Kovach set to lead Academic Affairs at MVNU with collaboration and innovation

Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D., is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Kovach, Ph.D., as the Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 13.

“Dr. Kovach has a distinguished academic record, but more than that, she will be an energetic and innovative leader at MVNU,” said Spaulding. “She comes to the University at a time when visionary leadership will be essential. I am confident that she has the intelligence, insight, and energy to be a significant force at MVNU.”

Dr. Kovach holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master of Science in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemistry, both from the University of Rochester. She brings extensive experience in teaching, research, and higher education administration to her new position at MVNU. 

She began her teaching career in 2009 at Roberts Wesleyan College, where she was promoted to full professor in 2020. At RWC, she held several administrative positions including Director of the Honors Programs; Director of Academic Summer; Director of Special Projects for the Chief Academic Officer; Dean, School of Education and Social Work; Academic Cabinet Member; and many other roles.

Dr. Kovach has earned accolades that reflect excellence in teaching as a graduate student and as a professor; research performance; and departmental and community involvement.

“I have had opportunities in Christian Higher Education that have provided a breadth of experiences, and through those experiences, I have learned that collaboration and innovation are key ingredients to healthy progress,” said Kovach. “I am excited to continue to bring people together to generate new ideas, initiatives, and programs.”

As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kovach will provide leadership for the planning, development, implementation, assessment, and improvement of all academic programs, policies, budget, and supporting infrastructure. She will also ensure the University’s academic excellence by facilitating faculty and dean recruitment and retention; and University-level review of all multi-year contracts and promotion actions.  

“I am passionate about Christian Higher Education and the transformative power that quality, Christ-centered academic programs have in students’ lives,” Kovach said. “Faculty and staff make these programs a reality, and leading and serving alongside a community dedicated to ‘educating the whole person and cultivating Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service’ is a privilege and a blessing.” 

She will report to President Spaulding and serve on the Senior Leadership Team.  

To learn more about MVNU, visit mvnu.edu. 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to more than 2,100 students from 42 states and nine foreign countries.