SYNERGY - Dr. Marie Herring

Story By: Dr. Anthony Robinson

Education, faith, and the American Dream: this is the story of Rev. Dr. Marie Herring. Born to parents that highly valued education and religion, Dr. Herring has been honoring this legacy her entire career. “My parents had the greatest impact on me because they expected me to always do my best. My mom pushed me to excel in education, and my dad taught me the Word of God and exposed me to every aspect of church.”

Dr. Herring was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, and has been serving the community ever since. Her father was a Reverend in town, and he provided her with the spiritual foundation that has undergirded her personal philosophy for success: “This is a great combination for success—Education and The Lord.”

Both parents worked as custodians for their occupation- her father at Duval Elementary School and her mother at the University of Florida. Dr. Herring eventually graduated from both of these institutions.

Dr. Herring has a passion for education, which she attributes to her mother. This passion led her to graduate Salutatorian of her class from Lincoln High School. She then attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. She graduated from the University of Florida and graduated with a master’s degree in Math Education and later attended Nova University and graduated with a specialist degree in Math and Gifted Education.

After this period of receiving an education, Dr. Herring decided to give back. She shared her passion for knowledge with her students at Eastside High School, where she worked as a math teacher and an instructor for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.

Dr. Herring’s 35-year career as a math teacher came to an end and she returned to her spiritual roots. “I was called to pastor the DaySpring Missionary Baptist Church. I was unanimously voted to become their pastor in 2008. I continue as their pastor to date.”

This calling marked a new chapter in Dr. Herring’s life and career. She attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio and graduated with a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Congregational Development.

“I want people to remember that I tried to help people, especially young people. Not only have I been called to pastor, but I’ve been called to encourage others in their gifts and push them into their destiny. I’ve been called to provide a platform for women and men to exercise their gifts.”

She continues her parents’ legacy of valuing education and faith through her own children and their accomplishments: “My proudest moment was when my children established the Lenton and Marie Herring Scholarship of $1000 given to a high school senior every year through the Alachua County Education Foundation.”

Rev. Herring says setting goals is how she measures her church’s progress and how the church executes long-term programs. “I set goals each year at the beginning of the year. At the end of the year, we check to see if we accomplish those goals. If not accomplished, the goal is carried over to the next year until accomplished. We are laser-focused on meeting goals. For example, the building of the new sanctuary became a goal in 2010; we accomplished this goal in 2018.”

This long-term perspective has led to many achievements in her life. Dr. Herring has had to overcome many obstacles on her path to success. She says her faith in God’s power and trust in His vision gives her the courage and strength to persevere.

“Gender bias in the church is one of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered. The Association expelled our church from its organization because it hired a woman pastor. That was a sad day in my life. Since then, I’ve come to realize that was the best move for our church. The church began to flourish.”

“I didn’t ask to be in the Ministry. I was called for such a time as this. While I’m here, I will serve until serving days are done. Then I’ll hear Him say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”