In the fast-paced and uncertain world we live in, anxiety has become an all-too-common companion for many. As Christians, we are not exempt from the challenges that life brings, but we are equipped with a powerful tool to combat anxiety – the Word of God.
Today The Morning Thing shared 7 solid anchors for anxious souls. It is great insight from Crosswalk.com! Read the full list by clicking HERE.
We are hope you are encouraged and uplifted today! As Christians, we have the privilege of turning to Scripture as a source of strength and hope. By recognizing the source of anxiety, trusting in God’s sovereignty, meditating on His promises, and praying for peace, we can find solace in the midst of life’s challenges. The Word of God is a steadfast anchor, offering us peace that surpasses all understanding. May we continuously seek refuge in His truth as we navigate the uncertainties of life.
MVNU President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR with our monthly MVNU Update.
Dr. Castleman shared about Christmas break and time with his family. He discussed the two new Vice Presidents: Rev. David Mills and Johnna Vanover.
Dr. Castleman then gave his top priorities for MVNU in 2024. He also gave a message to students, staff, and faculty as they return to campus for the spring semester.
Dr. Castleman finished with sharing how we can be praying for him and his family.
Listen to the full conversation below or by clicking HERE.
Mike Cheek, Class of 1982, is the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Mike talked with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and The Lakeholm Viewer’s Faith West to preview the events of Homecoming 2023.
Mike gives an overview for the schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and shares his excitement and expectations for Homecoming Weekend 2023 as alumni and family plan to make their way back to MVNU.
WNZR and our team welcomes everyone back to campus, we hope you all have a great Homecoming Weekend!
WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle had the opportunity to chat with Zach Sherman, writer and director of Miracles & Con Men. The show is a musical one act that will be presented during MVNU Homecoming at the Thorne Performance Hall with performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We also talked to Alex Pittman who is a student and the director for the one act, The Great Mythology Olympiaganza. He shared what his experience has been like working as a student director.
Finally, we spoke with three cast members from the Fall One Acts. We talked to Logan Davis, Destiny Fullerton, and Chloe Hall. They all shared about their roles and how they have enjoyed working on the Fall One Acts.
MVNU’s Simon Taylor, Head Coach for Cross Country, shares about an upcoming fundraiser happening Homecoming Weekend. The Early Bird Turkey Trot is a 5K that will benefit Cross Country and Track & Field.
Simon shares all the details for the 5K which is happening Saturday, November 11th beginning at 9am in front of the chapel on MVNU’s camps.
Simon also talks about the season for Cross Country which just wrapped up and gives a preview for the indoor Track & Field season.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University held a short reception on Friday afternoon at Ariel Arena to officially announce the 8th President of MVNU.
Prayer held at the reception around the Castleman Family.
Dr. Carson Castleman was joined at the reception with his family, Dr. Angela Castleman and their two children Claire and Carter. Dr. Carson Castleman will serve as the 8th President in the University’s history, replacing Dr. Henry Spaulding II who retired earlier this year. You can hear Dr. Castleman’s full comments below.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University Board of Trustees is proud to announce the election of Dr. Carson Castleman as the University’s 8th president. He will begin his tenure on Oct. 1, 2023.
His remarkable career in Christian higher education spans over 26 years and includes expertise with both traditional and non-traditional student enrollment and engagement. Currently serving as the Vice President of Student Experience and External Relations at Indiana Wesleyan University, Dr. Carson Castleman oversees the student experience of over 8,500 students across the United States and around the world. He has been instrumental in developing innovative partnerships that have resulted in growing the 2022-23 enrollment by more than 1,700 students.
“The Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Carson Castleman as the next president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Through a very robust national search process, we have found a collaborative leader in Dr. Carson Castleman. He has the right education, experience, interest, drive, and passion to lead MVNU into a bright future,” said Rev. Edward Phillips, J.D., MVNU Board of Trustees, Chair. “Dr. Carson Castleman’s enthusiasm and welcoming style is infectious, and he has built a distinguished career with many accomplishments that have made him the unanimous choice of the Board of Trustees. We believe Dr. Carson Castleman is the right leader to move MVNU to new heights as the premier Christian university in the region.”
Dr. Carson Castleman has been a part of the MVNU Community his entire life. He grew up within the nurturing community of Covington Central Church of the Nazarene on the Eastern Kentucky District. This unique connection makes him the first president to emerge from our very own region. He is a fourth generation Nazarene and has been a steadfast and dedicated member of the Church of the Nazarene his entire life. He is currently a member of Generations Church of the Nazarene, which he helped plant over 15 years ago. His contribution to the church includes service as a local church board
member, six years on the General Board for the Church of the Nazarene, and six years on the Eastern Kentucky District Advisory Board.
He began his higher education career in the MVNU Admissions Office as an admissions counselor and later as Associate Director of Admissions. He then was hired as the Director of University Advancement. After serving as the Chief Enrollment Officer at Nazarene Theological Seminary, he moved to Indiana Wesleyan University where he has spent the last 20 years in progressive roles as a faculty member, dean, associate vice president and vice president.
Dr. Carson Castleman’s impressive track record in Christian higher education, coupled with his deep commitment to Christian values, makes him an ideal choice to lead MVNU as it continues its mission to educate the whole person and cultivate Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service.
“We are unapologetically a Christian higher education institution and an extension of the Church of the Nazarene, offering hope in a dying world where there are many hindrances to the harmonious exchange of ideas and the clashing of values,” said Phillips. “It was imperative we find the right leader to build on the success of the past and move MVNU into an even brighter future.”
“I am humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve my church and MVNU, a place Angela and I love so deeply,” said Dr. Carson Castleman. “Our lives started here in the 1990s, and our first child was born here, so we truly feel like we are coming home. Words cannot describe our gratitude and excitement to serve the MVNU community in this capacity.”
Dr. Carson Castleman graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/English. He earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Religion and Counseling from Liberty University. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University.
Dr. Carson Castleman will be joined by his accomplished wife, Dr. Angela Castleman, who has served 24 years in the field of education, in various roles including classroom teacher, building administrator, and university professor. She is a 2000 alumna of MVNU. She is currently serving her fifth year over three terms on the MVNU Board of Trustees, where she has participated on the strategic planning, academic affairs, and institutional advancement committees. Dr. Angela Castleman recused herself from the presidential search process. Following the election she submitted her resignation from the board, effective immediately. She is eager to join her husband in the work and ministry of MVNU.
They have two children, Claire, 20, and Carter, 15. They currently reside in Florence, Kentucky.
SEARCH FOR NEXT PRESIDENT
The Presidential Search Committee, comprised of select members of the Board of Trustees and faculty and staff representatives, voted early in the process to hire a search firm, FaithSearch Partners, with experience in generating and vetting a strong pool of qualified candidates.
The search firm met with campus and community stakeholders, and surveyed faculty and staff to develop a thorough profile detailing what the ideal candidate should embody in their faith, education, experience, skill set, and other characteristics.
The nationwide search resulted in incredible interest in the position with final candidates interviewed by the Presidential Search Committee, who then made their recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
“I am delighted with the election of Dr. Carson Castleman to be the next president of MVVNU. He is a proven leader and innovator in higher education and a committed churchman. He also brings a deep love for the university, the place he began his career. He is coming home, and we welcome him,” said Dr. David Wilson Sr., MVNU Transitional Leader. “We give thanks to God for His leadership in the search process. Many people have spent countless hours, fasting and praying that God would lead us – and He has!
Dr. Carson Castleman succeeds Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, who served at the University over the past 14 years, most recently as the President from 2012 until his retirement earlier this year.
Drs. Carson and Angela Castleman will be introduced to faculty, staff, and invited guests this afternoon. Official plans for the inauguration will be announced when they become available.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.
The Morning Thing hosted the monthly MVNU Update on Friday, 8/4/23.
Dr. James Smith, MVNU’s Vice President of University Relations, shared details about the MVNU 2027 strategic plan. He discusses the timeline for the plan, and the 8 strategies within the plan. He shares the 13 initiatives in the plan, and how MVNU is currently adopting the initiatives.
He also gives an update on the MVNU presidential search. Dr. Smith also shares what he is most looking forward to in the fall semester.
As parents, our journey with our children doesn’t end when they reach adulthood; it merely takes on a new and meaningful dimension. While the nature of our relationship may evolve, maintaining a strong bond with our adult children remains as important as ever. There are also some great benefits and gifts that come with maintaining our strong relationship with your kids when they become adults. On The Morning Thing today we shared a list of them from Crosswalk.com, find them HERE.
In conclusion, maintaining a relationship with our adult children is an essential aspect of parenthood that brings immense benefits to both parents and their grown-up offspring. From providing emotional support and wisdom to celebrating milestones and strengthening family bonds, the value of this timeless bond cannot be overstated. Embrace this new chapter with open arms, and you’ll find that the love between parent and child continues to grow and flourish in the most beautiful ways imaginable.
WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.
The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They shared their history with the stage and how they got involved with theater.
The actors shared their favorite songs from the show. They also share why the community should come to see this fun tale come alive on The Woodward Opera House stage!
Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!
*WNZR Disclaimer – This show has some adult themes and mild profanity. It is better suited for adults. If you have questions, please contact Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart at 740-392-9090.*
