MNU Student-Athlete Finds Purpose in Friends and Finance

May 13, 2026 - 17:53

When finance major Isaiah Cull first visited MidAmerica Nazarene University, he expected to evaluate basketball programs, academic options and campus life. Instead, he found purpose and relationships that reshaped his college journey. The student-athlete, who plays for the university's basketball team, says his time at MNU has been about more than just earning a degree or competing on the court.

Cull credits his teammates and professors for helping him see the bigger picture. "I came here thinking about stats and scholarships," he said. "But what really stuck with me was the community. People here actually care about who you are, not just what you can do." That sense of belonging pushed him to pursue a finance degree with a focus on helping others manage their money wisely.

Beyond the classroom, Cull has taken on leadership roles within the athletic department, mentoring younger players and organizing team study sessions. He says the discipline of balancing sports, academics and personal growth has prepared him for life after graduation. "Finance is about more than numbers," he explained. "It is about understanding people's goals and helping them reach those goals. That is the same thing we do on the team."

As he looks ahead to a career in financial planning, Cull remains grounded in the relationships he built at MNU. "I found my purpose here," he said. "It is not just about the game or the degree. It is about the people who push you to be better every day."