Administrative Council

Dr. Carlo Serrano

President

Dr. Carlo A. Serrano is the President of Manna University, where he’s served for 10 years in a variety of administrative and academic roles. He also serves as an adjunct professor for several colleges and universities. He has over 18 years of combined experience in executive leadership as a pastor, nonprofit board member, and organizational consultant. He is a combat veteran (OIF-1) and spent 5 years on active duty in the US Army before entering vocational ministry. Serrano is a published author, researcher, and the co-editor of the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership. He holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, an MA in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, a BA in Psychology from American Military University, and a Diploma in Ministerial Studies from Global University. Carlo and his wife Jaemi have two adult sons.

Ron McBride

Provost

Chaplain Ron McBride is the Provost of Manna University, where he has served since January 2015 as the Senior Vice President/Chief Academic Officer. From December 2021 through May 2023, he served as the Acting/Interim President. Prior to joining the faculty and staff of Manna U, he served 23 years as full-time faculty in North Carolina's Cumberland County Schools. In addition to local-church ministry, he currently serves as a Senior Ordained Community Chaplain, as a Board Member, and as a Support Trainer with the International Fellowship of Chaplains. He has over 30 years of combined experience in ministry as a church leader, executive leader, nonprofit board member, and as a professional educator. He currently holds a Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) degree, a Bachelor of Science in English Language and Literature (Teaching) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership (Organizational Leadership) at Liberty University. Ron and his wife Elsa have been married since 1992, and they have three children: Daniel (20), Katherine (15) and Richard (15).

Cathy Lucas

Vice President of Administration

Cathy Lucas has served as the Vice President of Administration at Manna University since November 2015. Cathy oversees Federal Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits at Manna U. She holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Cathy also graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Cathy has 3 adult children; twin daughters, Taylor and Tyler, and a son, Mekhi.

Susan Blaylock

Dean of Students

Susan received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Methodist University, a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation from University of the Nations, and a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, as well as a Master of Divinity from Manna University. Susan served as a residential missionary in south Asia for 27 years. She currently works at Manna University as the Dean of Students and started teaching in Spring of 2022.

Frank Brazell

Registrar

Frank received his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Bible from Columbia International University, and a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Grace College of Divinity. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in History at Liberty University. He is currently working at Manna University as the Registrar. Frank has been teaching at Manna University since Fall 2020.

Elisabeth Chivers

Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness

Elisabeth has received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Chapman University, a Master of Arts in History from Liberty University, a Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School, and Ph.D. in History (ABD) from Liberty University. She is currently working on staff at Manna University as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Elisabeth has been teaching at Manna University since the Summer of 2019.

Michele Damato

Director of Enrollment

Stefanie Ertel

Dean of Distance Education

Stefanie received her Bachelor of Divinity at Grace College of Divinity. She received her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Development Consulting at Regent University. Her experience includes more than 10 years of teaching, leadership consulting for organizations, and working in higher education since 2011. She has taught and directed the undergraduate School of Leadership at Manna University since 2014, and currently serves as the Dean of Distance Education.

Elsa McBride

Dean of Library Services

Elsa received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Library Science from North Carolina Central University in Durham. She has been a Librarian at Manna University since 2019.

Sean Pottorff

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Sean received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting from American Military University, as wells as a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Grace College of Divinity. He currently serves as the Director of Finance and Human Resources for Manna University. Sean has been teaching at Manna University since the Fall of 2021.