MVNU shapes lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christ-likeness for lifelong learning & service. Degree programs are offered in the arts & humanities, business, education & professional studies, natural and social sciences, nursing & health sciences, and theology & philosophy. Mount Vernon Nazarene University, established by the Church of the Nazarene, opened its doors in 1968 and serves the denominations East Central Region. The University offers liberal arts, professional, and graduate education at its main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio as well as at multiple regional campuses. MVNUs educational philosophy and purpose are shaped by its Wesleyan-Arminian holiness theological roots, informed by the Bible, focused on Christ-likeness in every aspect of life, and defined by an emphasis on loving God with all of ones heart, mind, soul, and strength, as well as ones neighbors as ones self. Students are nurtured and empowered through caring relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators; challenged to be a devoted disciple of Christ; drawn toward discovery of wisdom and truth in every discipline of study; prepared for leadership in various professions; equipped to be lifelong learners; and sent into the world to live out their faith by offering their hearts and lives in service to God and others. The University is characterized by an engaging environment where diversity is celebrated and differences in ethnicity, denomination, gender, economic level, and stage of spiritual development are embraced. A spirit of worship unifies the academic, social, and spiritual life of the student body, and the community is shaped through shared commitments, values, and experiences that provide the context for transformation in Christ, individually and collectively. Excellence in vocational pursuits and in character development are viewed as an expression of faithful stewardship, and a lifestyle of compassion is demonstrated as the most effective witness to others of Gods love. As students become graduates, the marks of Mount Vernon Nazarene University continue to identify them as devoted disciples, servant leaders, learning professionals, and loyal alumni.