Longtime Trevecca Nazarene University Provost and Senior Vice President Steve Pusey is retiring after 27 years of service, and Trevecca President Dan Boone announced Tom Middendorf as the next provost.

Middendorf, who currently serves as Trevecca’s associate provost and dean of academic and student affairs, will begin his duties 1 July. This appointment was approved by Trevecca’s Board of Trustees during its spring meetings, held 14-15 March.

“Dr. Middendorf is a veteran leader in Christian higher education with a strong set of skills for the work of provost and senior vice president,” Boone said. “His deep faith, work ethic, and love for Trevecca makes him a fit for the culture. His expertise in academic leadership make him a fit for the task at hand.”

For the past year, Middendorf has worked alongside Pusey in a transitional role. The outgoing provost, who spent a total of 27 years overseeing academics at Trevecca, is pleased by Middendorf’s selection.

“I am proud of Tom and confident he is going to be an outstanding provost here at Trevecca,” Pusey said. “He is exceptionally well-qualified and has the character and skills necessary for success in this position. The academic and student development programs of the University will be in great hands under Dr. Middendorf’s leadership.”

Pusey has served as the university’s provost since 2006, after beginning his Trevecca career as vice president for academic affairs in 1992.

Pusey’s last day is 30 June. He will be honored with Trevecca’s Lyla Mackey Diakanos Award at Trevecca’s Commencement Convocation on 5 May.

Boone, citing Pusey’s dedication to Christian higher education and deep love for Trevecca, said Pusey will be missed.

“If there were a Hall of Fame in Nazarene higher education, Dr. Steve Pusey would be front and center,” Boone said. “Across a lifetime of service to the cause of Christ, Steve has made an indelible impression on the generations. I will miss his wisdom and grace, and even more his humble presence on the campus each day.”

Since returning to his alma mater in 2008, Middendorf has served Trevecca in a variety of roles. Middendorf played a pivotal role in the development of the Center for Leadership, Calling and Service and served as the director of Trevecca’s master’s program in organizational leadership before taking on positions in academic affairs, serving as the associate vice president of academic services from 2014-2017 and the associate provost and dean of academic affairs from 2017-2018.

In his new role, Middendorf hopes to build on that foundation.

“My [professional work] on the academic side has allowed me to develop relationships with faculty and understand their heart and passion for students,” Middendorf said. “It enhanced my view of how vital it is to focus on mentorship, mission, and student learning.”

In addition to his work at Trevecca, Middendorf spent eight years at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. There, he served as the associate director of community life, resident director, and associate dean for student developmen

“Having experience at [Olivet] and being within the Trevecca culture for quite some time really helps me to think more globally,” Middendorf said. “Having a background in student development helps me to see the student perspective and gain a better understanding of how to invest in our students and sustain a student-focused organization. I believe I have a total perspective, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Middendorf holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Trevecca and a master’s in professional counseling at Olivet Nazarene University. He earned his doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University in 2010. In 2012 and 2013, Middendorf received the Nashville Emerging Leader Award Top 5 for Education.

He and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Marley and Asher.

--Trevecca Nazarene University