University Leadership

Presidential Search

Introducing NNU’s 14th President

Dr. Mark DeMichael

March 10, 2025

Dr. Mark DeMichael was elected the 14th president of Northwest Nazarene University on March 7, 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience in Christian higher education leadership, student development, athletics and enrollment strategy. Before coming to NNU, Dr. DeMichael served at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) for over 25 years, most recently as Vice President of Student Development & Athletics. In this role, he provided strategic leadership for nine departments, overseeing student success initiatives, campus life and a thriving athletics program. Under his leadership, IWU achieved record-high student retention rates and secured millions of dollars in grants and contributions that enhanced student engagement and campus resources. Before his tenure at IWU, Dr. DeMichael spent several years as a faculty member and head baseball coach at Eastern Nazarene College—his alma mater—further deepening his connection to Nazarene higher education.

A deeply relational leader, Mark believes in the power of mentorship, teamwork and collaborative decision-making. He values shared governance, working closely with faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees to ensure that the University’s mission and vision are effectively carried out. His leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership and a commitment to student success—whether in the classroom, in athletics or in spiritual formation. Having spent 14 years as a faculty member and coach, he understands both the academic and administrative aspects of higher education and is passionate about equipping students for their callings.

As a result of his background in athletics administration and student development, Mark has seen firsthand how co-curricular programs—particularly athletics—can shape character and foster leadership, even strengthening student retention. As a former Athletic Director, he was responsible for growing enrollment through strategic recruitment efforts, increasing athletic endowments and securing funding for major facility improvements. He sees similar opportunities at NNU to continue investing in student life—ensuring that students are supported academically, spiritually and socially.

Dr. DeMichael is deeply committed to NNU’s mission of holistic education through transformation, truth, community and service. He values the University’s rich history and is eager to build upon its legacy by strengthening enrollment, fostering relationships with local churches and ensuring financial sustainability through wise stewardship and strategic investments. Recognizing the strong foundation already in place at NNU, he is excited to lead the University into its next chapter with vision and innovation.

Dr. DeMichael holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, an M.Ed. in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University and a BS in Physical Education from Eastern Nazarene College. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply involved in the local church, serving in various leadership roles. Mark and his wife, Kim, are excited to make Nampa their home and become actively involved in a local Nazarene church.

Mark is not the only member of his family serving in Christian Higher Education. Kim, his wife of 35 years, served 28 years as a faculty member in teacher education at Eastern Nazarene College and Indiana Wesleyan University. They have two daughters, Ashley and Kasey, and a son-in-law, David, who are all actively involved in Christian higher education as well.

Beyond his professional work, Mark enjoys sports, outdoor activities and spending time with his family. The DeMichaels are passionate about creating environments where students can thrive academically, spiritually, socially and personally, and they look forward to investing in the NNU community for years to come.

February 5, 2025

Board Chair Mike Zahare updates the NNU campus community.

January 15, 2025

During the month of January, the Presidential Search Committee has been, and will continue, interviewing and engaging with semi-finalist candidates for consideration. Thank you for your continued prayers for the committee and for the candidates as they discern God’s leading.

December 18, 2024

Throughout the month of December, FaithSearch Partners and our Presidential Search Committee continued the evaluation and interview process for the fourteenth president of Northwest Nazarene University. Their goal is to create a list of semi-finalists by the end of the month. Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom as they discern what is best for the future of our University. It is anticipated that a new president will be elected in March 2025 during the Spring meeting of the Board of Trustees.

In addition, the Northwest Nazarene University Board of Trustees, acting on the recommendation of the Honorary Degree Committee, recently voted to award President Joel Pearsall with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his outstanding service to the University for more than two decades. In affirming this decision, Mike Zahare, NNU Board of Trustees Chairman said, “As a University, we have been so blessed to have had such a Godly, servant-leader. President Pearsall has made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of NNU students and has led our faculty and staff with impeccable character and tireless devotion. We congratulate him on this tremendous honor.”

This degree will be conferred during NNU’s 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 3, 2025.

November 25, 2024

“We are genuinely impressed by the enthusiastic response to this presidential leadership opportunity. The caliber of candidates reflects both the admiration for what NNU is achieving and its strong commitment to Christian higher education. Over the past few weeks, our team has been directly engaged in conversation with numerous individuals from around the U.S. As we have continued to have conversations, we are now actively working with roughly 25 highly qualified men and women who bring a diversity of experience from within higher education and beyond. It’s inspiring to see such remarkable individuals eager to join NNU for this next chapter. We will continue having conversations with candidates as we move into more in-depth interviews, preparing to present semi-finalists to the search committee in December.”

June 5, 2024

In a letter to the Northwest Nazarene University Board of Trustees, President Joel K. Pearsall announced plans to retire in the summer of 2025. In a June 4 video call with the Board of Trustees, Chair Mike Zahare expressed gratitude to President Pearsall and his wife, Nikki, for their many years of service to the University.

What is being planned to celebrate the many contributions Joel and Nikki have made to NNU?

There will be multiple times during the academic year to honor and celebrate Joel’s leadership and the ways he and Nikki have served the NNU community. The first public opportunity was an Overtime-Party following the Men’s Basketball Game on Saturday evening, November 9, of Homecoming Weekend. Throughout the Spring Semester, a variety of events will take place for specific groups within the NNU community. Information will be shared with these groups as plans develop.

During each of our 2025 Commencement ceremonies, students, faculty, staff and guests will hear Joel’s final commencement address. This will be an ideal time for everyone to celebrate his service, honor his leadership and help launch him and Nikki into the next chapter of their lives and ministry.

When did President Pearsall announce his retirement?

President Pearsall’s plan to retire in the summer of 2025 was announced to the NNU Board of Trustees on Tuesday night, June 4, 2024.

Will a new president be found prior to President Pearsall’s departure?

Yes, the NNU Board of Trustees has appointed an initial Presidential Search Committee, consisting of the Board’s Executive Committee and NNU faculty and staff chairs. The Search Committee will be charged with conducting a national search to find a new president. President Pearsall will continue to serve as NNU’s president until his successor is in office.

What is the role of the NNU Board of Trustees in the selection process?

The NNU Board of Trustees has appointed a Presidential Search Committee to lead the search process. Members of that committee are the Board’s Executive Committee, NNU faculty and staff chairs, Foundation Board Chair, Alumni Board Chair and the SGA President. It is the responsibility of the full Board of Trustees to elect the next president.

What will happen between now and when a new president assumes office?

The Board of Trustees, with input from constituency groups, will develop a detailed leadership profile. Then, the Presidential Search Committee (the Board’s Executive Committee and NNU faculty and staff chairs) will conduct the work necessary to enable and prepare the Board to be able to elect NNU’s next president during the Board’s March 2025 meeting. This work, along with the creation of an overarching process and timeline will begin immediately.

President Pearsall will continue to lead the campus community in the 2024-2025 school year. The strategic plan will continue to guide the leadership team and campus community as they implement the priorities and accomplish the goals.

When will a new president assume office?

It is anticipated that a new president will assume office in the summer of 2025. A more precise date will be identified during the search process.

Who is FaithSearch Partners, and why were they chosen to assist with the search?

FaithSearch Partners was launched in 2007 with the desire to bring a biblical mission to the executive search industry. They work with organizations across the faith spectrum throughout the United States to assist them in searches for executive leadership.

FaithSearch Partners will serve as an advisor and resource for the Board and Presidential Search Committee. Using a search firm allows the University to expand the scope of its search by identifying and reaching out to potential candidates, conducting research and due diligence on candidates and assisting with advertising the position. NNU’s Board selected FaithSearch Partners for its proven expertise and success in identifying and recruiting executive-level leaders for Christian higher education.

To learn more about FaithSearch Partners, visit faithsearchpartners.com/about-fsp.

Do denominational (Church of the Nazarene) leaders participate in the selection process of a new president?

The NNU Board of Trustees is the official elector of the President of Northwest Nazarene University. The Board will seek feedback from a range of stakeholders that may include denominational leaders, in addition to the faculty and staff, alumni and donors, students and parents, but ultimately it will be the Board that elects the new president.