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Welcome School of Business Faculty Member | John Voorhis

��ԭ�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:58:51 +0000

From E-commerce Ventures to the Classroom—Welcome John Voorhis We are pleased to announce alumni John Voorhis (’08) as a new faculty member in the School of Business, effective this fall. John joins us following 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship and strategic sourcing. Over the course of his career, he has built, scaled, and exited two e-commerce brands and led large-scale sourcing initiatives at a Fortune 30 retailer. Drawing on both corporate and entrepreneurial experience, his goal will be to help students apply business concepts in real-world settings. Beyond Business John was raised in a Christian home and trusted Christ as his Savior at the age of five. At eighteen, after wrestling with God’s call on his life, he fully surrendered to the Lord. He testifies, “My walk with Christ has shaped every aspect of my life, guiding both my family and professional calling.” His wife, Samantha, is also a ��ԭ�� graduate (’07), and together they are raising eight children, ranging in age from 16 to 4. John often notes that more than any experience in business or professional life, his responsibility as a husband and father has been the most formative influence on who he is today. The Voorhis […]

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Commencement | May 8, 2026

��ԭ�� — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:29:13 +0000

Preliminaries Music professor Ruth Brown’s grand piano prelude greeted family and friends as they gathered for ��ԭ��’s 57th Convocation on Friday, May 8. As the processional began, the crowd fell silent, watching the surge of bobbing mortarboards and swaying tassels sweep down the aisles. “Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,” the processional resounded, as the graduates took their positions at the front. Then, Dr. David Brown led the congregation in singing that regal hymn, “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” celebrating the Lord of life, love, and years. Invocation & Welcome CEO Dr. Matthew Davis offered the invocation, thanking the Lord for the glorious opportunity to celebrate, acknowledging Christ as the source, asking that every aspect of the ceremony would point to Him. He prayed that seniors would reflect on all they had learned and rededicate themselves to living lives honoring to Him. When all were seated, Dr. Davis greeted guests, acknowledging them by groups, asking them to stand. Beginning with the faculty, he applauded their investment in student lives. He thanked parents for their years of prayer and dedication, pastors for their investment in ministering the Word, and board members who safeguard ��ԭ��’s mission and undergird the […]

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Baccalaureate | May 7, 2026

��ԭ�� — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:05:21 +0000

Preliminaries Peter Wright’s rousing prelude established a festive tone for ��ԭ��’s 2026 Baccalaureate service. As he modulated into “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and guests respectfully rose, graduate candidates began their victorious processional into the gymnasium. The music echoed Edward Perronet’s compelling lyrics, bidding all to “Crown Him Lord of all!” Led by the faculty member Dr. Douglas Bachorik, the congregation united in singing Charles Wesley’s lively self-exhortation, “Arise, My Soul, Arise.” Grounded in assurance of Christ’s finished sacrifice, the hymn urges us to confidently “draw nigh” to the Father. As the music ended, President Dr. David Anderson opened with prayer, expressing gratitude to God for salvation and His Spirit who indwells and empowers believers and who enabled the student accomplishments being celebrated. He prayed that the Lord would be honored even as the graduates were recognized, and that He would help students to go on to serve faithfully with awareness of their future accountability. In rich harmony, the Praisemen—seniors Andrew Centifanto, Daniel Earnest, and Kenny Kartman, alongside fellow students Bryce Felber and Jonathan Herbster—sang “God of Light and Love,” maintaining the theme: “All praise and glory to the King!” CEO Dr. Matthew Davis welcomed attendees to this […]

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Nurses Pinning Ceremony | May 7, 2026

��ԭ�� — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:22:46 +0000

Preliminaries A nostalgic digital collage of nursing graduate photographs greeted guests at the 2026 Nurses Pinning Ceremony while Mrs. Heidi Fuller played a delightful piano prelude. Dr. Sarah Urban, Dean of the School of Nursing, opened the service by explaining its purpose as both a time of reflection and a charge to graduate nurses. She commented on student growth from introductory nursing courses to accomplished seniors who had completed more than 200 hours of clinical work. Dr. Urban then introduced nursing faculty and expressed gratitude to clinical partners who provided students with unique learning opportunities. She thanked preceptors for their vital role in the seniors’ capstone experiences, often serving without remuneration. She warmly welcomed parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, and friends who supported graduates throughout their nursing studies. Briefly presenting the time-honored tradition and significance of the pinning ceremony, Dr. Urban mentioned roots back to the twelfth century and of Florence Nightingale, who in the 1800s acknowledged excellence in her nursing school graduates, bestowing awards. At ��ԭ��, however, the pinning holds deeper meaning, anchored in the biblical worldview of serving God through nursing. Last, she explained lamp lighting as symbolically passing the torch to another generation. Announcing the students who would […]

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Dr. Marty Marriott (1953-2026) | Memorial Service Recap April 24, 2026

��ԭ�� — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:36:44 +0000

Prelude and Processional As relatives, ministry partners, students, and friends gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, Wisconsin, senior student Emma Bateman’s prelude filled the sanctuary while a collage of family photos portrayed highlights of Dr. Marty Marriott’s life. When the congregation rose for the processional, Emma Bateman and faculty member Ruth Brown offered a piano duet medley of “Finally Home” and “I Shall Know Him,” the lyrics pointing to the present reality of Dr. Marriott “waking up in Glory and finding it ‘Home.’” Praise in Song and Prayer Son-in-law Joshua Roberts, missionary to Wales, led the congregation in singing “Arise, My Soul, Arise,” an anthem testifying of Christ’s atoning work. Brother-in-law Dr. Steve Love followed with prayer “to the God of the resurrection,” who lifts mourners beyond the “burden of death,” asking His comfort for family members and His blessing on the memorial service. Welcome and Scripture Reading Pastor Bob Loggans welcomed those present and read Psalm 116:15—“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints,” noting that while the day was marked by sorrow, it was also a celebration of Dr. Marriott’s faithful service to God. Thanking those in attendance, he recognized medical personnel; […]

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��ԭ�� Mourns the Passing of Chancellor and Former President Dr. Marty Marriott

��ԭ�� — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:35:28 +0000

WATERTOWN, Wis., April 20, 2026—��ԭ�� announces with deep sorrow the passing of Dr. Marty Marriott, chancellor and former president of the university. A faithful servant of Christ and steadfast leader within churches and higher education, Dr. Marriott’s life and ministry left an indelible mark on MBU and on countless lives around the world. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Thursday, April 23 | 4-7 PM | Visitation | Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown, WI Friday, April 24 | 11 AM-12 PM | Visitation | Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown, WI Friday, April 24 | 1 PM | Memorial Service | Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown, WI Friday, April 24 | 3:30 PM | Graveside Service | ��ԭ��, Watertown, WI Dr. Marriott served as ��ԭ��’s fifth president from 2010 to 2023 and as chancellor from 2023 until his passing in 2026. His leadership was defined by humility, conviction, and a clear vision for training leaders for the local church “To the Praise of His Glory.” Under his direction, ��ԭ�� strengthened its biblical foundations while expanding academic opportunities through initiatives such as the Bible and Church Ministries Scholarship and the growth of online and distance learning programs that have reached students globally. […]

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Saxon, Farnham, and Jones Co-Author Talking About Worldviews, Appear on Podcast

��ԭ�� — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:38:12 +0000

Can You Defend What You Believe? Does everyone have a worldview? Can you spot a logical fallacy in a casual conversation? In an era of “my truth” vs. “your truth,” is there such a thing as objective reality? These are not just academic questions; they address moorings that govern our lives. Much-revered MBU faculty member Dr. David Saxon has collaborated with alumni Dr. Michael Jones and Dr. Mark Farnham to grapple with these questions in their new book: Talking About Worldviews: A Conversational Introduction to Thinking Philosophically (Kregel, 2026). Philosophy for the Rest of Us Unlike intimidating philosophy textbooks, Talking About Worldviews takes a different approach. Using fictional conversations (half of which Dr. Saxon composed), the authors guide readers through complex topics such as logic and epistemology. According to Dr. Saxon, explaining philosophical concepts through a sustained story was the most challenging aspect of their four-year writing project. As fictional characters present their worldviews, the book models civil discourse, presenting varied belief systems’ strengths and weaknesses. Examining these ideas through a biblical worldview, the authors equip readers with tools to test their beliefs and graciously engage others in apologetic interactions. The story involves criminals, gunrunning, and even shoot-outs. “We think […]

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��ԭ�� Nursing Professor Carolyn Yager Earns Doctorate in Nursing Practice

��ԭ�� — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:07:18 +0000

��ԭ�� (MBU) applauds Associate Professor Dr. Carolyn Yager on the recent conferral of her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). A DNP prepares nursing leaders, educators, and policy specialists, focusing on clinical practice, leadership, and system improvements rather than theoretical research. Carolyn says, “I was drawn to nursing because of its unique blend of science, compassion, and service.” Required to teach during her master’s work, she discovered genuine enjoyment in teaching which influenced her doctoral work and career goals. Actively engaged in church planting with her husband in addition to full-time nursing and family responsibilities, she successfully balanced advanced studies through flexibility of an online program. Doctoral Project Challenges and Lessons While working in an emergency department during her studies, Dr. Yager designed her doctoral project to address bottlenecking within the triage process, seeking to improve workflow efficiency and patient care in a high-acuity setting. The project faced unanticipated challenges when a hospital buyout resulted in significant organizational change and a nine-month delay. Upon resuming, time constraints forced a reduction in the project’s scope, causing complexities in implementation and inconsistencies, making it difficult to fully demonstrate the intervention’s impact. “Through these challenges I learned the importance of flexibility and perseverance,” […]

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Practical Publishing Considerations for Aspiring Composers

��ԭ�� — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:57:58 +0000

Navigating the publishing market can be challenging, particularly for those unsure about what to expect. Professional guidance can provide valuable insight and help composers avoid common pitfalls. Dr. David Ledgerwood, former chair of ��ԭ��’s Department of Music, is an exceptional teacher, conductor, and performer. A prolific arranger with more than fifty published works to his credit, he is distinctively qualified to offer sage advice for those preparing music for publication. When asked about his thoughts on publishing as a young composer, Dr. Ledgerwood offered many valuable considerations. The publishing market can be challenging when one is unsure of what to expect, and he provided valuable insight on how to approach the publishing process. Ledgerwood says, “Before getting started, I suggest a thorough and honest consideration of the following points: Motivation: Why do you want to publish? Is it for financial gain? Is it for notoriety? Do you view it as a stamp of approval on your work? Financially, standard publishing royalties are 10% on copies sold. You can do the math. Notoriety—yes—if musicians see that you are published, they may be more likely to commission you to write something for them. The best income is in commissions. [If for] stamp […]

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Hailee Butler: A Student Voice at the State Capitol

��ԭ�� — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:18 +0000

Communications arts junior Hailee Butler was honored recently to represent the “youth voice” before the Wisconsin Assembly Task Force on Protecting Kids. The session examined effects of parental communication, social-emotional issues of digital addiction, online risks, and options for creating a safer digital environment. Hailee joined a delegation from Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF) to present research and survey findings from local initiatives and to advocate actions to safeguard school-aged children. Hailee’s path to the capitol began when Dean of Women Emily Haynes informed her of a community event to discuss impact of social media on youth. Hailee had witnessed the dire results of negative digital influence on one of the sixth-grade students on her church bus ministry route. Attempting to shield her from bullying, parents had withdrawn the girl from school, only to have cyberbullying drive her to suicide. The tragedy was a factor in Hailee’s decision to attend the activity. She prayed to make connections there that might even lead to internships and God’s unfolding career plan. Hailee’s natural leadership prompted organizers to invite her to the capitol. “I don’t believe that I did anything truly astonishing or talented,” Hailee confesses and then explains, “In my opinion, […]

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