NNU President Steps Down Amid Controversy

David Alexander, president of Northwest Nazarene University, resigned after seven years in the role, following a period of internal turmoil. The NNU Board of Trustees announced his resignation on Tuesday, a month after administrators revealed plans to lay off six employees due to budgetary concerns. Alexander, who began his career at the university in 1986 as a music faculty member, served as president for seven years and had been with the institution for nearly 30 years.

Students and staff expressed mixed emotions about the decision. Kameryn Brock, a junior at NNU, shared her feelings with university officials, stating she no longer trusted Alexander but acknowledged the significance of his departure. “I was excited for NNU and a new door is open,” Brock said, “and I’m hoping that means we are able to unite more as a community throughout this next adventure.”

In a statement, Alexander described the resignation as a natural part of organizational growth, emphasizing that a new leader could “take up the mantle” and guide the university forward. He highlighted achievements during his tenure, including fulfilling the university’s mission, celebrating its centennial, and expanding academic offerings. “We have accomplished a great deal during these seven years,” he said, noting the institution’s success in both survival and growth.

Board of Trustees chairman Randall Craker praised Alexander’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to connecting the university with the Church of the Nazarene and prioritizing students. “President Alexander has been passionate about putting students first,” Craker said, adding that Alexander worked to ensure both on-campus and online students received an education centered in Jesus Christ.

The board has appointed Joel Pearsall, the university’s vice president of university advancement, as interim president, effective May 31. Pearsall, the son of a former NNU president, will serve for up to two years. The campus has experienced significant unrest in recent weeks due to the budget shifts and impending layoffs, which have sparked concern and debate among students and faculty.

The transition marks a pivotal moment for NNU as it navigates financial challenges and seeks to maintain its mission and identity. The university remains committed to its core values, striving to balance practical realities with its spiritual purpose. As the institution moves forward, the focus will be on fostering unity, supporting students, and ensuring the continued growth of its academic and mission-driven goals.

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