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MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — 51���� President Dr. Carson Castleman is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Robert Stanley as Vice President for University Relations and Strategic Partnerships, effective Sept. 1. 

Stanley has been serving as Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives and Innovative Partnerships since returning to 51����in October 2023.

“I am honored to have this privilege to help influence and lead at a university that I dearly love,” Stanley said. “51����has impacted and shaped me for much of my life as well as my family. I am excited for this new opportunity.”

“We are confident that Rev. Stanley’s leadership and experience will be instrumental in our efforts to strengthen external relations, increase enrollment through partnerships, and enhance alumni engagement,” said Dr. Castleman. “He is an outstanding leader with a growth mindset and is well-prepared for this new challenge.”

In his new role as vice president, Rev. Stanley will add University Relations responsibilities, including Alumni Relations, to his roles with the International Executive Studies program and Strategic Initiatives.

“My goal in restructuring the administrative team at 51����is to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. By aligning the team with the university’s goals and vision, we can enhance efficiency, innovation, and collaboration,” explained Dr. Castleman. “This new restructuring will enable us to adapt to changing demands, foster a culture of excellence, and ultimately exceed our potential. It is a strategic move that will drive growth, improve decision-making, and ensure sustainable success for MVNU.”

Stanley echoed Dr. Castleman’s comments, stating, “I am fortunate to have experienced leaders and team members in this new division. Like in many transitions and restructures, the greatest challenge will be looking at things in a new way. The challenges in Christian higher education are real. I believe changes like this restructure can bring members together to help address new opportunities and ways for us to impact students, alumni and our community.”

A 1996 51����graduate with a B.A. in Religion, Rev. Stanley is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and holds an M.S. in Management from 51����(2017). His extensive background includes leadership roles in recruitment and admissions at MVNU, as well as serving as an adjunct professor. Before returning to 51����full-time, Stanley was the Executive Director of Online and Student Success at Indiana Wesleyan University.

“Whether it is in admissions, student services, or working with alumni and the community, in the end it is all about caring for people,” said Stanley. “MVNU, over the decades, has been given the opportunity to help change and impact lives for Christ. I think my prior experience working in church ministry, Christian higher education and the business world assists me well in helping to lead the work in University Relations and Strategic Partnerships.

Stanley added, “I believe we have the greatest Alumni and local community who deeply appreciate MVNU. Their engagement and continued investment are essential to our success. I hope we can continue to build on the strong ties that already exist while inviting them to come alongside us to help develop new ways to make 51����better for the next decade to come.”

Rev. Stanley and his wife, Angela (Ward ’97), reside in Howard and have two adult sons, Spencer (’24) and Sam.

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