Maurice New Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Maurice is from Roanoke Rapids. After graduating from MACU in 1978, he preached for congregations in North Carolina, Indiana, and New York. He earned a Master of Divinity from Cincinnati Christian University in 1986 and joined the USN Chaplain Corps in 1989.

During his 24-year career he has served as Command Chaplain onboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and for Naval Station Norfolk, the largest Navy base in the world. He has also served on the staff of the Chief of Chaplains as an action officer and as Deputy Director for Pastoral Care in the Navy’s second largest major medical facility. He also served an assignment as Assistant Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps in Washington, DC.

Chaplain Maurice was then assigned to Naval Station, Norfolk, where he supported the readiness of operating forces of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, which included over 63 homeported ships, 15 aircraft squadrons, 386 tenant commands, and more than 54,000 active duty personnel. Currently he is serving as Director of CREDO (Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operation) Mid-Atlantic Region. He is retiring from this position, which oversees personal, marriage, and readiness ministry for active duty, retired, reserve, and civilian Navy and Marine personnel.

“We are so glad that Chaplain Maurice has chosen MACU as his next tour of duty,” President Clay Perkins said. “He was recently elected to the Board of Trustees of the university, but he felt a call to work with the school in another way when this position became available. We know that his life of service to others has prepared him well to assist us as we locate those who would support our ministry of education.”

As Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Maurice will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive plan for college advancement in support of MACU’s strategic direction and mission. He will have the overall responsibility for the management of major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation grants, marketing, communications and public relations, publications, and special events.

Maurice reflected on his new career path, “The ministry to patriots who raised their hand and took an oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States has been fulfilling and rewarding for the past 24 years. About a year ago I began to sense that God was preparing me for another exciting ministry.  I was unclear at the time what was in store for the future, but felt a stirring to something new and exciting!  I am humbled and excited to transition from the Navy to another institution that I love, my alma mater, and begin serving in this new role as Vice President for Institutional Advancement.”

Chaplain Maurice spoke for the university’s convocation service Aug. 20. He commented, “After attending convocation and seeing the excitement of MACU’s dedicated and talented faculty and students, I am confident that MACU has a bright future training extraordinary Christian leaders for service in the church and the marketplace.  The opportunity to be associated with MACU at this time in her history is humbling, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive contributions her students and graduates will make for years to come.”

Maurice’s numerous military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Commander Maurice is married to the former Sherry Johnson, also a Mid-Atlantic alum. They have two adult children.

Questions or comments may be directed to the Office of the President.

Mid-Atlantic Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mid-Atlantic Christian University.