SNU President Dr. Keith Newman Announces Senior Leadership Team for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
[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 talented teams with a breadth of responsibilities that include Student Life, Spiritual Life, athletics, housing & residential living, student activities, health services, SNU Police, 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 has oversight of 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 Enrollment and Student Success
Dr. Betts has been at SNU for more than 18 years, and his appointment emphasizes SNU’s commitment to delivering top-notch education. His strategic insights and leadership capabilities will continue to contribute 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.
Collectively, the Senior Leadership Team, under Dr. Newman’s guidance, is poised to lead SNU into its 126th year with a clear vision and strategic direction. Their roles not only shape the university’s daily operations but also 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.