Mount Vernon Nazarene University Board of Trustees announced the election of Carson Castleman as 8th president of the university on Friday, 11 August. He will replace Henry Spaulding II, who announced his retirement in February. Castleman will begin his tenure on 1 October 2023.

Castleman's remarkable career in Christian higher education spans over 26 years and includes expertise with both traditional and non-traditional student enrollment and engagement. Currently serving as the vice president of student experience and external relations at Indiana Wesleyan University, Carson Castleman oversees the student experience of over 8,500 students across the United States and around the world. He has been instrumental in developing innovative partnerships that have resulted in the 2022-23 enrollment growth by more than 1,700 students.

“Dr. Castleman’s enthusiasm and welcoming style is infectious, and he has built a distinguished career with many accomplishments that have made him the unanimous choice of the Board of Trustees,” said MVNU Board of Trustees Chair Edward Phillips. “We believe Dr. Castleman is the right leader to move MVNU to new heights as the premier Christian university in the region.”

Castleman has been a part of the MVNU Community his entire life. He grew up within the community of Covington Central Church of the Nazarene in the Eastern Kentucky District. This unique connection makes him the first president to emerge from this region. He is a fourth-generation Nazarene and has been a steadfast and dedicated member of the Church of the Nazarene his entire life. 

He is currently a member of Generations Church of the Nazarene, which he helped plant over 15 years ago. His contribution to the church includes service as a local church board member, six years on the General Board for the Church of the Nazarene, and six years on the Eastern Kentucky District Advisory Board.

Castleman began his higher education career in the MVNU admissions office as an admissions counselor and later as associate director of admissions. He then was hired as the director of university advancement. After serving as the chief enrollment officer at Nazarene Theological Seminary, he moved to Indiana Wesleyan University, where he has spent the last 20 years in progressive roles as a faculty member, dean, associate vice president, and vice president.

Castleman’s track record in Christian higher education, coupled with his deep commitment to Christian values, makes him an ideal choice to lead MVNU as it continues its mission to educate the whole person and cultivate Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service.  

“I am humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve my church and MVNU, a place Angela and I love so deeply,” said Castleman. “Our lives started here in the 1990s, and our first child was born here, so we truly feel like we are coming home. Words cannot describe our gratitude and excitement to serve the MVNU community in this capacity.”

Carson graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/English. He earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Religion and Counseling from Liberty University. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University.

Carson will be joined by his accomplished wife, Angela Castleman, who has served 24 years in the field of education in various roles, including classroom teacher, building administrator, and university professor. She is a 2000 alumna of MVNU. She is currently serving her fifth year over three terms on the MVNU Board of Trustees, where she has participated in the strategic planning, academic affairs, and institutional advancement committees. 

Angela recused herself from the presidential search process. Following the election, she submitted her resignation from the board, effective immediately. She is eager to join her husband in the work and ministry of MVNU.

They have two children, Claire, 20, and Carter, 15. They currently reside in Florence, Kentucky.

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University