Mid-America Nazarene University (MNU), located in Olathe, Kansas, is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Founded in 1966, MNU serves around 1,500 undergraduate students and several hundred graduate students, offering a range of programs that blend rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on faith and service. The campus spans 114 acres in the suburban setting of Olatte, providing a close-knit community ideal for those seeking jobs at Mid-America Nazarene University. Positions here attract educators and professionals who value integrating Christian principles into their work, making it a unique destination for higher education careers in the Midwest.
The university is known for its programs in nursing, business, education, and ministry, with accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and specialized bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For job seekers interested in higher ed jobs, MNU represents an opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven institution that prioritizes student success and spiritual growth.
Mid-America Nazarene University traces its roots to the mid-20th century when the Church of the Nazarene sought to establish a liberal arts college in the central United States. In 1966, it opened as Nazarene College, gaining university status in 1997. Key milestones include the launch of its nursing program in 1983, which has become one of the largest in Kansas, and expansion into online and graduate offerings in the 2000s. Today, MNU continues to evolve, with recent investments in facilities like the Bell Science Hall for STEM education. This history of growth creates diverse jobs at Mid-America Nazarene University, from foundational faculty roles to innovative administrative positions.
MNU offers over 40 majors and numerous graduate programs across colleges of Arts and Sciences, Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries, Education, Graduate Studies, and Professional and Graduate Studies in Nursing. Standout departments include Nursing (with BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees), Business, Biology, and Teacher Education. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships and study abroad programs, such as partnerships in England and Latin America. Faculty jobs at Mid-America Nazarene University often involve teaching in small classes (average 20 students), allowing for personalized mentorship. For those eyeing lecturer or professor roles, see lecturer jobs or professor jobs.
Jobs at Mid-America Nazarene University span faculty, staff, and administration. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, and clinical roles in nursing. Staff opportunities cover admissions, student services, IT, and athletics. Administrative jobs include deans, directors, and HR roles. Common openings involve teaching in growing programs like cybersecurity and social work. For a full breakdown, visit university job types. MNU also posts remote higher ed jobs occasionally, appealing to flexible professionals.
For faculty jobs at Mid-America Nazarene University, a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) is typically required for tenure-track positions, while master's degrees suffice for adjuncts or lecturers. Nursing faculty need at least an MSN, with DNP preferred for advanced roles. Administrative positions often require a master's in higher education administration or related fields. All candidates must demonstrate compatibility with the university's Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, often through a personal faith statement.
Research at MNU focuses on practical, faith-integrated scholarship. Expertise in areas like healthcare innovation, educational pedagogy, and business ethics is valued. Faculty are encouraged to publish in journals and secure grants, with support from the Center for Scholarship and Research. For research jobs, prior publications and conference presentations strengthen applications. Examples include studies on nurse retention in rural Kansas or faith-based leadership in education.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, publications (2+ peer-reviewed), and grant funding. Skills encompass curriculum development, online teaching proficiency (using Canvas LMS), and interpersonal communication. Competencies like cultural sensitivity, data analysis, and program assessment are key. MNU values servant leadership, aligning with its motto "To Learn, to Serve, to Be." Check become a university lecturer for salary insights.
To apply for jobs at Mid-America Nazarene University, visit the official careers page at mnu.edu/human-resources. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three references online. Interviews include campus visits with teaching demonstrations and faith discussions. Tips:
MNU is committed to diversity through the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services, hosting events like Black History Month celebrations and Hispanic Heritage activities. The university recruits underrepresented faculty via partnerships with minority-serving institutions and offers scholarships for diverse students. In 2023, 25% of faculty identified as ethnic minorities, above regional averages. Inclusion training is mandatory, fostering an equitable workplace.
Work-life balance at MNU is supported by flexible schedules, sabbaticals every seven years, and family-friendly policies like tuition discounts for employees' children. Campus life in Olathe offers a safe, suburban environment near Kansas City, with amenities like fitness centers, dining halls, and Pioneer Field for sports. Faculty enjoy weekly chapels, wellness programs, and community events, creating a supportive Nazarene culture. Proximity to trails and shopping enhances off-campus life.
Adjunct Faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, without tenure benefits.
Tenure-Track: Permanent positions leading to tenure after review, offering job security.
Wesleyan-Holiness Tradition: Theological framework emphasizing sanctification and holy living, core to Nazarene institutions.
Terminal Degree: Highest academic qualification in a field, like PhD for most disciplines.
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