Northwest Nazarene University Appoints Dr. Stephen Lowe as Vice President for Academic Affairs

Northwest Nazarene University has appointed Dr. Stephen Lowe as Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2026. In the role, he will oversee the university’s academic programs, faculty and academic operations, which the university says will help advance its mission of transformational education grounded in faith, scholarship and service.

Lowe brings more than three decades of experience in Christian higher education. His background includes leadership in academic administration, accreditation, faculty development and student success initiatives. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Olivet Nazarene University, where he led that institution’s Academic Affairs division and helped guide institution-wide initiatives in academic innovation, online education, persistence and accreditation.

Earlier at Olivet Nazarene, Lowe served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the University Honors Program. The university said that during his tenure he led efforts in curriculum development, academic restructuring, faculty collaboration and student research opportunities.

NNU President Dr. Mark DeMichael said the university’s national search included candidates from across Christian higher education. “It became clear that Dr. Lowe possesses the combination of academic leadership, strategic vision, deep Christian faith and commitment to student success that will serve NNU exceptionally well in this important role,” DeMichael said. He added that he was impressed by Lowe’s belief in “the transformative power of discipleship-centered learning” and his interest in preparing students “to live lives of service and leadership.”

Lowe earned a Ph.D. and MA in History from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in History Education from Olivet Nazarene University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is also an published historian whose work has appeared in books, journals and national publications.

In a statement, Lowe said, “It’s an honor to be named Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northwest Nazarene University. NNU has such a rich history and a strong reputation for academic quality.” He said he and his wife, Kim, were “looking forward to joining the NNU community.”

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