Manna University

Manna University's roots began with Manna Christian College on the campus of Manna Church, Fayetteville, NC. Formed by Jerry Daley in 1978 to train future pastors and church leaders, the college curriculum integrated biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry.

Manna Christian College later became Grace Leadership Institute, located on the campus of Grace Church of Chapel Hill. Grace Leadership Institute trained church leaders for Grace Churches International (GCI) in leadership, worship, ministry, and family life. This education was designed not to replace but to complement the discipleship efforts of the local church. Grace College of Divinity, established in the fall of 2000, began to offer structured college curricula taught by faculty with years of ministry experience. As the college expanded to provide undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, the transition from college to university was natural. In 2020, the Board of Directors decided to pursue a relaunch of the college as Manna University. Today, along with its main campus in Fayetteville, NC, Manna University has sites and mentoring centers in several states and countries and an ever-increasing online presence. Our programs have receivednational recognition for academic outcomes and excellence in online learning. The name Manna University recalls our past and our identity as a biblical higher education institution dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering emerging leaders to change the world. We exist to advance the Kingdom of God through biblical higher education Everywhere.