about the president
President Rev. Dr. Phil Greenwald began his tenure at Mid-America Christian University (MACU) on June 1, 2022, and was officially installed as the institution’s fifth President during an Investiture Ceremony on October 10, 2022. As he enters his fifth year of presidency, President Greenwald continues to lead MACU with a spirit of faith, gratitude, excellence, and forward-thinking vision.
Since assuming leadership, President Greenwald has guided MACU through a season of meaningful growth and momentum, including the University’s highest enrollment in 11 years in 2025 and the launch of two new academic schools: the School of Nursing and the School of Engineering, Physics, and Math. These additions reflect MACU’s continued commitment to preparing students for high-impact fields of service, innovation, and leadership.
MACU has also experienced significant campus growth and improvement during President Greenwald’s tenure. Existing spaces such as classrooms, residence halls, the Learning Resource Center, and JASCO Chapel have received thoughtful, modern updates, while new additions like the campus courtyard, pickleball court, prayer labyrinth, and History Hall have created meaningful spaces for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests to gather, reflect, and connect. The History Hall, in particular, reflects President Greenwald’s commitment to honoring the “saints on whose shoulders we stand” while continuing to move the University forward. Most recently, MACU broke ground on a new Student Center, featuring modern study areas, meeting spaces, and offices, projected to open in Fall 2027.
Across these academic and campus initiatives, President Greenwald has emphasized thoughtful stewardship, excellence, and “paying fantastic attention to detail,” ensuring that each new program, partnership, and physical enhancement serves MACU’s mission and enriches the student experience.
President Greenwald actively engages with students in chapel and at athletic events and meets regularly with faculty and staff to build relationships and provide institutional support for their work. He is fondly referred to as “PG5” by students, a nickname that combines his initials and denotes him as the fifth President. His warmth and professionalism are marked by an entrepreneurial, generous, and growth-minded perspective.
Before becoming President, President Greenwald served as a key executive, non-profit leader, pastor, and administrator for more than 25 years. He came to MACU from St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, where he served as Executive Pastor of Administration and Chief Financial Officer. He also provided strategic leadership to the St. Luke’s Foundation, Meals on Wheels OKC, and the St. Luke’s Children’s Centers.
In 2025, President Greenwald completed a Doctor of Ministry program at Liberty University. His doctoral studies focused on practical ministry leadership, with his final portfolio titled, “Creating a Discipleship Strategy for Next Generation Online Students at Mid-America Christian University.”
President Greenwald is a proud MACU alum (G’20), having received his MBA and serving on MACU’s School of Business Leadership Advisory Council. He received a bachelor’s degree from Messiah University (PA) and theological training from Perkins School of Theology (SMU) and Asbury Seminary (KY). As an ordained deacon in the Global Methodist Church, Greenwald previously served at churches in Tulsa and Duncan (OK).
President Greenwald and his wife, Stephanie, known affectionately by students as “Mama G,” have celebrated 26 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of two daughters: Kalli, who is married to Riley May, and Tori, who is engaged to be married to Elijah Absher in July. PG5 enjoys golfing, traveling, reading, and spending time with family. The Greenwalds have two small dogs, Millie and Rue, and live in south Oklahoma City near the MACU campus.