Todd Garrett named MNU vice president of University Advancement and Athletics

Todd Garrett named MNU vice president of University Advancement and Athletics

by
Nazarene News Staff
| 03 Jul 2025
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Todd Garrett

MidAmerica Nazarene University President Jon North announced on 1 July 2025, the appointment of G. Todd Garrett as vice president for University Advancement and Athletics, effective immediately. Garrett has served as the director of athletics at MNU since 2017.

"This appointment brings together two critical areas of our university operations under a person with proven leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and exceptional performance," North said. "Todd has served MNU with distinction for nearly three decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Christian mission and remarkable success across multiple roles."

Garrett's history with MNU began as a student majoring in physical education and health education. He played catcher for the Pioneer baseball team and graduated in 1994. Embarking on a career as an educator at the Olathe School District in 1995, he taught physical education and health classes. He served as an assistant baseball coach at Olathe South High School. In 1998, Garrett returned to MNU as the head baseball coach, a position he held until 2006, when he joined the University Advancement team as director of athletic development.

Garrett's career advanced through fundraising roles—first as Pioneer Athletic Association director, then director of development & corporate partnerships—before becoming director of athletics in January 2017, overseeing both fundraising and athletic administration.

"Todd's experience uniquely positions him for this expanded role," North said. "He has played a significant role in the success of the Bright Futures Campaign, raising millions for both the Cunningham Center and Copeland Athletic Complex projects at MNU. He is an exceptionally gifted fundraiser who is highly regarded throughout the community."

"It is an extreme honor to accept this role under the leadership of Dr. North as he begins implementing an exciting vision for MNU's future," Garrett said. "It has been my privilege to serve with an amazing group of servant leaders, coaches, and directors over the past eight years in Pioneer Athletics as they have diligently invested in our young people through intercollegiate athletics. The commitment to excellence that I have witnessed from some of the most talented coaches and directors in the industry has been inspiring."

Garrett's leadership of MNU athletics programs has been highly successful and recognized in the athletic community. His multiple accolades include:

  • MNU Administrator of the Year, 2022
  • MNU Athletic Department Pioneer Pride Award, 2022
  • HEART Conference Commissioner's Cup Champions, 2023-24 (first-ever for MNU)
  • HEART Conference Athletic Director of the Year, 2023-24
  • HEART Conference Commissioner's Cup Champions, 2024-25

 

During Garrett’s tenure, MNU athletic department achieved national championships, developed numerous all-American athletes, earned scholar-athlete recognitions, and secured multiple conference titles. 

Equally important to Garrett is the mission of shaping men and women of character in a Christ-centered environment.

President North reiterated the uniqueness of Garrett's expertise relative to the vice president position. 

"With Todd's athletic leadership, our programs have reached unprecedented heights of success. He has led our student athlete enrollment growth, culminating in an 80 percent increase since 2017. His extensive experience in development and corporate partnerships, coupled with his proven ability to build relationships and generate philanthropic support, makes him ideally suited to lead both advancement and athletics."

Todd and his wife, Karen Garrett, have two adult children who are MNU alumni. The Garretts live in Gardner, Kansas, and attend Life Church of Overland Park, Kansas.

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