SNU President Dr. Keith Newman Announces Senior Leadership Team for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

For Immediate Release

[Bethany, Oklahoma] - Southern Nazarene University's announcement of its Senior Leadership Team for the 2024-2025 academic year marks a significant moment for the institution and its community. Under the guidance of President Dr. Keith Newman, who has been instrumental in shaping the university's vision and ethos since assuming office in 2017, the team represents a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives aimed at advancing SNU's mission of providing a Christ-centered education.

Dr. Newman's leadership philosophy, rooted in his extensive pastoral ministry and Christian higher education administration background, underscores a commitment to nurturing a community of faith-driven, purposeful leaders. His vision for SNU emphasizes not only academic excellence but also spiritual and personal growth, ensuring that students are equipped not just with knowledge but with values that prepare them to make a positive impact in their communities and professions.

Each member of the Senior Leadership Team brings unique expertise and experience to their respective roles.

The Senior Leadership consists of the following individuals:

Dr. Mark Winslow 

Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer

A part of the SNU community for twenty years, Dr. Mark Winslow has served as Chief Academic Officer since 2023.  Prior to this, he taught in the physics classroom for 28 years and served as Dean of the College of Sciences for eight years.  He was appointed as the Vice President for Academic Affairs for Professional and Graduate Studies in 2020.  Dr. Winslow considers it a great privilege to work with faculty and staff colleagues to bring the best of academics combined with a robust Christian faith to the learning environment.  Dr. Winslow has assumed specific oversight of the College of Undergraduate Studies for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Dr. Michael Redwine

Executive Vice President (Athletics, Spiritual Life, Student Life, Title IX)

Now in his 16th year at SNU, Dr. Redwine leads a talented team with a breadth of responsibilities that include Student Life, Spiritual Life, athletics, housing & residential living, student activities, health services, and student employment. Dr. Redwine is an advocate for students and believes his best days are spent investing in them and supporting them in their success at SNU.  

Mr. Gary Cummings

Vice President for Business and Finance, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Cummings joined SNU in 2023 following a successful career in corporate enterprise, serving more recently in executive leadership roles (various VP roles and subsidiary CEO) pertaining to systems architecture, information technology, and strategic development.  His focus includes human resources, campus operations, student aid, and all aspects of finance and accounting.  He also oversees SNU's marketing efforts.  

Rev. Larry Morris

Vice President for University Relations (Advancement, Alumni, Church Relations, Community & Government Relations)

Rev. Larry Morris joined the SNU team after 30 years of pastoral ministry experience with the Church of the Nazarene. He strengthens the University’s vision of Making Christlike disciples through higher education by building partnerships with the South Central Field churches, alumni, and the surrounding community. The University Relations team expands SNU's influence through the offices of Church Relations, Alumni Relations, and Advancement.

Dr. Melissa Lewis

Vice President for the College of Professional & Graduate Studies

Dr. Lewis joined the SNU School of Music faculty in 1999 and has served learners and faculty in Professional and Graduate Studies since 2018. She is driven by the values shared by the PGS community: Christlikeness, Excellence, Integrity, Belonging, and Service, and her personal mission, which is to “Serve Well.” In addition to her leadership in PGS academics, Dr. Lewis also oversees PGS enrollment, PGS operations, and PGS student services.  Whether in person or online, undergraduate or graduate, each learner’s journey is unique and presents an opportunity for transformation.  Dr. Lewis sees serving learners during this leg of their educational journey as both a calling and a privilege.

Dr. Steve Betts 

Vice President for Traditional Enrollment and Student Success

Dr. Betts has been at SNU for over 18 years, and his appointment emphasizes SNU’s commitment to delivering top-notch education. His strategic insights and leadership capabilities will continue contributing significantly to the university. Driving his service in this new role is his extensive work with academics combined with his desire to make an SNU education possible for as many students as possible. In this new role, he will lead the Admissions team that recruits new traditional undergraduate students and the team in the Center for Student Success that supports students as they persist and graduate.

Mrs. Tollya Spindle

Director of Administration and Communications

Mrs. Spindle has served SNU in various roles for over 20 years and plays a crucial role in ensuring effective internal and external communications. She supports the seamless functioning of many aspects of the university and the Office of the President. She serves as the coordinator for all communications and facilitates meetings for the Board of Trustees. In this expanded role, she will also oversee the SNU Creative Group.

Dr. Keith Newman

President

Dr. Keith Newman was elected as the fifteenth president in Southern Nazarene University's 118-year history. His tenure began on August 1, 2017. With 17 years of pastoral ministry in the Church of the Nazarene and 15 years of service as a senior administrator in Christian higher education, Dr. Newman counts it a great privilege to join a Christ-centered community preparing God-called, purpose-driven, passionate servant leaders who make the world better.

Under Dr. Newman's guidance, the Senior Leadership Team is poised to lead SNU into its 126th year with a clear vision and strategic direction. Their roles shape the university's daily operations and contribute to its long-term growth and influence. By fostering a supportive and values-driven environment, this leadership team embodies SNU's mission to prepare students to become impactful leaders who embody Christ's teachings in their chosen fields and beyond.

For Southern Nazarene University, the announcement of its Senior Leadership Team is not just about administrative appointments; it signifies a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the university's reputation for academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement.

About Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University is a private Christian university located in Bethany, Oklahoma. Committed to a values-driven education, SNU offers students an environment where they can develop academically, spiritually, and socially. With a history of academic excellence, SNU continues to prepare students to become impactful leaders through its rigorous programs and close-knit community. For more information, please contact pgsadmissions@mail.snu.edu.