchle celebrated 35 years, and Becky Rockwell was recognized for 45 years of service.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ADDRESS

The University Dinner also featured a Back-to-School address from Dr. Carson Castleman, President of MVNU. He encouraged faculty and staff to embrace the small, faithful acts that shape the University’s mission and impact students’ lives.

Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32, Dr. Castleman challenged employees to recognize the significance of work that may seem small or go unnoticed, saying “I have been sitting with this text all summer, and here is what strikes me about it every time: Jesus did not choose the mustard seed because it was impressive. He chose it because it was almost embarrassingly small. (Jesus) knew exactly who was going to be planting these seeds. … A custodian who unlocks a classroom at 6 a.m. so a professor can set up before an 8 o’clock class. A resident director sitting up past midnight with a homesick freshman, the online recruiter calling and calling to get a student enrolled. None of that looks like kingdom work while you are doing it. It looks like a Tuesday.”

Dr. Castleman encouraged the MVNU community to plant the seed “The MVNU Way” — through conviction, conversation, care and connection — leading with clarity and courage, listening and engaging others, caring through compassionate action, and building bridges across the University community.

He closed by reminding faculty and staff that they are not responsible for seeing the full results of every seed they plant. Instead, they are called to be faithful in the work before them, trusting that God can use those small acts to produce something much greater.

Interested in joining MVNU? Visit mvnu.edu/jobs for a full list of available openings. For more photos from the University Dinner, visit flickr.com/photos/mvnumarketing/albums/72177720335321568.