Thomas Graham
Professor
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Thomas Graham assumed the role of Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2024, after serving as Dean of Education since 2022. Graham brings a wealth of experience to the University as teacher, administrator, and pastor. CEO Dr. Matt Davis said of his appointment, “With my highest recommendation, the board of trustees affirmed Dr. Tom Graham with our full confidence that God has uniquely prepared him to fill these very big shoes. His track record of faithful ministry in the local church, his careful study of the Word, and his commitment to excellence in Christian education make him the perfect man to lead Maranatha’s faculty.
Graham’s desire has always been to serve the Lord through Maranatha Baptist University’s School of Education. That desire, he says, “is driven by a passion to touch eternity by fulfilling the imperative delivered by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:2, ‘And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.’ My purpose in coming to MBU is to invest my life into the lives of those preparing for a teaching ministry, that they too may go forth and touch eternity ‘to the praise of His glory.'”
Education & Credentials
- EdD Educational Ministry, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- ThM Applied Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- MRE Religious Education, Temple Baptist Seminary
- MA Bible Exposition, Pensacola Christian College
- BA Bible/Missions, Pensacola Christian College
Get to know Thomas Graham
Campus Involvement
Vice President for Academic Affairs; Academic Committee Chair; Leadership Council; Strategy Council; Executive Council
Family
Tom and his wife, Cherie, have been married since 1994. Cherie earned both her bachelor’s degree and MEd in Teaching and Learning through Maranatha Online and Distance Learning. The Grahams have three children – a son and daughter who graduated from Maranatha and a daughter who is currently an MBU student.
Other Activities and Interests
In addition to studying, Tom enjoys hunting, fishing, and coin collecting.
Church Ministry
After 24 years on the pastoral staff at a church in Missouri, Tom currently serves as both a Deacon and Adult Sunday School Teacher at his local church.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Schools; Association of Christian Schools International; Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education; Wisconsin Independent Colleges of Teacher Education.
Publications
Graham, T. (2023). Rethinking Professional Development: The Meaning, Motives, Models, and Methods. Journal for Christian Educators, 29(3), 6-13.
Graham, T. (2018). Book Review of How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching by Susan A. Ambrose, et al. Journal for Christian Educators, 24(3), 15.
Graham, T. (2017). Funding Christian Education in the 21st Century. Journal for Christian Educators, 23(2), 6-9.