Maranatha Baptist University Culture Company

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 will take 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.”

Since 2009, Dr. Marty Marriott has served in a combined position as MBU’s President and Chief Executive Officer. His history as a Maranatha alumnus and pastor have enabled him to minister effectively, leading faculty, staff, students, and alumni in accomplishing the mission of MBU. In 2021, Dr. Marriott passed a portion of his leadership role to Dr. Matt Davis, focusing his attention on spiritual leadership, promotion of the university, and oversight of the chapel ministry. “At MBU, our students are our primary product—not educational experiences, grades, or even class content,” 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.’”

Born and raised in Connecticut, Donovan began his career at KPMG, one of the "Big Four" independent accounting firms, where I earned my CPA designation while working on a variety of audit engagements including clients in the real estate, banking, government, and not-for-profit sectors. Then, after several years at an insurance company, I worked for the last 21 years for UBS Realty, a real estate investment management firm based in Hartford, Connecticut. While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working in the real estate investment management space, the Lord has given me a desire to align my professional skills with my heart for service to the Lord. Serving the Lord in this capacity at Maranatha Baptist University is an exciting and challenging stewardship opportunity for me.

Dr. Andrew Goodwill joined the MBU faculty in 2019 as an online instructor in the College of Bible and Church Ministries and Maranatha Baptist Seminary. He and his family moved to Watertown in 2020, when he accepted the position of Dean of Students and part-time residential faculty. Prior to their move, Dr. Goodwill served as the assistant pastor of a church for three years. He brings a wealth of student life experience to his position of Dean of Students, having lived in a men’s residence hall as a dorm supervisor for five years. Dr. Goodwill teaches Seminary courses in Old Testament and Hebrew as well as Bible and Theology courses online. “God has given us a love for working with college students,” Dr. Goodwill says. “There are few things as exciting as watching God change and mature young people for his service.”

Mark Herbster came to Maranatha in 2018 with sixteen years of practical ministry experience. As the leader of the Herbster Evangelistic Team, he has preached in camps, churches, and conferences, and has served alongside pastors in churches all over the world. His passionate spiritual fervor permeates his ministry at Maranatha, participating alongside students in music groups and events, directing student discipleship efforts and teaching, as well as filling the role of Dean of the College of Bible and Church Ministries and Maranatha Baptist Seminary.

Dr. Licht came to Maranatha after spending more than ten years as a Christian School teacher and principal. He joined the MBU faculty in 1993. Along with his faculty responsibilities, he served as the Chair of the Department of Humanities and then Dean of the School of Education. Since 2014, he has taken leadership as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Licht continues to teach selected undergrad History courses and graduate courses in the MEd program. He refers to his moments in the classroom as “my most favorite time of the week.”