Nazarene Theological Seminary

Susan and her husband Dr. Jesse Middendorf, General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene, have been married for 43 years.  They have 3 children:  Jon, Marlo and Jim; and 4 grandchildren: Taylor, Drew, Kennedy and Shelby.

Since her arrival at NTS in 1991, Susan Middendorf has served as Associate Registrar (1991 – 1994) and as Registrar (1994 to present; a portion of this time, she had leadership of the Admissions Office as well).  During her 16 year tenure, Middendorf has served the NTS community very well, specifically mentoring and advising 4+ cohorts of students throughout the course of their degree programs.

“Though we have appointed a new Registrar, replacing Susan Middendorf will not be easily done,” shared NTS President Ron Benefiel. “Not only has she served capably in carrying out the detailed work required in the Registrar’s Office, she has also developed the well-deserved reputation of genuinely caring for our students, and providing good counsel to them—not only in their academic programs but also in their personal lives and their walk with the Lord. We owe a great deal of thanks to Susan for the service she has offered to the NTS community over these many years.”

In reflecting on her time at NTS, Middendorf shared the following: “It has been a privilege and honor to watch students mature and grow here at NTS. Each time I am at a church or district event and see one of our current or past students, I feel a surge of pride that I would characterize as 'parental.' I can say without reservation that our students are well prepared to lead the Church on into the 21st century. Our Church, both now and for years to come, is in good hands."

Middendorf has impacted many lives—she has no doubt helped shape the future of our denomination.  Her presence will be missed but her influence on past and present seminarians continues.  

“I first met Susan when James and I arrived at NTS so he could attend Seminary. We sat down in the chair across from Susan’s desk—as students have done for many years now—and she helped him select his first classes. I began working at NTS in the Development Office and often found myself in Susan’s office with questions; soon after that, I became Susan’s assistant and the rest, as they say, is history! Working together, worshipping together, and spending time together were formative times. She was, and continues to be, an amazing mentor, friend and "Mamadorf"! She has significantly made an impact on the person I am today. 

 - Kyla Kinzler
 Registrar’s Office, 1994 - 1997

 
“Susan and I met during my first visit to NTS in the fall of 1994.  She welcomed me into her office to register for classes, and we started talking as if we had known each other forever.  Before my appointment concluded, the entire Admissions/Registrar's staff was in her office chatting with us; a few years later, I began working for Susan in the Registrar’s Office.   For many years now, Susan has been one of my loving confidantes and encouragers—I will miss having her around!  She will always be in our thoughts and prayers here; and no doubt, NTS will be in hers.”

-          Pamala Asher (’98)
Registrar’s Office, 1998 – 2000

 “To know Susan Middendorf is to love her.  I began working for Susan as a new student at NTS and quickly understood that you do not work for Susan, but rather “with” her.  She truly values people, their time, and insights.  I had the privilege to work with her and to develop a deep friendship, which still exists to this day.  She became and still is my “mom away from home” and my daughter’s grandma, or “Mamadorf.”   She taught me how to be a better worker, but more importantly, a better wife and mother, and to do everything as Christ would.” 

–        Katrina Chapman (’03)
Registrar’s Office, 2000 - 2005

Susan Middendorf on “Partners in Ministry”