John Maurice Announces Retirement as President of Mid-Atlantic Christian university; Scott Hurley Named Interim President

John Maurice, who guided Mid-Atlantic Christian University through a devastating building collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant campus rebuilding, has announced his retirement after more than eight years as president. Dr. Scott Hurley has been appointed interim president, effective November 2, 2026.

Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, announced Maurice’s retirement on October 12, bringing to a close a presidency marked by extraordinary institutional challenges, academic expansion, and personal hardship.

Maurice, the university’s fourth president, informed the Board of Trustees of his intention to retire during its May 2026 meeting. His departure follows more than 12 years of service to the institution, including his initial appointment as vice president for institutional advancement in January 2014.

Before joining MACU, Maurice enjoyed a distinguished career in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of commander. He was appointed interim president in July 2017 and formally selected as the university’s fourth president in February 2018. His installation followed in May of that year.

Leading Through Crisis and Rebuilding

Perhaps the most defining challenge of Maurice’s presidency came on September 5, 2020, when a portion of Heritage Hall, the university’s principal classroom building, collapsed during a roofing project.

The collapse destroyed critical classroom space and rendered the building unusable. Heritage Hall also housed the university’s cafeteria and several academic offices. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

The disaster occurred while MACU was already contending with the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of the two crises forced university leaders to make substantial adjustments to academic instruction, dining services, campus operations, and student life.

Classes were relocated to available campus facilities, including residence hall common areas and other meeting spaces. The nearby College of The Albemarle also provided classroom space, while local churches and community organizations assisted with meals and other immediate needs.

The experience placed considerable pressure on the small Christian university. Enrollment declined significantly as the institution struggled to maintain a traditional residential college experience without its primary academic building and dining facilities.

Despite these obstacles, Maurice led an ambitious rebuilding effort.

In November 2022, MACU opened Alligood Commons, a new dining facility named in honor of longtime university employees Phillip and Ora Jane Alligood. The approximately 7,000-square-foot building restored an important gathering place for students and faculty.

The university subsequently completed a new Heritage Hall, with its dedication scheduled for October 2023. The approximately 21,600-square-foot facility provided modern classrooms, science laboratories, faculty offices, and additional meeting spaces.

Rebuilding also required significant fundraising and financial planning. The university launched a capital campaign and secured financing to support construction while pursuing an insurance settlement.

The dispute with its campus insurer resulted in approximately four years of litigation before the parties finally reached a settlement shortly before the scheduled trial.

The rebuilding effort represented more than the replacement of damaged facilities. For MACU, it was an opportunity to restore campus life and provide improved resources for future generations of students.

Academic Expansion and Renewed Emphasis on Ministry

Although much of Maurice’s presidency was consumed by rebuilding, the university also pursued several academic initiatives.

MACU expanded its academic offerings to include degree programs in supply chain management, healthcare administration, and human resource management. These programs broadened opportunities for students interested in combining Christian education with careers in business and professional leadership.

The university also developed a partnership with Regent University establishing a 3+3 program through which qualifying students can complete a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor degree in six years rather than the traditional seven.

During Maurice’s tenure, MACU became a partner institution of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), strengthening its relationship with the state’s private higher education community.

Of particular interest to churches associated with the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement was Maurice’s decision to reinstitute a preaching concentration within the university’s ministry program.

The decision reflected the institution’s historic commitment to preparing ministers for service in local congregations.

Founded in 1948 as Roanoke Bible College by George and Sarah BonDurant, MACU was established to help address a shortage of preachers among Christian churches and churches of Christ in eastern North Carolina and surrounding regions. That mission has remained central to the university’s identity even as its academic offerings have expanded.

Another significant milestone came in spring 2026 when the university received reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Personal Loss and a Decision to Retire

Beyond the institutional difficulties of his presidency, Maurice faced profound personal challenges.

During the final years of his leadership, he cared for his wife as she battled a debilitating illness with cancer. Her death approximately one year ago brought a season of grief that profoundly affected his life.

According to the university’s retirement announcement, Maurice found that remaining engaged with MACU students helped him through the difficult period following her death. Their presence and his continued involvement in university life provided an important source of healing.

His decision to retire comes after that period of adjustment, as he concludes a chapter of service that included both remarkable challenges and meaningful accomplishments.

The university said Maurice leaves with a heart filled with love and thankfulness for the institution and the people who have been part of his ministry there.

Scott Hurley Named Interim President

The MACU Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Scott Hurley to serve as interim president in accordance with university policy. He will assume his responsibilities November 2.

Hurley brings extensive experience in nonprofit administration, fundraising, organizational development, and Christian ministry leadership.

His previous leadership experience includes service with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Family Research Council, and Lincoln Christian University.

Throughout his career, Hurley has worked in philanthropy, ministry advancement, and strategic organizational growth. According to MACU, he has helped raise more than $1 billion in charitable support for Christian ministries and related Kingdom initiatives.

Hurley earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln Christian College and his Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary. He subsequently completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity International University.

His connections with Lincoln Christian University and its predecessor institutions place him within the broader educational heritage of the independent Christian churches and churches of Christ.

As interim president, Hurley will be responsible for providing leadership during the university’s transition while continuing to advance its educational and spiritual mission.

The university expressed enthusiasm about his appointment and his potential to strengthen relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporting congregations.

A New Chapter for MACU

Maurice’s retirement marks another significant transition for an institution that has weathered substantial challenges in recent years.

During his presidency, MACU endured a global pandemic, lost its principal classroom building, navigated prolonged insurance litigation, and undertook major construction projects. At the same time, the university expanded its academic programs, renewed its emphasis on preaching, and achieved an important accreditation milestone.

For an institution founded to prepare Christian leaders for service in the church, those developments reflect both its continuing historic mission and its efforts to adapt to the changing needs of higher education.

As Hurley prepares to assume interim leadership, MACU faces the task of building upon the recovery and progress of the Maurice years while identifying new opportunities for institutional growth.

The university enters that transition with new facilities, expanded academic opportunities, and a continued commitment to educating and equipping Christian leaders to serve Christ in the church and throughout the world.

Author: Rick Cherok

Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Minister of the Phillips Christian Church in Salem, Ohio.