Assistant to the President for Congregational Engagement

Jay Akkerman serves at NNU as the Assistant to the President for Congregational Engagement. In his role, he extends NNU’s relationship with pastors and congregations across the Northwest Educational Field using a variety of channels and deepens connections with those from other traditions beyond the Church of the Nazarene. Jay has been with NNU since 2003, most recently serving as Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies and Director of the Graduate School of Theology. Besides being a member of NNU’s theology faculty and the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, Jay is the Co-Director of Wesley Center Conferencing and is also an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from NNU in 1989, followed by a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Theology from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1993. In 2004 he earned his Doctor of Ministry from the Beeson Center for Biblical Preaching & Church Leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary. Jay is an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene and has served in churches nationwide for over 20 years. He and his wife have three daughters.

Executive Assistant

Michele is the administrator for the Office of University Mission and Ministry, sharing her time between supporting the work of the Chaplains and the University’s Director of Congregational Engagement. Michele has extensive experience working for the University in a variety of offices, and brings insight and clarity into the work of the Chaplains’ office. Michele also directly oversees the Chapel attendance and reductions process each semester.