Northwest Nazarene University has appointed Dr. Stephen Lowe as Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Lowe brings more than three decades of experience in Christian higher education, including leadership in academic administration, accreditation, faculty development and student success initiatives. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Olivet Nazarene University, where he led the university’s Academic Affairs division and helped guide institution-wide initiatives related to academic innovation, online education, persistence and accreditation.
In his role at NNU, Dr. Lowe will oversee the University’s academic programs, faculty and academic operations, helping advance NNU’s mission of transformational education grounded in faith, scholarship and service.
Throughout the search process, Dr. Lowe demonstrated a deep commitment to Christian higher education, academic excellence and the transformational mission that defines NNU.
“Following a thorough national search process that included outstanding candidates from across Christian higher education, it became clear that Dr. Lowe possesses the combination of academic leadership, strategic vision, deep Christian faith and commitment to student success that will serve NNU exceptionally well in this important role,” said Dr. Mark DeMichael, President of Northwest Nazarene University. “During the search process, I was particularly impressed by Dr. Lowe’s commitment to Christian higher education, his belief in the transformative power of discipleship-centered learning and his enthusiasm for NNU’s mission to develop God’s creative and redemptive agents in the world. His passion for integrating faith and learning, investing in faculty and preparing students to live lives of service and leadership resonated deeply with the values and aspirations of our University community.”
Prior to his current leadership role, Dr. Lowe served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the University Honors Program at Olivet Nazarene University. During his tenure, he led efforts related to curriculum development, academic restructuring, faculty collaboration and student research opportunities.
Dr. Lowe earned a Ph.D. and MA in History from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in History Education from Olivet Nazarene University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Lowe is an accomplished historian and published author whose work has appeared in books, journals and national publications.
“It’s an honor to be named Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northwest Nazarene University,” said Lowe. “NNU has such a rich history and a strong reputation for academic quality. For these and many other reasons, it is well-positioned to thrive into the next decade. I am excited to be a part of the leadership team at NNU and my wife, Kim, and I are looking forward to joining the NNU community.”
Northwest Nazarene University looks forward to the leadership and experience Dr. Lowe will bring as the University continues to strengthen its academic programs and invest in student success.
