MVNU sees 24% enrollment surge, led by record adult and professional studies growth

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is celebrating significant enrollment growth and deepening partnerships with Nazarene churches across the East Central field, marking a period of remarkable growth since 2023.

The university has experienced a 24.21 percent increase in total enrollment, including growth from 1,789 full-time equivalent students in fall 2023 to 2,146 FTE in fall 2025. This growth reflects MVNU’s intentional commitment to serving students through Christ-centered education and strategic partnerships with local Nazarene churches.

Non-Traditional enrollment reaches 12-year high

A particularly notable milestone is the resurgence of MVNU’s College of Adult and Professional Studies. Fall 2025 CAPS enrollment reached 993 students — the highest non-traditional enrollment since 2013, when the university enrolled 997 students in this category. This represents a 68 percent increase from fall 2023’s CAPS enrollment of 591 students.

“We are excited for the enrollment growth we are experiencing within the College of Adult and Professional Studies programs,” said Johnna K. Vanover, MOL, vice president for University Marketing and CAPS Enrollment, chief marketing officer. “We’ve been working very hard to start new programs, improve our marketing performance and strengthen partnerships throughout the state and our community.”

Strong Nazarene foundation

The university’s strengthened relationship with Nazarene churches is evident in this year’s incoming freshmen class, where Nazarene students comprised 35 percent of new students. This reflects the trust Nazarene families place in MVNU’s mission and values.

“Since assuming the presidency in October 2023, our leadership team has been deeply committed to intentional strategies that foster enrollment growth, particularly within the Nazarene student community,” said Dr. Carson Castleman, president of MVNU. “Equally important has been our effort to strengthen relationships with local Nazarene churches throughout the East Central field. Our mission is clear — to ensure that our churches recognize MVNU, not only as an academic institution, but also as a ministry partner in the discipleship and development of their students.”

Church support has grown alongside enrollment, with annual church contributions increasing approximately 19 percent since 2023. This investment demonstrates the denomination’s commitment to supporting students through Christian higher education.

“It is our firm conviction that MVNU serves as a vital ministry within the Nazarene denomination, and we are honored to carry forward this mission with dedication and humility,” Castleman said. “As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the Nazarene Church with excellence and heartfelt devotion.”

Serving the greater community

Though rooted in its Nazarene heritage, MVNU remains committed to extending its mission to the broader community as well. That mission reaches beyond denominational lines, inviting students from all backgrounds to experience an education that integrates faith, scholarship, and service in every sphere of life. 

“We want any student — no matter their religious affiliation — to have access to MVNU,” said Castleman. “It is our mission as a Christian university to shape lives by educating the whole person and cultivating Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service.”

For more information about MVNU’s on-campus and online programs, visit mvnu.edu.