Dr. Matthew Naylor, PhD, will address Graceland’s Spring 2022 graduates at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 1 in Lamoni, Iowa. Naylor is the President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Mo. Since assuming the post in 2013, the museum and memorial has broken records for attendance, increasing by more than 60%.
“Dr. Naylor is a tested leader whose bold vision for his organization helped it grow and thrive through the pandemic,” said Graceland President Patricia H. Draves, PhD. “I am thrilled to welcome him to Lamoni to inspire our graduates as they take their next steps in their lives, whether into a meaningful career or to pursue further academic studies. Dr. Naylor’s experience is one that we can all learn from.”
Under Naylor’s leadership, a bipartisan effort in Congress formally established the institution as America’s National WWI Museum. He was subsequently appointed as Commissioner to the United States World War I Centennial Commission and was named Nonprofit PRO’s Executive of the Year in 2018. Naylor helped the Museum and Memorial successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and retain all staff while cultural arts organizations across the world laid off or furloughed thousands of employees. He led a reform of the organization into new teams, dramatically amplified the Museum and Memorial’s online educational presence, and expanded its online database of searchable artifacts.
Naylor earned his PhD from Curtin University in Perth, Australia. He serves on boards and committees for several civic and educational initiatives, including the advisory council for the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation, the advisory board for the National Stars and Stripes Museum, and the board of the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.
Graceland welcomes Dr. Naylor to Lamoni to share his wisdom with this year’s graduates.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Press Release
April 6, 2026
Graceland University is proud to announce that Stassi Cramm, PhD, Prophet-President of the Community of Christ and a distinguished Graceland alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Morden Center
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
