What Is It?

"What Is It?" Episode 16 - Dee Bowie and Dr. Carlo Serrano

In this episode of What Is It, Dr. Serrano joins us to share exciting updates from Manna University, including the launch of the Manna University Leadership Institute (MULI). He unpacks the heart behind this new initiative and how it aligns with Manna U’s commitment to educating students for effective biblical leadership.We also take a look at key developments from the past year and how these changes are equipping students with the tools, experiences, and support they need to grow both academically and spiritually.Finally, Dr. Serrano casts vision for what’s ahead—sharing how these initiatives are empowering students, staff, and faculty, and what it looks like for Manna U students to step confidently into their calling in the year to come.

"What Is It?" Episode 14 - Dee Bowie and Michelle Pottorff

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host Michelle, a current Manna University student who is faithfully balancing school, family life, and leadership at Manna Church. Michelle shares how her journey at Manna U began, what degree program she’s pursuing, and why she chose this path.She opens up about the ways she’s being equipped in her everyday student life, the faculty and staff who have impacted her most, and how her education is strengthening her roles as a wife, mother, and Growth Track leader.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly do it all—or if going back to school feels out of reach—Michelle’s story will encourage and empower you to take the next step with confidence.

"What Is It?" Episode 15 - Dee Bowie and Tamara Hewett

In this episode of “What Is It?” we sit down with Tamara, a current Manna University student who is faithfully balancing work, church involvement, and her Master’s degree. She shares how her journey at Manna U began, what led her to choose her degree path, and how her education is shaping her everyday life. Tamara gives insight into how she’s being equipped as a student through the support of faculty and the Manna U community, and how that foundation is helping her lead and serve with confidence. With a powerful testimony of balancing multiple responsibilities while staying rooted in her calling, Tamara encourages anyone who feels like they can’t do it all. This episode is a reminder that with the right support, you can step into everything God has for you. I am still working on the video because I am having some technical issues that I am working through.

"What Is It?" Episode 13 - Dee Bowie and Kylie Alfaro

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Manna University's Academic Coordinator, Kylie Alfaro as she shares her story as an alum who is now serving in a key role within Manna Church Worship. Kylie shares how her journey at Manna U began, what she gained from her education beyond a bachelor’s degree, and how that foundation prepared her for leadership in both the church and the university.   Their conversation explores what it means to be equipped for ministry, how empowerment shapes confident leadership, and why taking the step to return to school can be transformative. This episode offers encouragement for anyone discerning their next step in education, ministry, or calling.

"What Is It?" Episode 12 - Dee Bowie and Cherish Thompson

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Manna University's Enrollment Counselor, Cherish Thompson as she shares her journey from student to staff member at Manna University. She reflects on how she found Manna U, what her education gave her beyond a degree, and how it equipped her for her current role on campus and in Manna Church.   Cherish also unpacks what empowerment has looked like in her life and offers encouragement to anyone considering returning to school but feeling uncertain. This conversation highlights how Manna University educates, equips, and empowers students to step confidently into their calling.