He was an MNU alumnus, professor, department chair and senior administrator and, as President David Spittal put it, “a trusted colleague and friend.” Dr. Mark Ford, born in 1987, passed away on February 11, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
After graduating from MNU, Ford continued his education by earning his Juris Doctor (JD) in 1990 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, then an MBA from the University of Kansas in 1997 and an EdD in business management. higher education at the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.
Ford has served MNU in a variety of positions and has used his background and experience to help the institution launch new programs and grow revenue. From 1990 to 1997 he taught Accounting and Commerce in the Division of Business Administration. He then chaired the division for ten years before becoming associate academic vice president. As AVP, he led the institution through regional accreditation and had responsibility for a broad range of programs and education, academic support service, institutional effectiveness, and legal compliance functions. Most recently he served as Vice President of Strategic Expansion with responsibility for professional, graduate and online programs and operations.
Previously, when Ford spoke of his work at MNU, it was with great affection.
“MNU has played a vital role in my life,” Ford said. “It is where I gained academic confidence as a student, where my faith in God matured and deepened, and where I made lifelong friendships. I am honored to give something back to MNU and its mission to transform lives.”
Last fall, Ford was honored by the MNU board of directors with emeritus status to be conferred in early May. Ford is survived by his wife Christine (Morrow ’89) and daughters Rachel and Olivia.
The provisions announced by the family are as follows.
Visitation at 10:00, funeral at 11:00, February 25, 2023, at Westside Church of the Nazarene, 1700 W. Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Mark Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o MNU Foundation, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062.
