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MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — In a celebration of academic achievement, Mount Vernon Nazarene University proudly recognized 421 graduates during its 65th Commencement ceremonies on May 3, 2025, in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. The ceremonies celebrated the achievements of both traditional on-campus students and those who completed online programs through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and the International Executive Studies programs.
MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman expressed his pride in this year’s graduating class and all they’ve accomplished.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your academic journey — a momentous occasion where your hard work, your perseverance, and your dedication culminate,” Dr. Castleman said. “I know that each of you will begin to take up the beacon of light and be a vessel of knowledge and wisdom, prepared to embark on the path ahead. Your accomplishments and your achievements testify to your resilience and your commitment to excellence.
“As we stop today and reflect on your hard work, I’m reminded of Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ I declare that you are equipped with the strength and the courage to face the challenges and the opportunities that await you! Let this scripture serve as a reminder with faith and determination and the grace of God that you can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness as you leave. May you carry the values of integrity, compassion, and service to others.”
Commencement speaker Ked Frank (’99) followed Dr. Castleman’s sentiment, charging the graduates to take what they’ve learned and build on the foundation.
“Graduates go! Go, go, go, go! And take what this place has invested in you and build on it. Go into this divide and bring the goodness of God wherever he leads you,” said Frank, president and founder of Safe Places for Women. “Remember these three things, be grateful. Be people of gratitude because there’s a lot of people that have invested in you to get you to this point of sitting in this seat today. Be humble. We’re always growing. We’re always learning. We’re always evolving. And the third one is to be willing. Be grateful. Be humble. Be willing and find where God is at work and join him. It is the key to making an impact. It is the key to fulfillment — find where God is at work. Go through the doors that he’s opening for you.”
HONORARY DEGREES
Bishop Edward T. Cook and Mark R. Ramser were honored with a Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Humane Letters degrees, respectively.
Bishop Cook is the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. He is a lifelong, third-generation member of the Church of God in Christ and has served in various leadership capacities within the denomination at local, district, jurisdictional, and national levels.
“Bishop Cook’s leadership journey began with a profound commitment to listening, traveling across cities and small towns to engage individuals of all ages, gathering insights on their needs,” said Dr. Castleman. “Under his guidance, breakthrough revivals have transformed communities across Ohio, elevating the collective readiness to be blessed and used by God. Bishop Cook continues to open new opportunities for ministry — a true leader among leaders.”
Ramser, who was born and raised in Knox County, is President of the Ohio Cumberland Gas Co. Through the combined efforts of an excellent workforce and the support of Denise, his wife of 40 years, Ramser has dedicated significant time to serving his community. He has participated in a wide range of community organizations, including the MVNU Foundation Board and the current Foundation Partners Board. Ramser is strongly committed to MVNU, seeing firsthand how a good education can be a catalyst to help young adults thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
“An active member of the Mount Vernon Community, Mark has made significant contributions to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the broader community. His unwavering commitment to fostering spiritual growth and support has positively impacted countless lives, demonstrating the true essence of ministry in action,” said Dr. Castleman. “Tirelessly contributing to the University’s mission and our vision, Mark’s deep-rooted dedication to this institution and its values is evident in all that he does, reflecting the legacy of service that inspires both current students and alumni alike. Mark’s humility and his genuine care for others shine through in every interaction.
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Associate Professor Tim Chesnut was presented the Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2024-25 academic year. Faculty receiving this honor are selected by MVNU students and faculty and have distinguished themselves for their dedication to excellence in and out of the classroom.
Chesnut has served as associate professor of Business in the Jetter School of Professional Studies since 1996 and as the department chair of the Bachelor of Business Administration Program since 1998. He is a 1990 graduate of MVNU with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business administration. He also holds an MBA in Finance from The Ohio State University.
“Professor Chesnut brings real world experience into every course he teaches. He’s a practitioner who grounds theory and application and students notice,” said Dr. Eric Stetler, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “One student shared, ‘The hard work and preparation of Professor Chesnut put into every class was obvious. He made sure everyone understood what he was saying, he took his time, kept things interesting and still managed to challenge us.’ … Professor Chesnut is widely respected for his clarity, consistency, and commitment to excellence. Yet, perhaps more importantly, he is known for his integrity, his humility, and his genuine care for his students.”
Chesnut is a second-generation professor at MVNU. His mother, Judy Chesnut-Ruiz, is an Associate Professor Emerita of Spanish, serving from 1968 to 2003. His father, Glen Chesnut, was a Professor of History at MVNU for 26 years.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARDS
Marissa Kunes, a Chemistry major with a pre-med concentration, and Evan Hodkinson, a Biology major with a pre-med concentration, were presented the Service Above Self awards. The award recognizes graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves in their college journey through service to others both on and off campus and represent MVNU’s motto: To seek to learn is to seek to serve.
Marissa Kunes
“In the global community, Marissa is actively involved in service opportunities. At MVNU, she is a student worker in the Counseling center. She’s intentional in helping her peers feel welcome, respected, and seen,” said Dr. Carrie Beal, Professor of Biology. “I have observed firsthand with our department as she was the departmental assistant in chemistry — an honor reserve for someone who excels academically. It also shows a continued commitment to serving the department during their time at MVNU. … Additionally, she is an academic peer mentor. She deeply cared about the success of her peers and was willing to devote numerous hours each week.”
Evan Hodkinson
“Just as Jesus is a servant, so too, Evan is learning to be a servant at the deepest level of his heart. This has been lived out in as many ways as attested to by the activities with which he has been involved during his time at MVNU,” said Dr Paul Madtes Jr., Professor of Biology. “The range of involvement reflects this deep desire to serve others at every opportunity. It began with his major department, where he worked as a laboratory assistant for multiple courses. It is especially important to note that he routinely went far beyond normal expectations. His service enabled both faculty and students to experience a learning environment that was exceptional.”
PRESIDENTIAL OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD
A new honor, the Presidential Outstanding Leadership award, developed by Dr. Castleman, was presented to longtime professors Dr. Paul Madtes Jr. and Dr. Bob Tocheff. The purpose of this award with honor distinguished educators and mentors who have dedicated their lives to shaping future leaders.
Dr. Paul Madtes Jr.
Dr. Madtes, Professor of Biology, is completing a 36-year teaching career at MVNU. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Eastern Nazarene College, a Master’s in Biophysics from Texas A&M University, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry also from Texas A&M and a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary.
“Dr. Paul Madtes is a remarkable individual — whose commitment to education, faith, and service has left an enduring impact on countless students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and beyond for over three decades,” said Dr. Castleman. “Dr. Madtes has influenced the lives of thousands of young men and women as they prepare for careers in the medical and scientific field. His dedication to mentoring future medical professionals exemplifies what it is to be a leader and a person of deep faith. Between vocation and faith, he inspires students to pursue their passions while remaining grounded in their values.”
Dr. Madtes has received numerous honors, including the MVNU Recruitment Award and the ENC Alumni Achievement Award. With advanced degrees in biblical counseling and biochemistry, he has contributed to the academic community through his publications and presentations at national and international conferences, reflecting a lifelong dedication to learning and scholarship.
Dr. Bob Tocheff
Dr. Tocheff, Professor Emeritus of Music, is a 1972 graduate of MVNU, earning an associate degree before bachelor’s were offered. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Olivet Nazarene University, and a master’s in music education from Wright State University before finishing his Ph.D. in Musical Education (Choral Emphasis) from The Ohio State University. He has contributed to the MVNU music program for over 43 years, including director of the Collegians Chorale since 1991 and Treble Singers for the decade prior.
“For over four decades, Dr. Tocheff has been an invaluable member of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University family, serving as professor of Music since 1981,” said Castleman. “His influence as an educator extends far beyond the classroom, as he has taught and invested in thousands of students nurturing their talents and inspiring and love for music that will last a lifetime. His resume reflects a commitment to excellence and music education. … Throughout his career, Dr. Tocheff has received numerous accolades, including the MVNU Distinguished Alumni award and the Church of the Nazarene Distinguished Service award.
“His academic achievements, combined with his heartfelt commitment to his students, made him a true role model and leader in the MVNU community. He is a man that lives above and beyond reproach. He is one of high ethics; and loves and cares for all people at all times.”
Baccalaureate
On Friday night, the Baccalaureate Service was held, featuring Dr. Gary Sivewright. Sivewright is the former chaplain and vice-president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he also served as professor of Christian education.
Sivewright challenged the graduates to look for the miracles in every situation and to trust in God.
“Here is my prayer for you, Class of 2025. I hope you’ve learned to expect great things from God because you know He can. And when you leave this place, I hope you find a (place) that is seeing God do miracles on a regular basis,” said Sivewright. “If you can’t find a community like that, then you be the instigator of that kind of spirit that trusts God when everyone else has given up. I trust that MVNU has been a place of healing, a place of hope and a place where you have been set free to accomplish whatever it was that God created you to do. And when you leave this place, my prayer is that you will be one of those who will take the time to set others free from whatever bondage their lives have placed them in. “
Commencement ceremonies are available for viewing on demand at mvnu.tv. To view photos from the weekend, visit flickr.com/photos/mvnumarketing/.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 22 states and 21 foreign countries.
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