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Offered On-Campus

Offered Online

More than an education, Maranatha Baptist University is a community of believers encouraging each other to live in such a way “that we might be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Founded in 1968, Maranatha exists to train purpose-driven leaders by providing a liberal and fine arts educationa vision cast by our founder, Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm. With more than 25 years of regional accreditation, Maranatha’s rigorous academics have prepared more than 6,000 leaders to take the mission of Maranatha across the globe.

Maranatha is a non-profit, private institution aligned with its independent Baptist constituency. As such, MBU is governed by an independent board of trustees and is not part of any denominational hierarchy or structure. Maranatha maintains a strong set of spiritual and behavioral distinctives generally reflected in constituent churches. Faculty members, though diverse in academic backgrounds, share a common core of biblical values and consider themselves conservative, independent Baptists.

When Maranatha Baptist University celebrated 50 years in the 2017-2018 school year, Maranatha Baptist Seminary and Maranatha Online + Distance Learning were well-established programs. Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute began in the fall of 2019. As Maranatha grows, the mission is still central: Maranatha exists to develop leaders for the local church and the world to the praise of His glory.

For specific details on Maranatha’s statistics and policies, visit our  Consumer Information Page.

On-Campus Undergraduate

41 undergraduate degree programs across 7 academic units

Maranatha Baptist Seminary

6 graduate degree programs for ministry, including the MDiv & DMin

Online + Distance Learning

12 undergraduate degree programs & 4 graduate degree programs

Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute

Bible training in a 1-year diploma program & a 2-year certificate program

Mission Statement

The mission of Maranatha, “to develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory,’” comes directly from Ephesians 1:12, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Maranatha’s institutional mission and values are sourced in its faith-based, biblical values. As such, the institution’s core identity as a conservative Baptist institution of higher education has been well-maintained through its five decades of operation. Within this context, the administration and board of trustees regularly review contemporary issues and emerging trends.

Maranatha’s mission implies that all graduates will be effectively equipped to serve God with competence in local churches and in their chosen vocations. To ensure continuity and faithfulness to the mission, MBU makes its doctrinal position and behavior expectations plain to all prospective students, staff, and faculty. Biblically based lifestyle expectations are applied equally to all employees and students.

A key to understanding Maranatha is its ministry mindset. Integrated and robust systems prepare leaders (from all walks of life) to serve in the local church and the world. Regardless of major, students are challenged to use their education, gifts, and talents to serve God and others with their lives. The Bible core is part of the general education component for students in all programs, whether on campus or online. Every class is taught from a biblical worldview. Christian service, voluntarily undertaken, is an integral part of campus life with more than 90 percent of students regularly participating in some kind of local church service. This integrated system of transmitting biblical values assists students to choose, prize, and act on their faith both during and after their college years. This is the central distinctive of Maranatha Baptist University. 

Institutional Outcomes

Reason Objectively

Scientific Reasoning
Students will use scientific principles to draw empirical conclusions about the order of all creation.

Quantitative Reasoning
Students will apply quantitative skills to interpret data and solve problems.

Critical Analysis
Students will evaluate concepts from a biblical worldview with logical reasoning and intellectual honesty.

Apply Scripture Carefully

Biblical Interpretation
Students will interpret Scripture using the historical-grammatical method with carefully attention to the immediate and broad biblical context.

Doctrinal Defense
Students will defend the historical biblical faith.

Baptist Distinctives
Students will explain the Baptist distinctives in the context of Baptist history.

Relate to Society Appropriately

Cultural Awareness
Students will respond to the dynamics of culture with discernment while showing respect to all people as image-bearers of God. 

Biblical Ethics
Students will make moral judgments based on biblical principles.

Historical Understanding
Students will analyze the influence of philosophical ideas on societal trends throughout history. 

Communicate Effectively

Written Communication
Students will write correctly and cohesively with compelling argumentation.

Oral Communication
Students will articulate ideas clearly and dynamically.

Serve Intentionally

Servant Leadership
Students will apply the principles of biblical servant leadership.

Executive Office

Higher education demands leadership and associated communication processes to be nimble, transparent, and effective. Maranatha’s executive leaders champion its commitment to fidelity, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.

The President and Chief Executive Officer ensure that every institutional action reflects a commitment to the mission and core values through established expectations and systems for accountability at every level. Maranatha’s stakeholders, board members, administration, faculty and staff, and student body represent a community of faith that is deeply committed to its shared biblical values.

The Executive Office oversees the implementation of Maranatha’s strategic planning process, which advances the mission while maintaining a focus on student learning.

Dr. Matthew Davis

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Matthew Davis

Chief Executive Officer

After serving since 2007 in various capacities at MBU—most recently as Executive Vice President and Corporate Counsel—Dr. Matt Davis transitioned at the start of 2021 to serve as Maranatha’s Chief Executive Officer. Coming alongside President Marriott, Dr. Davis has taken responsibility for much of the day-to-day workings of the school, including academics, accreditation, and administrative decision making.

“Maranatha is ministry,” Dr. Davis says. “In the days ahead, we will continue to focus our efforts on achieving the mission we hold so dear. We must be driven by mission, compelled by values, and guided by truth.”

Read more about our CEO.

Dr. Marty Marriott

President

Dr. Marty Marriott

President

Since 2009, Dr. Marty Marriott served in a combined position as MBU’s President and Chief Executive Officer. As an MBU alumnus and former pastor, he effectively leads faculty, staff, students, and alumni in MBU’s mission. In 2021, Dr. Marriott passed a portion of his role to Dr. Davis and focused his attention on spiritual leadership, promotion of the university, and oversight of the chapel ministry.

“At MBU, our students are our primary product,” Dr. Marriott explains. “I am thrilled to be a part of developing leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’”

Read more about our President.

Board of Trustees & Resource

Board of Trustees & Resource

Board of Trustees & Resource

Maranatha’s independent board of trustees functions as a guardian of the mission, purpose, and values of the institution. The board is comprised of pastors, business leaders, physicians, attorneys, and both alumni and non-alumni of Maranatha and represents the values and composition of the constituency. As such, the board serves as a sentinel guarding MBU’s governing principles and as a bellwether providing input and direction in meeting the broader needs of the constituency.

The Executive Committee of the board is a sub-committee of members elected by the full board. Between formal meetings of the board, the Executive Committee acts on behalf of the full board in emergencies and specified contingencies while routinely assisting the president with environmental scanning and external perspective.

Board of Trustees

  • Matthew Davis* Chief Executive Officer, Watertown, WI
  • David Anderson* | President, Watertown, WI
  • Marty Marriott* Chancellor, Watertown, WI
  • Doug Jackson, Chairman* Pastor, Saginaw, MI
  • Kevin Ames Retired Businessman, Pacifica, CA
  • David Baldwin Businessman, Owosso, MI
  • Darrell Beernink Retired Businessman, Normal, IL
  • Stephen Burton Businessman, Chesapeake, VA
  • Andy Counterman Pastor, Millersville, MD
  • Michael Dean* Attorney, Brookfield, WI
  • Randell Gillespie | Businessman, Georgetown, TX
  • William Lincoln Retired Pastor, Watertown, WI
  • Bob Loggans* Pastor, Watertown, WI
  • Randy Melchert Jr. | Educator & Attorney, Menomonee Falls, WI
  • Zachary Mortimer Businessman, Shelocta, PA
  • David Oliver* | Pastor, Belding, MI
  • Mark Poorman* Pastor, Fridley, MN
  • Chad Prigge Pastor, Watertown, WI
  • Tim Schmig | Educator, Owosso, MI
  • Michael Stoltenberg Physician, Watertown, WI

*Indicates Executive Committee member

Board of Resource

  • Todd Abbey | Pastor, Fairfax Station, VA
  • Jeremiah Cochran | Pastor, Toney, AL
  • William Cover | Pastor, Houston, TX
  • Dave Schlagel | Pastor, Downers Grove, IL
  • Jesse Sherburn | Research Engineer, Vicksburg, MS
  • Joel Mikkelson | Pastor, Santa Maria, CA
  • Aaron Wilson Camp Director, Prudenville, MI

Leadership Teams

Executive Council

The Executive Council (EC), the institution’s highest internal policy-making and appellate body, is made up of the executive-level leadership of the institution. EC meets regularly to address human resource issues and policy implementation. EC represents an important safeguard on institutional policy while maintaining the connection to the Strategic Plan. The CEO serves as the Chair of the Executive Council.

 

  • Matthew Davis, BS, JD | Chief Executive Officer
  • David Anderson, BA, MDiv, DMin | President
  • Marty Marriott, BA, BS, MA, MDiv, DD | Chancellor
  • Donald Donovan, BS, CPA | Chief Financial Officer, Vice President for Business Affairs
  • Andrew Goodwill, BA, MA, PhD | Dean of Students, Faculty for CBCM, & MBS
  • Mark Herbster, BA, MDiv | Dean of the College of Bible & Church Ministries, Maranatha Baptist Seminary  
  • William Licht, BA, MS, MA, EdD | Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Tim McPhillips, BS, MA | Vice President for Advancement
  • Kevin Montney, BS, JD | Director of Human Resources and Corporate Counsel 

Strategy Council

The Strategy Council oversees the Strategic Planning process (implementation, project management, and revision), Accreditation efforts (HLC requirements and tasks, program accreditation, compliance efforts), and Institutional Assessment (institutional outcomes, academic program review, operational department review). The CEO serves as the Chair of the Strategy Council.

 

  • Matthew Davis, BS, JD | Chief Executive Officer, Chair
  • Marty Marriott, BA, BS, MA, MDiv, DD | Chancellor
  • Jonathan Coleman, BA, MA, MEd | Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
  • William Licht, BA, MS, MA, EdD | Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice Chair
  • Dana Davis, BS, MS | Assistant Vice President, Online and Distance Learning
  • Jonathan Sheeley, BS, MA | Director of Communications
  • D. Lance Saxon Jr., BA | Registrar
  • Tim McPhillips, BS, MA | Vice President for Advancement

Leadership Council

The Leadership Council (LC) represents a vital nexus for the cross-flow of communication between departments and academic units. LC is comprised of the directors of every major department and academic unit as well as the administration of the university. Department leaders communicate recent developments, share innovations, and promote upcoming events. LC reports provide a free-flow of information on strategic direction and key organizational planning processes.

 

  • Matthew Davis, BS, JD | Chief Executive Officer
  • Marty Marriott, BA, BS, MA, MDiv, DD | Chancellor
  • Philip Alsup, BS, MS, EdD | Maranatha Baptist Academy Administrator
  • Ken Banks | Director of IT, Network Administrator
  • Melissa Chapman, BA | Director of Kiddie Kampus
  • Jared Chesley, BS | Facilities Manager
  • Jonathan Coleman, BA, MA, MEd | Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
  • Dana Davis, BS, MS | Assistant Vice President, Online and Distance Learning
  • Luke DeWald | Director, Office of Student Activities
  • Donald Donovan, BS, CPA | Chief Financial Officer, Vice President for Business Affairs
  • Jennifer Dunlop | Library Director
  • Pam Fiocchi, BA | Director of Admissions
  • Karrie Flegal, BA, MA | Director of Guest Relations
  • Tracy Foster, BS, MBA, DBA | Dean, School of Business
  • Lane Hansel, BS, MS, MS, EdD | Chair, Department of Applied Science
  • Andrew Goodwill | Dean of Students
  • Tom Graham | Dean of the School of Education
  • Tami Gunselman | Director of the School of Nursing
  • Emily Haynes, BA, MA | Dean of Women
  • Mark Herbster, BA, MDiv | Dean of the College of Bible & Church Ministries, Maranatha Baptist Seminary
  • David Ledgerwood, BS, MA, MA, DMA | Chair, Department of Music
  • William Licht, BA, MS, MA, EdD | Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Tim McPhillips, BS, MA | Vice President for Advancement
  • Angela Morris | Chair, Department of Humanities
  • D. Lance Saxon | Registrar
  • Jonathan Sheeley, BS, MA | Director of Communications
  • Robert Thompson, BS | Athletic Director
  • Matthew Uplinger, BBA | Director of Financial Aid
  • Peter Wright, BS, MA | Director of Student Recruitment, Director of Alumni Services

Statement of Faith

Within our Statement of Faith, we have provided a short summary of our doctrinal positions. For more thorough descriptions, please read our Commitment Statements.

We believe in . . .

  • The verbal, plenary inspiration of the Old and New Testaments
  • God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the new birth in Christ alone
  • Baptism by immersion for believers only
  • The eternal security of the believer
  • The Lord’s Supper as a memorial
  • Six creation days of 24 hours each
  • The bodily resurrection of Christ and His bodily ascension into heaven, where He now intercedes for believers
  • The pretribulation rapture of all believers
  • The premillennial return and millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ
  • The judgment
  • The reality of heaven and hell
  • The local church as God’s institution to carry out the Great Commission
  • The obligation of every believer to live a holy life and witness to the lost of the saving power of Christ

Commitment Statements

Maranatha’s Doctrinal Statement originated in the very first year of Maranatha’s existence. During the summer of 2009, the Bible faculty and seminary faculty created an expansion of the doctrinal statement and set forth the following declaration of its commitment to biblical truth and its application of that truth to the lives of its students, staff, and faculty.

Read the Commitment Statements.

Baptist Distinctives

Baptist

Maranatha stands without apology for the Baptist distinctives. Baptistic principles and polity are taught in the classroom and practiced in the personal ministries of each faculty member.

Biblical

Maranatha believes in verbal, plenary inspiration. The Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice and is inerrant in all matters it addresses. The literal, historical-grammatical approach to the interpretation of God’s Word is emphasized through the entire curriculum.

Dispensational

Maranatha emphasizes the pretribulational rapture of all believers and the premillennial return and reign of Jesus Christ. Students are warned about the errors of Reformed theology, and they are taught to “rightly divide the Word of Truth.”

Evangelistic

Maranatha challenges and prepares students to have warm soul-winners’ hearts and to build strong evangelistic churches. The faculty includes teachers who have many years of experience in building and developing soul-winning churches.

Local Church

Maranatha teaches that the local New Testament church is God’s ordained institution to carry out His work in this age. The primacy of the local church in scriptural teaching is emphasized in both doctrine and practice.

Separatist

Maranatha takes a clear-cut stand on separation from personal worldliness and ecclesiastical error. The leadership of the school has been and continues to be against all forms of modernism, inclusivism, neo-orthodoxy, new evangelicalism, and other forms of theological compromise.

Core Values

Maranatha believes the manner of accomplishing its mission, the method of achieving its objectives, and the articulation of its philosophy can and ought to be done in a Christ-like way and according to guiding values and principles tempered and shaped by the Word of God. Each administrator, faculty member, and student should seek to operate, interact, and behave according to these stated principles:

Maranatha is an institution committed to the principles on which it was founded—the truth of God’s Word and an adherence to Baptist distinctives that set it apart from other Christian colleges and universities.

Maranatha’s theological position and local church emphasis are, and have been, vital. Academically, regional accreditation and the wide scope of the University’s programs have offered our graduates nearly unlimited career and ministry opportunities.

“I want parents and students to know we will stay true to our foundation—to the fundamentals of the faith that are as important to them as they are to us,” University President Dr. Marty Marriott said. “We will always be Baptist, biblical, dispensational, and evangelistic. We will always emphasize the local church. Those are non-negotiables. There aren’t going to be sudden shifts in what we believe or how we apply those beliefs. We are going to stay the course that has been laid out for us over the last 50 years.”

That course began in 1968, when Maranatha Baptist Bible College was established by Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm and his wife, Thelma.