MBU School of Nursing Welcomes New Dean
Maranatha Baptist University’s Board of Trustees recently approved the appointment of Dr. Sarah Urban as Dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Urban, a PhD-prepared Certified Nurse Educator, joined the MBU faculty in the fall of 2024.
Sarah’s earliest desire was to serve in a profession in which she could help people. Nursing was such a career, but it wasn’t until she experienced clinicals in college that she realized how much it could truly be a ministry. Following college, she pursued a master’s in nursing education and continued into a doctoral program.
With 15 years of experience in various nursing capacities, Dr. Urban states, “Nursing is a unique ministry that makes a difference in the lives of patients not only physically but also psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually.” Beyond that, Sarah explains, “Teaching is part of nursing. We’re always teaching patients, teaching new nurses … Being in nursing education, to me, is an opportunity. It’s a privilege to really make even a bigger difference because … as a nurse, I touched so many patients’ lives … but as an educator, I’m touching the nurses who touch even more people’s lives.”
Elizabeth Stille, who came to Maranatha in 2017, has capably served as Director of the School of Nursing. She will retain duties as Director of Clinical and Lab Experiences and will continue to teach full time.
Enthusiastic about the new framework, Dr. Urban comments, “The new leadership structure within the School of Nursing will further enable us to meet the needs of both students and faculty. We are excited to build on the nursing program’s foundation of excellence in preparing practice-ready, Christian nurse leaders to serve in their communities and to thrive in today’s changing healthcare environment.”
Dr. Tom Graham, Vice President of Academic Affairs, endorses Sarah’s appointment, saying, “Dr. Urban is a seasoned nurse educator and academic administrator. She has both a strong understanding of what is required of the School of Nursing, and a well-defined vision for its continuous improvement. We look forward to seeing Dr. Urban’s leadership impact the next generation of MBU nursing students.”
More About Dr. Urban
Watch Dr. Matt Davis’ podcast episode with Dr. Urban here or listen here.
Read Dr. Urban’s faculty bio here.