Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) President Dr. Joel Pearsall was honored for his more than 25 years of dedicated service to NNU and the Nampa community during the Nampa Chamber of Commerce’s recent monthly event. Nampa Chamber President and CEO, Mitch Minnette, recognized Dr. Pearsall’s longstanding contributions not only to NNU but to the broader Nampa community, celebrating his servant leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The highlight of the event came when Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling took the stage to read and present a framed letter of appreciation to Dr. Pearsall. The letter commended his ability to inspire students, his humility and his steadfast faith in the Lord, which has guided his leadership and positively impacted countless lives. The heartfelt presentation was made even more special by the surprise appearance of Dr. Pearsall’s wife, Nikki, who joined him on stage to receive the gift.
As part of the tribute, Minnette announced the establishment of the Joel and Nikki Pearsall Scholarship, created to honor the couple’s decades of service and dedication to NNU and the surrounding community. This endowed scholarship will provide financial assistance to future NNU students, continuing the Pearsalls’ legacy of fostering education and community engagement for generations to come.
“What makes Nampa a special place to live and work—its the people,” Minnette commented. “One of those extra special people is President Joel Pearsall. It is with the utmost respect that on behalf of the Nampa Chamber of Commerce we say job well done Joel for all that you have done for NNU, and for our community. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. You are leaving behind a legacy that will carry on for generations to come!”
Dr. Pearsall expressed his gratitude, saying, “Nikki and I are deeply honored to be recognized in this way by the Nampa Chamber and the City of Nampa. This community has been such an important part of our lives, and we are grateful for the privilege to have served at NNU for so many years. The establishment of a scholarship in our name is incredibly humbling, and we look forward to seeing how it will help future NNU students pursue their educational dreams.”
In recognition of the Pearsall’s impact, Minnette emphasized the Chamber’s gratitude and encouraged the community to support the newly established scholarship. “It has been an honor and privilege for the Nampa Chamber to work along side of you and your leadership. Thank you for who you are, and all that you have done! I pray and hope others will join us in building up the scholarship endowment fund for Joel and Nikki Pearsall. Let’s bless their socks off with generosity; that in return will provide future scholarship support to NNU students!”
Members of the community are invited to contribute to the Joel and Nikki Pearsall Scholarship to help support NNU students. Donations can be made online at nnu.edu/pearsall-scholarship.
