Dana Davis | Assistant Vice President of Online and Distance Learning
Maranatha Baptist University is pleased to announce Dana Davis as the new Assistant Vice President of Online and Distance Learning (ODL). Dana has served in ODL for nine years as an Instructional Designer and then as Director of Online Instruction. In addition, she currently teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in MBU’s School of Education.
Dana is married to Dr. Matt Davis, Executive Vice President at Maranatha Baptist University. They live in Watertown, Wisconsin with their three sons, Tim (18), Michael (17), and Eric (14), and serve together in both children and adult ministries at Calvary Baptist Church.
Before coming to MBU, Dana gained experience as a junior high public school teacher, a 4th grade Christian school teacher, and a home educator. With this experience and expertise, she is excited to succeed Dr. Philip Alsup as the Assistant Vice President of this crucial department.
Dana’s past experience in both physical and virtual education gives her special insight to the power that technology can bring to education. Read her story below.
Dana’s Story
As a first-year language arts teacher in a small rural school, I was in over my head. I struggled each day to involve my junior high students in the writing process. Just getting pencils sharpened was a major accomplishment most days. Then, a small local business donated some outdated laptop computers to my school. I dusted them off and put one into the hands of each of my students. The change in my classroom was immediate and dramatic! Reluctant writers eagerly typed drafts, peer-edited and finalized essays. Those old discarded laptop computers forever changed my approach to teaching as I observed technology’s power to connect students to resources and engage them in the learning process.
Technology Revolutionizing Education
Serving for the last nine years in the Online and Distance Learning Department, first as Instructional Designer and then as Director of Online Instruction, has granted me a front row seat to see God’s gracious provision of technology dramatically and miraculously impact Maranatha Baptist University. This technology has transformed MBU’s potential to connect students located across the world to quality, Christ-centered programs and courses. It has allowed faculty to engage students in exciting ways through both online and virtual formats. Technology has helped to change the trajectory of our students’ ministries and lives, To the Praise of His Glory!
Work that Brings Joy
One of my biggest joys during my time in ODL has been working with the outstanding and highly qualified faculty that teach MBU online courses. Many are located here in Watertown, but over half are located throughout the United States! Their devotion, first to our Lord, but also to their students, has been inspiring and humbling.
The adult learners who choose MBU to complete their degrees also bring me great joy! The dedication and determination it takes to finish a degree while managing work, family, and ministry responsibilities is tremendous. What a blessing to see these students cross the stage on graduation day to receive their diplomas.
I am thankful for every avenue God has given me to serve at MBU and am looking forward to new ministry opportunities in this position.