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Vice President Van Vlerah named President of Notre Dame of Maryland University
Manchester University is delighted to share that Vice President for Student Life Abby Van Vlerah has been selected to serve as president of Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore, Md. She will start there on July 6. Her last day at Manchester is June 25. Van...
MU professor emeritus named pioneer in social work
Dr. Brad Yoder, professor emeritus of sociology and social work, was one of three Hoosiers recognized as a Pioneer in Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASW) at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in early June. Yoder was inducted into...
Manchester University welcomes new College of Business dean
Manchester University welcomes Dr. Ron Lewis as the new Dean of the College of Business and Human Services. He started at the University on June 1, 2026. Lewis previously served as Assistant Professor and Program Chair for Marketing and Sport Management at the...
Manchester University celebrates the Class of 2026
Manchester University graduated 269 students at this year’s commencement ceremonies. In total, 286 degrees were awarded, including 186 undergraduate degrees and 100 graduate and professional degrees. Twenty-eight students earned honors distinction. This...
Journal Gazette publishes op-ed from Dean W. Thomas Smith
Manchester University's Dean of the School of Pharmacy, W. Thomas Smith, was recently published in the Journal Gazette. His op-ed, which can be read below, discusses the growing need for pharmacists in the industry. The full Journal Gazette article can be found here....
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Manchester University offers youth esports summer camps
Manchester University will host its third-annual esports summer camp this June, open to community youth. Two camps, focused on Super Smash Bros., will be offered: a day camp for rising 3rd through 6th graders on June 27, and an overnight camp for rising 7th through 12th graders on June 26-28. Beginners are expected to join the day camp, while the overnight camp is targeted toward moderate to advanced players. The camps will include individualized Super Smash Bros. instruction from MU Esports coaching staff, head-to-head tournaments, and on-campus dining. All campers are required to bring...
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Manchester University names Rick Espeset Staff Member of the Year
Rick Espeset, director of athletics and head baseball coach, has been named the 2026 Christopher W. Garber Staff Member of the Year at Manchester University. The award is named in honor of Chris Garber, who was Manchester’s assistant vice president for operations at the time of his death in 2015, and recognizes an employee who demonstrates steadfast commitment to Manchester University and is a leader and collaborator who keeps the best interests of the University at heart. In the 30 years...
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MU, CFWC hold groundbreaking for phase one of Manchester Mile
Representatives from Manchester University, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, JPR, and the Manchester Mile committee held a groundbreaking for the first phase of the Manchester Mile on Wednesday, May 6. The Manchester Mile will stretch from the corner of Wayne Street and College Avenue down to Market Street, then to Main Street, directly connecting campus to downtown North Manchester. Phase one of the project will begin in June and is expected to be completed by August. New sidewalks, lighting, seating, trash receptacles, and other facilities will be added. Phase two will follow in 2028. This project is funded by Lilly Endowment...
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Manchester University’s nutrition program earns full accreditation
Manchester University’s cutting-edge master’s program in nutrition and dietetics has earned full accreditation through 2033 from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Earning full accreditation allows the program to expand enrollment from 15 students per cohort to 30 students per cohort—making it the largest graduate nutrition program in Indiana. It is also the only nutrigenomics-focused program in the United States. Nutrigenomics is the study of the effects of food and nutrients on gene expression. Manchester University launched its program in 2023. An undergraduate major in nutrition...
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MU Esports to add Mario Kart World to lineup in Fall 2026
Manchester Esports will add Mario Kart World to their list of supported titles for Fall 2026. Mario Kart World is one of the largest games in the Indiana High School Esports League (IEN) and will be supported by the Great Lakes Esports Conference (GLEC) in Spring 2027. Manchester University established its esports team in 2019 and has won nine GLEC Championship titles. The team competes in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, League of Legends, Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant, and Fortnite. MU Esports is currently looking to recruit new Mario Kart World players with scholarships for their debut roster...
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Manchester University adds two new reduced-credit degrees
Manchester University continues to forge groundbreaking pathways in higher education to best prepare students for careers with new accelerated degree programs in Applied Criminal Justice and Applied Marketing Communication. The undergraduate programs focus on preparing individuals for the job market in three years – as opposed to the traditional four – to mitigate concerns over costly tuition and time without compromising critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication skills, and the ability to learn continuously. The new Applied Criminal Justice and Applied Marketing Communication programs are...
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Manchester University presents ‘A Melodious Mosaic’ band concert
Manchester University Presents: Your invited to attend “A Melodious Mosaic” on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium. The free concert features Manchester’s Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band. The Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Tim Reed, professor of music, will perform a mix of jazz, funk and rock music. The Symphonic Band, directed by MacKenzi Lowry, lecturer of music, will perform music portraying ideas of finding joy and overcoming life’s challenges. Pre-concert activities, including games, a photo booth and an “instrument petting zoo,” will...
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Manchester University Commencement is May 16, Dave Haist to give address
Dave Haist will address the graduating class and receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree at Manchester University’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16. Haist graduated from Manchester in 1973 with a degree in accounting and economics. In 1977, he earned his juris doctor from Indiana University’s School of Law. For 20 years, Haist worked at Barnes & Thornburg in Fort Wayne as Officer Managing Partner. He then worked at Do it Best Corp., where he held several positions, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, until his retirement...
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