Each issue of the Messenger, we provide a profile for one NNU faculty member, one staff member, one undergraduate student and one graduate student. Meet Kendrey McGath, our undergraduate student profile for Winter 2025.
NAME: Kendrey McGath
MAJOR/MINOR: Politics, Philosophy & Economics
FUTURE PLANS: After I graduate from NNU I hope to find a job working for a non-profit organization in leadership or finance. I am passionate about the intersection of economics, poverty and Christian missions and think a job in that area would be very interesting. Other than that, I look forward to starting a family someday and I definitely wouldn’t be upset with a little piece of land and some room to continue honing my newfound passion for sourdough bread!
GRAD YEAR: 2026
HOMETOWN: Salem, Oregon
Fun Fact About You: While in high school, I went to cosmetology school and became a licensedhairstylist in Oregon! It used to be my dream to become a hairstylist and one day own a salon. While this isn’t my goal anymore and I will likely never work in a salon setting, I am so thankful for the experience and knowledge I gained from cosmetology school. I learned so much about doing hair and now I just get to have fun cutting friends, family and fellow NNU students’ hair instead!
Something Valuable You Learned at NNU (or Something Valuable You Learned from Joel/Nikki): Something I’ve seen modeled by Joel and Nikki is the importance of servant leadership. It is such a blessing that both Joel and Nikki are so present on our campus, constantly serving our students. Whether it’s scooping ice cream at Root Beer Fest, hosting trivia night or offering golf cart rides on the first day of school, Joel loves to be with students and serve them. This is such a unique blessing that speaks to his character of humility (and fun)! Joel has shown me that excellent leadership looks like serving the people you love. Nikki also serves so well. Any student at NNU knows the true joy of receiving homemade Nikki Cookies in your mailbox! Nikki uses her baking gifts to be intentional about serving every single NNU student. And best of all, receiving Nikki Cookies means that both Joel and Nikki prayed for you by name that day. Joel and Nikki’s love for the Lord is clear in the way they lead others through service.
NNU students frequently express that we do college different. How do you believe NNU does college different? As a highschooler, I dreamt of my future college experience and NNU has exceeded my expectations in every way. I was so excited for all the activities and fun times I would have but wasn’t prepared for how much the staff and faculty would care for me as a person. I have had countless meaningful conversations with faculty and staff alike where they have truly poured into me and inspired me to live a more Christ-like life. Coming to college can be challenging when you are leaving all the friends, family and mentors that you’ve known. However, I have found such support from adults on campus, and I know the same is true for many other students here. I feel truly blessed to be in a place where campus leaders are intentional about raising up Christ-like leaders.
