Board Appoints New Chancellor

Maranatha Baptist University Appoints Dr. Marty Marriott Second Chancellor in School History

Maranatha Baptist University Appoints Dr. Marty Marriott Second Chancellor in School History

WATERTOWN, Wis., May 5, 2023—Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, has appointed Dr. Marty Marriott, its current president, to the position of chancellor of the university. Dr. Matthew Davis, Maranatha’s chief executive officer, announced the change at the close of the school’s commencement program on May 5. Dr. Robert Loggans, a member of the board of trustees executive committee, offered a public prayer of dedication during the event as Dr. Marriott assumes this important new role.

Dr. Marriott’s appointment marks the second time in the school’s 55-year history that a chancellor has been appointed. Maranatha’s founder, Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm, is the only other individual to hold the distinguished title. According to the university’s bylaws, the chancellor must be an individual who formerly served as either the president or CEO. The chancellor’s duties include offering counsel to the CEO and president, assisting in campus ministry, providing historical perspective to the board of trustees, and maintaining established relationships with university constituency. The chancellor remains a non-voting member of the board of trustees, the executive committee of the board, and the university’s administrative executive council.

Current MBU board of trustees chairman, Dr. Doug Jackson, commented on the new role: “Dr. Marty Marriott’s determined leadership and his commitment to the mission of Maranatha have been exceptional. His history with our institution—as a student, alumnus, board member, and president—is a valuable resource for sound counsel as the university looks to the future.”

Reflecting on his tenure with Dr. Marriott, CEO Dr. Matthew Davis remarked, “Serving with Dr. Marriott in the executive office for the last 13 years has been a profound honor. His vibrant relationship with the Lord, his personal devotion to his wife and family, his care and concern for the students, his fidelity to the Word of God and personal evangelism, and his relentless work ethic all embody the very model of the servant leadership that Maranatha exists to develop. Together, we have had front-row seats to witness God’s goodness and provision through many challenges. His courage and good humor, while facing a difficult path in these last three years especially, have shown me in a tangible way the reality of God’s love and grace in time of need. I look forward to continuing to serve together as he transitions into this new capacity.”

Recognizing the opportunity and need for transition, Dr. Marriott initiated the board’s deliberation of an adjusted role for himself to make way for consideration of a new president. The decision to appoint Dr. Marriott as the university’s chancellor was made by the board of trustees at its meeting in December of 2022, scheduled to take effect at the commencement program this May. Since last December, the board has been actively engaged in identifying a new president to take Dr. Marriott’s place as he vacates that role. The leadership structure provided for in Maranatha’s bylaws establishes that the CEO maintains executive responsibility for the university; the president supports the CEO, provides spiritual leadership on campus and gives special attention to the pastoral training programs; and the chancellor, if appointed, promotes the university and provides counsel to the administration. The MBU board of trustees is exclusively responsible for selecting and appointing all three of these executive positions.

Maranatha Baptist University was founded in 1968 “to develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world to the praise of His glory.” This May, Maranatha conferred 224 degrees to graduates in 52 academic programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

 

CONTACT

Jonathan Sheeley

mbu.edu

jonathan.sheeley@mbu.edu

920.261.9300