Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Mark DeMichael as its 14th president. Dr. DeMichael was introduced to the NNU community during a special Community Chapel service on Monday, March 10, following a press conference earlier that morning.
Dr. DeMichael brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, having served at Indiana Wesleyan University for over 25 years in student development and athletics. Most recently, as Vice President of Student Development & Athletics, he provided strategic oversight for student retention, enrollment and campus life, fostering a thriving academic and faith-centered environment. 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. His deep commitment to the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, collaborative leadership style and passion for student success make him a strong fit for the NNU community. Dr. DeMichael wholeheartedly embraces the NNU Mission Statement and has a high regard for the history and legacy of the University.
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. Alongside his wife, Kim, he is excited for the opportunity to engage with students and the local community. His resolution to build close relationships with the congregations and leaders in the Church of the Nazarene’s Northwest Field is driven by his heart for the local church.
The Board of Trustees selected Dr. DeMichael after an extensive national search process facilitated by the executive search firm, FaithSearch Partners. The Presidential Search Committee, made up of trustee, faculty, staff, student, Foundation Board and Alumni Board representation, prioritized candidates who demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to NNU’s mission and a vision for guiding the University into the future.
Dr. DeMichael expressed excitement about joining NNU and looks forward to getting to know the students, faculty and staff. “I am honored to serve as the fourteenth president of Northwest Nazarene University. NNU’s dedication to academic excellence, Christian faith and transformative education is inspiring, and I look forward to becoming part of this incredible community. I am eager to build relationships and listen and work alongside the NNU faculty and staff to advance the University’s mission.”
“After an extensive and prayerful search process, we are confident that Dr. DeMichael is the right person to lead NNU into the future God desires,” said Board of Trustees Chair, Mike Zahare. “Dr. DeMichael’s experience, leadership and commitment to Christian higher education make him an excellent fit for this role. We look forward to working together to continue the transformative work happening at NNU.”
Current NNU President, Joel Pearsall, also extended a warm welcome and shared words of encouragement about the transition, saying, “I have great confidence that Dr. DeMichael will serve NNU well. His passion for, dedication to and leadership in Christian higher education will be a tremendous blessing to NNU and the entire Boise Valley community. I’m excited to see how God will use Dr. DeMichael to lead NNU into the future, and I am convinced that NNU’s best days are ahead.”
Dr. DeMichael 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.
Dr. DeMichael will officially take office during summer 2025, with an inauguration ceremony planned for this coming Fall.
For more information on NNU and its 14th president, visit nnu.edu.
