First Institution in 15 Years to Join Esteemed Network of Private, Nonprofit Colleges and Universities
Elizabeth City, NC — Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) is pleased to announce its acceptance as a part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU)—a significant milestone that makes MACU the first institution in over 15 years to join this influential statewide consortium of private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
This historic step affirms MACU’s deep commitment to academic excellence, service-centered education, and strategic collaboration across North Carolina’s higher education landscape.
“This is a significant and exciting milestone for Mid-Atlantic Christian University,” said Dr. John W. Maurice, Jr., President of MACU. “Becoming a part of NCICU allows us to join a distinguished network of institutions that share our core values of integrity, service, and transformative education. As the first university in a decade to be welcomed into this organization, we are honored to bring our unique voice and vision to this collaborative effort in advancing independent higher education across North Carolina.”
With 36 colleges and universities, NCICU represents the collective strength of private higher education in the state. It provides critical advocacy at the state and federal levels, promotes research, facilitates joint initiatives, and supports student-focused programming through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina. MACU’s inclusion in NCICU reinforces the shared vision of nurturing student potential, encouraging community impact, and fostering holistic development grounded in values.
About Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Founded in 1948, Mid-Atlantic Christian University is a private, faith-based institution located in Elizabeth City, NC. Rooted in the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ tradition, MACU is dedicated to transforming ordinary people into extraordinary leaders through a mission-driven education that emphasizes spiritual formation, servant leadership, and academic rigor. Students benefit from small class sizes, personal faculty mentorship, and a strong sense of community on MACU’s scenic waterfront campus.
About North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU)
NCICU is the statewide office representing North Carolina’s private, nonprofit liberal arts and research colleges and universities. NCICU advocates for independent higher education through public policy engagement, facilitates collaboration with K-12 and other higher education sectors, supports fundraising for student scholarships, and provides professional development and research to strengthen its institutions. The presidents of each institution serve on the NCICU Board of Directors.