Category: Interview

A Year of Opportunity: Dr. Carson Castleman Shares Encouraging Updates as MVNU Prepares for Spring Semester

As Mount Vernon Nazarene University prepares to welcome students back for spring semester, MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to share updates, reflections, and a look ahead at what’s shaping up to be an exciting season for the University.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman kicked things off with a lighthearted moment, sharing a funny story from Christmas celebrations with his family. That warm, personal touch set the tone for a conversation filled with optimism, gratitude, and big-picture vision.

Looking back on the fall semester and ahead to 2025 and beyond, Dr. Castleman shared encouraging enrollment news. As MVNU moves toward spring semester and into 2026, applications, acceptances, and deposits are up 30% from the highest numbers seen in the past seven years. It’s a strong sign of momentum and confidence in the University’s mission and direction.

The conversation also highlighted two important leadership transitions at MVNU. Dr. Michaelia Black has been hired as Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. She will serve part-time over the next few months and transition to a full-time role in May 2026. Additionally, Dr. Joshua Black has joined MVNU as the new Executive Director of Human Resources and Training & Development. This revised role reflects the University’s growing emphasis on training and development across campus, and the position now serves on the President’s Cabinet, ensuring that MVNU’s “Chief People Officer” has a seat at the table.

Academically, MVNU continues to grow and evolve across both CAPS (College of Adults and Professional Studies) and the traditional College of Arts and Sciences. CAPS is launching two new programs—a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology and a Doctorate of Business Administration—with accreditors scheduled to visit campus in February. CAPS enrollment has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 487 students in October 2023 to 900 students in January 2026.

On the traditional side, program evaluations are underway, with decisions expected throughout the semester. Encouraging growth is also being seen among incoming freshmen, particularly in Nursing and Engineering programs.

Dr. Castleman also highlighted several events on MVNU’s 2026 calendar, including athletic competitions in Ariel Arena, Spring Break ministry trips, and an upcoming Pastors Training Event. His upcoming travel schedule includes trips to Dallas, Texas, Florida, and Virginia as he continues building relationships and representing MVNU.

As students prepare to return from Christmas break, Dr. Castleman shared a special message of encouragement, along with appreciation for faculty and staff. He challenged the MVNU community to embrace 2026 as the “Year of Opportunity.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Castleman outlined his key priorities for the year: securing accreditation for the new CAPS programs, increasing enrollment, and focusing on organizational growth through new revenue streams and business opportunities. He also shared plans to work closely with the Board of Trustees on a 2027 strategic plan that will guide the University through the next five years.

The conversation closed with a heartfelt request for prayer—for MVNU’s continued growth and for Dr. Castleman and his family throughout the month of January. As spring semester begins, the message is clear: MVNU is moving forward with purpose, faith, and confidence in what lies ahead.

Click HERE to find out more about MVNU!

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Mayor Matt Starr Reflects on 2025 in Year in Review Edition of Spotlight on Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr opens the Year in Review with WNZR’s Eric Brown by reflecting on the overall direction of the city over the past year. He notes that while there were challenges along the way, Mount Vernon continued to move forward with stability and purpose. The mayor emphasizes teamwork between city staff, council, and the community as a key factor in maintaining momentum.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mayor Starr also touches on the importance of planning ahead, explaining that much of the work done this year focused on laying a solid foundation for future progress. He frames the year as one marked by steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a continued commitment to serving residents.

Mayor Starr discusses city finances and budgeting, highlighting the importance of being fiscally responsible while still meeting the needs of the community. He explains how the city worked to balance priorities, manage resources wisely, and remain mindful of economic pressures affecting local governments.

He also stresses transparency in the budgeting process, noting that careful planning allows Mount Vernon to maintain services and invest in long-term goals. The mayor reinforces that responsible financial decisions made this year will benefit residents well into the future.

Mayor Starr turns the focus to infrastructure and city improvements, sharing updates on ongoing and completed projects throughout Mount Vernon. He explains how street work, utilities, and maintenance projects play a crucial role in keeping the city safe and functional, even when those efforts aren’t always highly visible.

He also acknowledges that infrastructure work can be inconvenient at times, but emphasizes that these projects are necessary investments. Mayor Starr reassures residents that the city remains committed to improving quality of life through smart, well-planned upgrades.

In this segment, Mayor Starr highlights economic development and growth within Mount Vernon. He talks about efforts to support local businesses, attract new investment, and create an environment where the local economy can continue to thrive.

The mayor also points to partnerships with developers and community organizations as an important part of that success. He notes that growth is being approached thoughtfully, with an emphasis on maintaining Mount Vernon’s character while planning for the future.

Mayor Starr wraps up the Year in Review by looking ahead, sharing optimism for what lies ahead for Mount Vernon. He reflects on lessons learned throughout the year and how those experiences will shape decisions moving forward.

He closes by expressing gratitude to city employees, council members, and residents for their continued support and involvement. Mayor Starr reinforces his commitment to leadership, collaboration, and keeping Mount Vernon moving in a positive direction in the year ahead.

Click HERE to keep up to date with the City of Mount Vernon!

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How United Way of Knox County Is Making a Difference—One Donation at a Time

Katie Ellis, Director of the United Way of Knox County, recently sat down with WNZR’s Eric Brown to share an update on this year’s United Way campaign—and the impact it continues to have across the county.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Katie says the community response has been encouraging. Support continues to come in through individual donations and employer matching programs, helping push the campaign close to the $400,000 mark. The overall goal this year is $1.1 million, and while there’s still work to do, the momentum is strong.

She also took time to explain the heart behind the United Way’s mission. With so many organizations working together under one umbrella, United Way helps strengthen local nonprofits while supporting each group’s individual goals. Many of these organizations serve Knox County families in different ways, and the need for their services continues to grow.

One common misconception, Katie says, is that the United Way campaign ends at the close of the calendar year. In reality, the campaign runs through March 31st, giving supporters more time to get involved and make an impact.

Several United Way partner organizations have been serving the community for generations. Thanks to continued support, many have been able to expand their services and reach even more people in need.

Katie highlighted United Way’s three focus areas: education, healthy living, and financial stability. The goal isn’t just to help families survive, but to help them truly thrive. By addressing the greatest needs in the community, United Way works to create long-term, meaningful change.

She also emphasized education around healthy living and financial stability, noting that many programs supported by United Way help people “turn the corner” and, in some cases, completely change their lives.

For those who haven’t given before, Katie encourages taking that first step. Every donation matters—large or small. She notes that even $2.50 a month can help make a difference for someone in Knox County.

To learn more about the United Way of Knox County and its partner organizations, you can find them on Facebook at Live United Knox County or visit UWayKnox.org.

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Knox County Comes Together to Raise over $260,000 for Food on Food For The Hungry!

Food For The Hungry LIVE and Drive Day on December 12, 2025 was one to remember! From start to finish, the day was filled with generosity, celebration, and community spirit.

Click HERE to hear comments from those associated with the broadcast!

By the end of Drive Day, an incredible $260,465 had been raised along with 12.5 truckloads of food—a powerful reminder of what happens when Knox County comes together. Donors, volunteers, and grant recipients all played a part in making the day such a success, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

To relive the highlights, be sure to watch the recap video created by FFTH volunteer Ben Slater, which perfectly captures the energy and heart behind the event.

Looking ahead, our 2025 Drive Goal is $340,000, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. Want to learn more or help make an impact?

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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Olivia Stern and Kathy Brechler talk about Food For The Hungry Live and Drive Day!

Food For The Hungry Live and Drive Day is happening today (12/12)!

Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director, and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food For The Hungry, talk about what today looks like.

They share where most of the funds will be going and how you can get involved. They also give other details about the live broadcast.

For more information about today click HERE!

To watch the live broadcast click HERE!

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Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan share about Food For The Hungry Live!

Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan are both assistant professors of communications at MVNU, and they lead the live broadcast for Food For The Hungry.

They both share what it takes to make this event possible and why they believe that it is important. They also explain the details behind the broadcast.

The Live Broadcast begins on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 A.M. and continues until 5 P.M.

FFTH Live will be available on 100.9 FM and 93.7 HD2 – WMVO, with video stream at www.mvnu.tv and the FFTH YouTube channel. Updates will be given throughout the day on 90.9FM WNZR, 93.7 The Super Q, and FFTH social media. 
FFTH Live will air from the Memorial Theater in Knox Memorial on East High Street in Mount Vernon.

This year’s Broadcast, as always, is a celebration of giving. The Broadcast highlights many community members and organizations presenting their contributions to the Drive. 
The FFTH Winter Grants recipients will be featured throughout the day. FFTH and Psi Iota Xi will also recognize several Knox County school and student collection winners.  

For more information about Food For The Hungry click HERE!

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Kelly Jaeger talks Food For The Hungry with WNZR!

Kelly Jaeger works with WRP CPAs and is also the treasurer for the Food For The Hungry board!

Kelly goes over all of the amazing ways to give and the impact that giving has on the community. She also highlights the donations staying local and how far your dollar can really go.

Click HERE for more info on WRP CPAs!

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Katie Frazier from Interchurch joins us!

Katie Frazier is the Branch Manager for Interchurch Social Services in Fredericktown!

She joins us and shares how their numbers have grown, how you can help them, and some of the amazing things going on in their ministry! She also highlight Food For The Hungry and why you should get involved.

To learn more about Interchurch Social Services click HERE!

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Interchurch Social Services’ Director Talks Surging Need, Community Support, and Hope in Knox County

Interchurch Social Services Executive Director Carolyn Fergus recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about the growing need they’re seeing across Knox County.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Fergus, who has been with Interchurch for three and a half years and oversees all four branches, says the number of families asking for help has more than tripled since last year. So far in 2025, Interchurch has already provided more than 189,000 meals, a number she says shows just how challenging things have become for many local families.

Right now, Fergus says volunteers are their biggest need. Some days, the Mount Vernon pantry alone serves up to 50 families, which puts a huge strain on their team. Mount Vernon has seen the largest spike in need, but thankfully the other branches have been able to step in and support where they can.

Fergus also shared the story behind the two pop-up food distributions they held this fall. These events were created to help people who couldn’t get to their main locations but still needed immediate support.

Donations continue to be important, especially canned goods like beans, which always seem to run out quickly. Fergus pointed out that even small financial gifts go a long way—every $1 donated turns into about $4.56 worth of food through their partnerships.

Interchurch offers more than food, too. Fergus talked about the other services they provide, including rental and deposit assistance, help with utilities and prescriptions, gas vouchers, and more. She’s already looking ahead to 2026 and hopes they’ll be able to expand their storage space to meet the rising demand.

When asked how people can pray for them, Fergus mentioned rest for their volunteers, patience, and the ability to show Christ’s love to everyone who walks through their doors. She’s been connected with Food For The Hungry almost since its beginning and says she’s passionate about serving local missions.

Fergus ended the conversation with a story that gives a glimpse into the lives of the people Interchurch serves. She hopes more people will get involved, reminding listeners that everyone deserves a good meal—and to know that someone cares. She says Food For The Hungry’s slogan, “Working together to care for our neighbors,” perfectly captures why this work matters so much to her.

Click HERE to learn more about Interchurch Social Services!

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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Interchurch Social Services Danville Serving Need in Eastern Knox County

Cindy Martin, Branch Manager with the Danville Branch of Interchurch Social Services talks with WNZR’s Eric Brown about her role in the organization and their ministry.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

She has served the ministry since 1998, volunteered for 9 years then became manager in 2019.  She talks about the changes in the economy has made getting items much harder, stretching dollars.

She shares several numbers including in 2024, they served 17,514 meals equating to 1,946 people, to date in 2025, they have served 15, 867 meals equating to 1,763 people this year. She adds what the biggest needs are in Danville including:  loaves of bread, boxed meals, canned foods and other non-perishable foods. She adds that any monetary donations are used to getting frozen meat to distribute.

Cindy says the among the Food For The Hungry’s Top 10 ten list she points to condiments among the most desired items, because they are rarely donated.

She talks about how Interchurch can take $1 and turn it into $4.56 worth of food and how Food For The Hungry donations help in more ways than just providing food.

Cindy talks about the Danville’s branch silent Wreath and Home Décor Auction going on through December 12th at the Danville Branch of Park National Bank. There are five different items to bid on including a wreath featuring ice skates that are over 50 years old. All items may be viewed in-person during regular business hours. All proceeds benefit Food For The Hungry and Interchurch Social Services Danville Branch. 

She says that the best way to pray for their staff is to give them the ability to do what they do.

Finally, she explains what the slogan, “Food For The Hungry, Working Together to Care For Our Neighbors,” means to her which includes that people should share and share alike.

Click HERE to find out more about Interchurch Social Services!

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!

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