About
Mitch Birnel is an academic advisor specializing in Exercise Science, Health Science / Pre-Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Physical Therapist Assistant. He attended Northwest Nazarene University and graduated in 2019 with his B.A. and a commission as an officer in the Idaho Army National Guard. He continued to Nazarene Theological Seminary to acquire his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 2023 and became a chaplain in the National Guard. During this degree, and after completion, he was a prison chaplain and then a full-time youth pastor until he was deployed overseas. Birnel served as the Aviation Task Force Chaplain in Kosovo from August 2024 to June 2025. After arriving home, he looked for a position in higher education. He wanted to use his skills in one-on-one mentorship and passion for helping others in future life goals in a college setting and found this in academic advising at College of Western Idaho. He loves to dream up future career paths with students and how they can make a positive impact in the world and ultimately help them along the way as they journey to their goals.
In his free time, Birnel likes to hang out in his backyard with his wife and two little girls, run ultramarathon races in the mountains, and spend time at the Flying M with either a friend or a book.
Education
- B.A., Youth Ministry – Northwest Nazarene University
- M.Div., Theology – Nazarene Theological Seminary