It was founded in 1968 by the Church of the Nazarene and offers a variety of Bachelor's and Master's degrees to both traditional and non-traditional students.

[7] Three buildings (Manor, Ice House, and Barn) original to Lakeholm Farm, are still in operation on the campus today.

The town of Mount Vernon was just one of many sites proposed for the college, but it raised $209,000 USD to purchase a 209-acre portion of the Lakeholm Farm before the Church of the Nazarene bought it from The Ohio State University, which owned the property.

It is part of the Church of the Nazarene's East Central District and much of its educational philosophy is based on the Wesleyan-Arminian holiness tradition.

[14] MVNU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission[15] and all of its academic programs are submitted to the Ohio Board of Regents for approval.

Connected to the arena is the Prince Student Union, which houses the campus cafe, "The 586.” MVNU also owns several buildings in downtown Mount Vernon.

This building now contains high-tech educational technology and simulation equipment for nursing students as well as Hunter Hall Clinic for Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The Graduate and Professional Studies Program (GPS) is for non-traditional students and offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees.

Today, nearly 800 students are enrolled in Graduate and Professional Studies programs (GPS) through MVNU's fully online platform.

The station's studios are located in Founders Hall and are part of the university's Communication Department and the School of Arts and Humanities.

WNZR's broadcast tower and transmitter building is located off of Glen Road on the east end of the campus.

Core music artists at WNZR include Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Third Day, MercyMe, Toby Mac, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa, Building 429, Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, For King & Country, and the Newsboys.

It consists of 13 members who are responsible for various aspects of community life, from planning events to influencing policies on important issues.

These members are elected yearly by the student body and include a president of each class, social, community and spiritual life, and other areas.

Some campus events and traditions that take place annually are Welcome Week, Oaktoberfest, SonFest, and Block Party.

Oaktoberfest takes place on the lawn in front of Oakwood Hall and features hay rides, s'mores, and pumpkin carving.

Taking place on the campus of MVNU, the event has previously featured popular artists that include Family Force Five,[22] Plumb, Building 429, Switchfoot, and Lecrae.

In addition to current facilities, MVNU has begun (2019) construction on a new soccer and lacrosse complex on the north side of campus.

The new facility will feature a turf field, lights, grandstand seating for 500 spectators, locker rooms and additional amenities.

The Cougars’ men's basketball program returned to the NAIA Division II National Tournament for the first time since 2009, reaching the second round.