MVNU Mourns the Passing of Dr. Lora Donoho

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. — Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletics was saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Lora "Doc" Donoho at age 95.

Lora and her husband John were instrumental in the early days of then, MVNC, and pioneers for athletics on campus. The University is thankful for who she was and for the impact she made on the MVNU campus community and athletic department.

"We are grateful for the impact that Dr. Lora Donoho had on our MVNU campus and athletic department," said Director of Athletics, Chip Wilson. "She established an intentional focus and direction for 15 years leading our department, and she helped to pave the way for what we are able to accomplish today. We are forever thankful for her dedication to the campus community and the impact on people she encountered."  

Donoho was the first female Athletic Director in the nation, serving in this role at MVNC from 1975-1990. In 1986 she was inducted into the NAIA Hall Of Fame, and this marked the first individual from then, MVNC, to be recognized with this honor. In 1995, Donoho was an MVNU Athletic WOF inductee.

You can listen to the words of Lora Donoho from a 2022 interview on Cougar Conversations by clicking HERE.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.