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{{short description|Four-year university in Mars Hill, North Carolina}}
{{Short description|Christian university in Mars Hill, North Carolina, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox university
{{Infobox university
|name = Mars Hill University
|name = Mars Hill University
|image = MarsHillCollege Seal.png
|image = MarsHillCollege Seal.png
|former_names = French Broad Baptist Institute (1856–1859)<br />Mars Hill College (1859–2013)
|former_names = French Broad Baptist Institute (1856–1859)<br />Mars Hill College (1859–2013)
|motto = ''Pro Christo Adolescentibusque''
|motto = ''Pro Christo Adolescentibusque'' <br>
"For Christ and For Youth"
"For Christ and For Youth"
|established = 1856
|established = 1856
|type = [[Private university]]
|type = [[Private university]]
|religious_affiliation = [[Nicene Christianity|Christian]]<ref name=Christianity>{{cite web |url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/religious-identity-statement/ |title=Religious Identity Statement |author=Mars Hill University |date=2003 |accessdate=November 24, 2022}}</ref>
|religious_affiliation = [[Nicene Christianity|Christian]]<ref name=Christianity>{{cite web |url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/religious-identity-statement/ |title=Religious Identity Statement |author=Mars Hill University |date=2003 |accessdate=November 24, 2022}}</ref>
|faculty = 71<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=NC&pg=6&id=198899 | title=College Navigator - Mars Hill University }}</ref>
|faculty = 74<ref name="nces.ed.gov">{{Cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=NC&pg=6&id=198899 | title=College Navigator - Mars Hill University }}</ref>
|employees =
|employees =
|endowment = $75 million<ref>(https://www.mhu.edu/news/trustees-extend-mars-hill-university-presidents-contract/)</ref>
|endowment = $50 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carolinapublicpress.org/16741/small-wnc-colleges-work-to-increase-enrollment-revenue/|title=Small WNC colleges work to increase enrollment, revenue - Carolina Public Press|date=17 September 2013|website=Carolinapublicpress.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>
|president = Tony Floyd
|president = Tony Floyd
|students = 1,073 (fall 2021)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=NC&pg=6&id=198899 | title=College Navigator - Mars Hill University }}</ref>
|students = 1,032 (fall 2022)<ref name="nces.ed.gov">{{Cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=NC&pg=6&id=198899 | title=College Navigator - Mars Hill University }}</ref>
|undergrad = 1,026
|undergrad = 994
|postgrad = 47
|postgrad = 38
|doctoral =
|doctoral =
|city = [[Mars Hill, North Carolina]]
|city = [[Mars Hill, North Carolina]]
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|mascot =
|mascot =
|sports_nickname = Mountain Lions
|sports_nickname = Mountain Lions
|website = {{url|www.mhu.edu}}
|website = {{URL|www.mhu.edu}}
|logo = Mars Hill University Seal.png
|logo = Mars Hill University Seal.png
|logo_size = 150px
|logo_size = 150px
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}} }}
}} }}


'''Mars Hill University''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Christianity|Christian]]<ref name=Christianity /> university in [[Mars Hill, North Carolina]]. The university offers 35 undergraduate majors and includes a school of nursing and graduate schools in education, criminal justice, and management.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mhu.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/ | title=Graduate }}</ref> From 1859 to 2013 the school was called '''Mars Hill College'''; in August 2013 it officially changed its name to Mars Hill University.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/03/4145933/mars-hill-becomes-a-university.html |title=Mars Hill becomes a university &#124; CharlotteObserver.com |access-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017204255/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/03/4145933/mars-hill-becomes-a-university.html |archive-date=2013-10-17 }}</ref>
'''Mars Hill University''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Christianity|Christian]]<ref name=Christianity /> university in [[Mars Hill, North Carolina]]. The university offers 35 undergraduate majors and includes a school of nursing and graduate schools in education, criminal justice, and management.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mhu.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/ | title=Graduate | date=September 2017 }}</ref> From 1859 to 2013 the school was called '''Mars Hill College'''; in August 2013 it officially changed its name to Mars Hill University.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/03/4145933/mars-hill-becomes-a-university.html |title=Mars Hill becomes a university &#124; CharlotteObserver.com |access-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017204255/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/03/4145933/mars-hill-becomes-a-university.html |archive-date=2013-10-17 }}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:College Street, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC (46628945192).jpg|thumb|left|Day Hall on College Street, on the university campus]]
[[File:College Street, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC (46628945192).jpg|thumb|left|Day Hall on College Street, on the university campus]]
Mars Hill University was founded in 1856, and it is the oldest college or university in [[western North Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/|title = About}}</ref> It started as the French Broad Baptist Institute, sharing a name with the nearby [[French Broad River]]. In 1859, the university changed its name to Mars Hill, in honor of the hill in ancient [[Athens]] on which the [[Apostle Paul]] debated [[Christianity]] with the city's leading philosophers. During the [[American Civil War]] the university was closed for two years, but it reopened after the war. From 1897 to 1938 the university, under the leadership of Robert Moore, enjoyed substantial financial and physical growth. In 1921 Mars Hill became an accredited [[junior college]]. Hoyt Blackwell served as president from 1938 to 1966, and under his leadership Mars Hill became an accredited four-year college in 1962.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|title=History of the University|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/history-of-the-university/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Mars Hill University|language=en-US}}</ref> From 1966 to 1996 Fred Bentley served as the college's president. Bentley was, at the time of his appointment in 1966, one of the youngest college presidents in the United States.<ref name="auto3"/>
Mars Hill University was founded in 1856, and it is the oldest college or university in [[western North Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/|title = About| date=19 July 2017 }}</ref> It started as the French Broad Baptist Institute, sharing a name with the nearby [[French Broad River]]. In 1859, the university changed its name to Mars Hill, in honor of the hill in ancient [[Athens]] on which the [[Apostle Paul]] debated [[Christianity]] with the city's leading philosophers. During the [[American Civil War]] the university was closed for two years, but it reopened after the war. From 1897 to 1938 the university, under the leadership of Robert Moore, enjoyed substantial financial and physical growth. In 1921 Mars Hill became an accredited [[junior college]]. Hoyt Blackwell served as president from 1938 to 1966, and under his leadership Mars Hill became an accredited four-year college in 1962.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|title=History of the University|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/history-of-the-university/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Mars Hill University|date=17 August 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref> From 1966 to 1996 Fred Bentley served as the college's president. Bentley was, at the time of his appointment in 1966, one of the youngest college presidents in the United States.<ref name="auto3"/> In 1996, [[Max Lennon]] was appointed president and served until 2002.
Dan Lunsford, a 1969 graduate of MHU, served as university president from 2002 to 2018. Under Lunsford, Mars Hill University constructed three new dormitories,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/01/11/mars-hill-president-retire-2018/96462478/|title=Mars Hill president to retire in 2018|website=Citizen-times.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> a new health sciences building to house its nursing program,<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|date=2016-08-17|title=Mars Hill University to Dedicate New Buildings|url=https://www.madisoncounty-nc.com/2016/mars-hill-university-to-dedicate-new-buildings/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Madison County Chamber of Commerce|language=en-US}}</ref> a new classroom building to house the business department (the most popular major on campus),<ref name="auto4"/> completely renovated and greatly expanded the math and sciences classroom building,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mars Hill College – Ferguson Math & Science Center|url=https://esg1989.com/portfolio/mars-hill-college-ferguson-math-science-center/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Engineering Services Group|language=en-US}}</ref> upgraded its athletic facilities, tripled its endowment, increased its student enrollment, and started a graduate school in education.<ref>https://www.mhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/academic-catalog-mhu-2013-14.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> In June 2018, John Anthony "Tony" Floyd became the university's sixth president in 121 years.<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/leadership/presidents-office/|title=President's Office - Mars Hill University|website=Mhu.edu|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>
Dan Lunsford, a 1969 graduate of MHU, served as university president from 2002 to 2018. Under Lunsford, Mars Hill University constructed three new dormitories,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/01/11/mars-hill-president-retire-2018/96462478/|title=Mars Hill president to retire in 2018|website=Citizen-times.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> a new health sciences building to house its nursing program,<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|date=2016-08-17|title=Mars Hill University to Dedicate New Buildings|url=https://www.madisoncounty-nc.com/2016/mars-hill-university-to-dedicate-new-buildings/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Madison County Chamber of Commerce|language=en-US}}</ref> a new classroom building to house the business department (the most popular major on campus),<ref name="auto4"/> completely renovated and greatly expanded the math and sciences classroom building,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mars Hill College – Ferguson Math & Science Center|url=https://esg1989.com/portfolio/mars-hill-college-ferguson-math-science-center/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Engineering Services Group|language=en-US}}</ref> upgraded its athletic facilities, tripled its endowment, increased its student enrollment, and started a graduate school in education.<ref>https://www.mhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/academic-catalog-mhu-2013-14.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> In June 2018, John Anthony "Tony" Floyd became the university's sixth president in 121 years.<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/leadership/presidents-office/|title=President's Office - Mars Hill University|website=Mhu.edu|date=17 August 2017 |access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>


In 2008, Mars Hill gained autonomy from the [[Baptist State Convention of North Carolina]] when the state convention voted to eliminate the requirement that it have final approval over who could serve as trustees for the school; this ruling allows the university to choose non-Baptists as trustees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/5-n-c-colleges-seek-independence-from-baptist-body-26482/|title=5 N.C. Colleges Seek Independence from Baptist Body|first1=Lillian|last1=Kwon|date=March 23, 2007|website=www.christianpost.com |access-date=Apr 12, 2019}}</ref> The state convention also agreed to start transferring funds traditionally given directly to the university into a new scholarship fund for Baptist students. The move was made in conjunction with the four other remaining N.C. Baptist Colleges – [[Gardner–Webb University]], [[Campbell University]], [[Wingate University]], and [[Chowan University]]. The university, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with the North Carolina Baptist Convention and acknowledging its Baptist roots, is no longer directly associated with any Baptist church or organization, but proclaims in its mission statement that it "is an academic community rooted in the Christian faith", and that the university is "committed to an emphasis on service and Christian ethics."<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/about-mhu |title=Mars Hill University &#124; About MHU |access-date=2016-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713181424/http://www.mhu.edu/about-mhu |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The college yearbook is called the ''Laurel'', the college literary magazine is the ''Cadenza'', and the college newspaper is ''The Hilltop.''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/campus-life/student-media |title=Campus Life - Student Media |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324010849/http://www.mhu.edu/campus-life/student-media |archive-date=2016-03-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2008, Mars Hill gained autonomy from the [[Baptist State Convention of North Carolina]] when the state convention voted to eliminate the requirement that it have final approval over who could serve as trustees for the school; this ruling allows the university to choose non-Baptists as trustees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/5-n-c-colleges-seek-independence-from-baptist-body-26482/|title=5 N.C. Colleges Seek Independence from Baptist Body|first1=Lillian|last1=Kwon|date=March 23, 2007|website=www.christianpost.com |access-date=Apr 12, 2019}}</ref> The state convention also agreed to start transferring funds traditionally given directly to the university into a new scholarship fund for Baptist students. The move was made in conjunction with the four other remaining N.C. Baptist Colleges – [[Gardner–Webb University]], [[Campbell University]], [[Wingate University]], and [[Chowan University]]. The university, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with the North Carolina Baptist Convention and acknowledging its Baptist roots, is no longer directly associated with any Baptist church or organization, but proclaims in its mission statement that it "is an academic community rooted in the Christian faith", and that the university is "committed to an emphasis on service and Christian ethics."<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/about-mhu |title=Mars Hill University &#124; About MHU |access-date=2016-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713181424/http://www.mhu.edu/about-mhu |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The college yearbook is called the ''Laurel'', the college literary magazine is the ''Cadenza'', and the college newspaper is ''The Hilltop.''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/campus-life/student-media |title=Campus Life - Student Media |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324010849/http://www.mhu.edu/campus-life/student-media |archive-date=2016-03-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Mars Hill is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] to award bachelor's and master's degrees, and is an affiliate of the [[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities]], [[Council of Independent Colleges]], the Appalachian College Association, and other similar organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/accreditations/|title=Accreditations - Mars Hill University|website=Mhu.edu|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>
Mars Hill is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] to award bachelor's and master's degrees, and is an affiliate of the [[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities]], [[Council of Independent Colleges]], the Appalachian College Association, and other similar organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mhu.edu/about/who-we-are/accreditations/|title=Accreditations - Mars Hill University|website=Mhu.edu|date=17 August 2017 |access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>


== Academics ==
== Academics ==
[[File:Chambers Gymnasium, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC (31740006377).jpg|thumb|left|Chambers Gymnasium]]
[[File:Chambers Gymnasium, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC (31740006377).jpg|thumb|left|Chambers Gymnasium]]
The university offers six undergraduate degrees ([[Bachelor of Arts]], [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Science in Nursing]] (BSN), [[Bachelor of Music]], [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]], and [[Bachelor of Social Work]]), three graduate degrees ([[Master of Arts]], [[Master of Education]], and [[Master of Management]]), and 35 [[List of academic disciplines|majors]]. In May 2013 the university awarded its first [[M.Ed]] degrees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mhc.edu/news-events/news-articles/mars-hill-graduates-152-including-first-masters-grads |title=Mars Hill College, in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC &#124; Mars Hill Graduates 152, Including First Master's Grads |access-date=2013-08-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702010303/http://www.mhc.edu/news-events/news-articles/mars-hill-graduates-152-including-first-masters-grads |archive-date=2013-07-02 }}</ref> The university recently added a [[M.A.]] in criminal justice program, and a [[Master of Management]] program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ashevillechamber.org/news-events/mars-hill-university-news-on-academics-and-faculty/|title=Mars Hill University news on academics and faculty: Two New Degrees and a Certificate Program|date=2017-05-31|access-date=2019-06-26}} and the [[Master of Management|M.M.]]{{Cite web|url=https://wlos.com/news/never-stop-learning/mars-hill-university-entices-recent-grads-with-new-graduate-program|title=Mars Hill University entices recent grads with new graduate program|date=2017-08-22|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://wlos.com/news/never-stop-learning/mars-hill-university-entices-recent-grads-with-new-graduate-program | title=Mars Hill University entices recent grads with new graduate program | date=22 August 2017 }}</ref> In August 2016 the university opened a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/pre-licensure-bsn-program-approved |title=News & Events - News Articles - Pre-Licensure BSN Program Approved |access-date=2016-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713181644/http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/pre-licensure-bsn-program-approved |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The most popular majors are in the fields of business administration and management, education, social work, physical education teaching and coaching, and general psychology.<ref name="auto6"/> In 1932 [[Lamar Stringfield]], a Mars Hill alumnus, formed the [[North Carolina Symphony]], the first state-supported [[orchestra]] in the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofappalachia.com/entry.php?rec=201|title=Lamar Stringfield - Encyclopedia of Appalachia|website=Encyclopediaofappalachia.com|access-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329184442/http://www.encyclopediaofappalachia.com/entry.php?rec=201|archive-date=29 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The "Bailey Mountain Cloggers", the university's dance team, have won 23 national championships in [[clogging]],<ref name="auto7">{{cite web|url=http://baileymountaincloggers.yolasite.com/|title=Bailey Mountain Cloggers|website=Baileymountaincloggers.yolasite.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> and they have performed all over the United States and internationally in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, France, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic.<ref name="auto7"/> In 2002 the university opened the Ramsey Center for Regional Studies. Named after an alumnus who served a record four terms as the [[Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives]], the center is dedicated to preserving the heritage and culture of the people of the Southern [[Appalachian Mountains]].
The university offers six undergraduate degrees ([[Bachelor of Arts]], [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Science in Nursing]] (BSN), [[Bachelor of Music]], [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]], and [[Bachelor of Social Work]]), three graduate degrees ([[Master of Arts]], [[Master of Education]], and [[Master of Management]]), and 35 [[List of academic disciplines|majors]]. In May 2013 the university awarded its first [[M.Ed]] degrees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mhc.edu/news-events/news-articles/mars-hill-graduates-152-including-first-masters-grads |title=Mars Hill College, in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC &#124; Mars Hill Graduates 152, Including First Master's Grads |access-date=2013-08-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702010303/http://www.mhc.edu/news-events/news-articles/mars-hill-graduates-152-including-first-masters-grads |archive-date=2013-07-02 }}</ref> The university recently added a [[Master of Arts|M.A.]] in criminal justice program, and a [[Master of Management]] program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ashevillechamber.org/news-events/mars-hill-university-news-on-academics-and-faculty/|title=Mars Hill University news on academics and faculty: Two New Degrees and a Certificate Program|date=2017-05-31|access-date=2019-06-26}} and the [[Master of Management|M.M.]]{{Cite web|url=https://wlos.com/news/never-stop-learning/mars-hill-university-entices-recent-grads-with-new-graduate-program|title=Mars Hill University entices recent grads with new graduate program|date=2017-08-22|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://wlos.com/news/never-stop-learning/mars-hill-university-entices-recent-grads-with-new-graduate-program | title=Mars Hill University entices recent grads with new graduate program | date=22 August 2017 }}</ref> In August 2016 the university opened a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/pre-licensure-bsn-program-approved |title=News & Events - News Articles - Pre-Licensure BSN Program Approved |access-date=2016-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713181644/http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/pre-licensure-bsn-program-approved |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The most popular majors are in the fields of business administration and management, education, social work, physical education teaching and coaching, and general psychology.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944 |title=Mars Hill University &#124; Mars Hill College &#124; Best College &#124; US News |access-date=2016-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720092208/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944 |archive-date=2016-07-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1932 [[Lamar Stringfield]], a Mars Hill alumnus, formed the [[North Carolina Symphony]], the first state-supported [[orchestra]] in the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofappalachia.com/entry.php?rec=201|title=Lamar Stringfield - Encyclopedia of Appalachia|website=Encyclopediaofappalachia.com|access-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329184442/http://www.encyclopediaofappalachia.com/entry.php?rec=201|archive-date=29 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The "Bailey Mountain Cloggers", the university's dance team, have won 23 national championships in [[clogging]],<ref name="auto7">{{cite web|url=http://baileymountaincloggers.yolasite.com/|title=Bailey Mountain Cloggers|website=Baileymountaincloggers.yolasite.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> and they have performed all over the United States and internationally in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, France, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic.<ref name="auto7"/> In 2002 the university opened the Ramsey Center for Regional Studies. Named after an alumnus who served a record four terms as the [[Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives]], the center is dedicated to preserving the heritage and culture of the people of the Southern [[Appalachian Mountains]].


=== Rankings ===
The university's enrollment is typically around 1,200 traditional students, with more than 200 students in its nontraditional degree program.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944 |title=Mars Hill University &#124; Mars Hill College &#124; Best College &#124; US News |access-date=2016-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720092208/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944 |archive-date=2016-07-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In its 2022-2023 survey of "America's Best Colleges", ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' ranked Mars Hill among the South's Top 20 Regional Colleges.<ref>(https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944)</ref> ''U.S. News'' also rated Mars Hill at #2 in the South for "Best Colleges for Veterans", based on its participation in "federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees."<ref>(https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-colleges-south/veterans)</ref> In 2012 and 2014 Mars Hill also ranked among the Top 20 baccalaureate colleges (out of 100 surveyed) in ''[[Washington Monthly]]'s'' annual survey of the nations' best colleges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2012/baccalaureate_rank.php |title=Baccalaureate College Rankings 2012 &#124; Washington Monthly |access-date=2012-12-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106014412/http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2012/baccalaureate_rank.php |archive-date=2013-01-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings-2014/baccalaureate-colleges-rank.php |title=2014 Baccalaureate College Rankings &#124; Washington Monthly |access-date=2014-08-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827153312/http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings-2014/baccalaureate-colleges-rank.php |archive-date=2014-08-27 }}</ref> In 2015 ''Washington Monthly'' ranked Mars Hill 23rd nationally out of 344 baccalaureate colleges surveyed; in 2016 it ranked 24th nationally out of 230 baccalaureate colleges surveyed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://washingtonmonthly.com/college-guide/college-guide-rankings-2015-bachelors/|title=College Guide Rankings 2015 – Baccalaureate Colleges|website=Washington Monthly|access-date=5 August 2018|date=2016-05-26}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide?ranking=2016-rankings-national-universities-bachelors|title=2016 College Guide and Rankings|website=Washington Monthly|access-date=5 August 2018|date=2016-08-29}}</ref> Mars Hill has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll five times since the award's inception in 2006, including twice "with distinction" for general community service.
{{Infobox US university ranking
| USNWR_REG = 20 (tie) of 132
| Wamo_BAC = 74 of 242
}}
In 2023-2024 rankings of "America's Best Colleges", ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' ranked Mars Hill tied for 20 out of 132 colleges in Regional Colleges South.<ref>(https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944)</ref> ''U.S. News'' also ranked Mars Hill 12 of 13 in "Best Colleges for Veterans", based on its participation in "federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees."<ref>(https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-colleges-south/veterans)</ref>


==Campus==
==Campus==
Line 69: Line 75:


== Notable alumni ==
== Notable alumni ==
*[[John S. Battle]] (1890–1972), politician
*[[John S. Battle]] (1890–1972), [[Governor of Virginia]] from 1950 to 1954, served on President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]'s [[Civil Rights Commission]]. Attended Mars Hill when it was a junior college, later earned a law degree from the [[University of Virginia]].
*[[Archie Campbell (comedian)|Archie Campbell]] (1914–1987) American comedian, writer, and star of ''[[Hee Haw]]'', a popular, long-running country-flavored network television variety show. He was also a recording artist with several hits on the [[RCA]] label in the 1960s.
*[[Archie Campbell (comedian)|Archie Campbell]] (1914–1987) American comedian and writer
⚫
*[[Ludovico Corsini]] (born 1993), Olympic swimmer
*[[Mike Houston (American football)|Mike Houston]], (born 1971), head football coach at [[East Carolina University]]. From 2016 to 2018 he was the head football coach at [[James Madison University]], and in 2016 he coached JMU to the [[NCAA Division I]] [[Football Championship Subdivision]] (FCS) National Championship with a 14–1 record. In 2017, he again coached James Madison to a 14–1 record and a second straight appearance in the FCS national championship game, but lost to [[North Dakota State University|North Dakota State]]. He was also named the [[American Football Coaches Association]] National Coach of the Year in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2017/01/12/houston-wins-national-coach-year-award/96484828/|title=Houston wins national coach of the year award|website=Citizen-times.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> At Mars Hill, he was a [[tight end]] on the football team.
*[[Mike Houston (American football)|Mike Houston]], (born 1971), college football coach<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2017/01/12/houston-wins-national-coach-year-award/96484828/|title=Houston wins national coach of the year award|website=Citizen-times.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>
*[[Woodrow W. Jones]] (1914–2002), United States [[Congressman]] from North Carolina from 1950 to 1957. Served as the Chairman of North Carolina's Democratic Party Executive Committee; was appointed by President [[Lyndon Johnson]] as the judge for the [[United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina]] in 1968. He served as a federal district judge until his retirement in 1985.
*[[Woodrow W. Jones]] (1914–2002), United States [[Congressman]] and federal judge
*[[Dan Locklair]] (born 1949), Professor of [[Music]] and Composer-in-Residence at [[Wake Forest University]], internationally known [[composer]] who has won awards from the [[Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]]. His work "The Peace May Be Exchanged" was performed at the funeral service for President [[Ronald Reagan]] at the [[Washington National Cathedral]] in June 2004.
*[[Dan Locklair]] (born 1949), music professor and composer
*[[Graham Martin]] (1912–1990), [[Foreign Service Officer]], U.S. Ambassador to Thailand (1963–1969); U.S. Ambassador to Italy (1969–1973); last U.S. Ambassador to South Vietnam (1973–1975). He is buried in [[Arlington National Cemetery]].
*[[Graham Martin]] (1912–1990), U.S. [[Foreign Service Officer]] and ambassador
*[[Wayne Oates]] (1917–1999), [[psychologist]] and [[Minister (Christianity)|minister]] at the [[University of Louisville]] medical school who fused [[psychology]] and [[theology]] to create many of the practices used in modern [[pastoral counseling]]. He is also credited with coining the word "workaholic".
*[[Wayne Oates]] (1917–1999), [[psychologist]] and [[Minister (Christianity)|minister]]
*[[Becca Pizzi]] (born 1980), first American woman to complete and win the [[World Marathon Challenge]]. The event involves completing seven full 26.2-mile marathons on seven continents in seven days. She also broke the female record for the challenge, completing all seven marathons in 6 days, 18 hours, and 38 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/first-american-woman-to-complete-and-win-the-world-marathon-challenge |title=News & Events - News Articles - First American Woman to Complete (And Win!) the World Marathon Challenge |access-date=2016-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419033304/http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/first-american-woman-to-complete-and-win-the-world-marathon-challenge |archive-date=2016-04-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Becca Pizzi]] (born 1980), first American woman to complete and win the [[World Marathon Challenge]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/first-american-woman-to-complete-and-win-the-world-marathon-challenge |title=News & Events - News Articles - First American Woman to Complete (And Win!) the World Marathon Challenge |access-date=2016-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419033304/http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/first-american-woman-to-complete-and-win-the-world-marathon-challenge |archive-date=2016-04-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Erwin Potts]] (1932–2017), former president and [[CEO]] of the [[McClatchy Company]], the second-largest newspaper chain in the United States. Became president of the company in 1989 and was CEO from 1996 until his retirement in 2001. The company owns 30 daily newspapers in 15 states.
*[[Erwin Potts]] (1932–2017), former president and [[CEO]] of the [[McClatchy Company]]
*[[David Price (American politician)|David Price]] (born 1940), United States [[Congressman]] from North Carolina's Fourth District from 1987 to 1995 and 1997 to 2023. After graduating from Mars Hill, he earned divinity and doctoral degrees from [[Yale University]] and taught [[political science]] at [[Duke University]].
*[[David Price (American politician)|David Price]] (born 1940), United States [[Congressman]] and political science professor
*[[Liston B. Ramsey]] (1919–2001), North Carolina state legislator who served 19 terms in the state assembly. He was elected [[Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives|Speaker of the State House of Representatives]] four times in the 1980s, and was the first legislator in the state's history to have been elected to the Speaker's office for four terms.
*[[Liston B. Ramsey]] (1919–2001), North Carolina state legislator
*[[Jonas Randolph]] (born 1990), winner of the 2011 [[Harlon Hill Trophy]], the NCAA Division II equivalent of the [[Heisman Trophy]]. As a running back for the Mars Hill football team he gained 5,608 yards from 2008 to 2011, a school and [[South Atlantic Conference]] record.
*[[Jonas Randolph]] (born 1990), college football player
*[[Gene Roberts (journalist)|Eugene L. Roberts, Jr.]], (born 1932), National Editor of ''[[The New York Times]]'' from 1969 to 1972; Executive Editor of ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' from 1972 to 1990; Managing Editor of ''[[The New York Times]]'' from 1990 to 1997. In 2007, he won the [[Pulitzer Prize]] in history for his book ''The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation''.
*[[Jon Richt]] (born 1990), football coach
⚫
*[[Lacy Thornburg]] (born 1929), North Carolina [[State Attorney General]] from 1985 to 1993; United States [[Federal District Judge]] for Western North Carolina, 1995–2009.
*[[Gene Roberts (journalist)|Eugene L. Roberts, Jr.]], (born 1932), newspaper editor
⚫
*[[Ludovico Corsini]] (born 1993), Milan, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Athlete in the sport of Swimming.
*[[Joshua Shim]] (born 1997), professional football player
⚫
*[[Lacy Thornburg]] (born 1929), North Carolina [[State Attorney General]] and U.S. [[Federal District Judge]]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Madison County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Madison County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1856]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1856]]
[[Category:1856 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:1856 establishments in North Carolina]]
⚫
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Liberal arts colleges in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Liberal arts colleges in North Carolina]]
⚫
[[Category:Universities and colleges affiliated with the North Carolina Baptist Convention]]

Latest revision as of 04:44, 5 July 2024

Mars Hill University
Former names
French Broad Baptist Institute (1856–1859)
Mars Hill College (1859–2013)
MottoPro Christo Adolescentibusque
"For Christ and For Youth"
TypePrivate university
Established1856
Religious affiliation
Christian[1]
Endowment$75 million[2]
PresidentTony Floyd
Academic staff
74[3]
Students1,032 (fall 2022)[3]
Undergraduates994
Postgraduates38
Location
Mars Hill, North Carolina
,
U.S.
Colors    Blue and gold[4]
NicknameMountain Lions
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division II, South Atlantic Conference, National Collegiate Cycling Association
Websitewww.mhu.edu
Mars Hill College Historic District
Montague Hall (Rural Heritage Museum)
Mars Hill University is located in North Carolina
Mars Hill University
Mars Hill University is located in the United States
Mars Hill University
LocationBet. Bailey and Cascade Sts. N and S
Area27.2 acres (11.0 ha)
Built1892
Architectural styleColonial Revival, Classical Revival, etc.
NRHP reference No.06000865[5]
Added to NRHPSeptember 12, 2006

Mars Hill University is a private Christian[1] university in Mars Hill, North Carolina. The university offers 35 undergraduate majors and includes a school of nursing and graduate schools in education, criminal justice, and management.[6] From 1859 to 2013 the school was called Mars Hill College; in August 2013 it officially changed its name to Mars Hill University.[7]

History

[edit]
Day Hall on College Street, on the university campus

Mars Hill University was founded in 1856, and it is the oldest college or university in western North Carolina.[8] It started as the French Broad Baptist Institute, sharing a name with the nearby French Broad River. In 1859, the university changed its name to Mars Hill, in honor of the hill in ancient Athens on which the Apostle Paul debated Christianity with the city's leading philosophers. During the American Civil War the university was closed for two years, but it reopened after the war. From 1897 to 1938 the university, under the leadership of Robert Moore, enjoyed substantial financial and physical growth. In 1921 Mars Hill became an accredited junior college. Hoyt Blackwell served as president from 1938 to 1966, and under his leadership Mars Hill became an accredited four-year college in 1962.[9] From 1966 to 1996 Fred Bentley served as the college's president. Bentley was, at the time of his appointment in 1966, one of the youngest college presidents in the United States.[9] In 1996, Max Lennon was appointed president and served until 2002. Dan Lunsford, a 1969 graduate of MHU, served as university president from 2002 to 2018. Under Lunsford, Mars Hill University constructed three new dormitories,[10] a new health sciences building to house its nursing program,[11] a new classroom building to house the business department (the most popular major on campus),[11] completely renovated and greatly expanded the math and sciences classroom building,[12] upgraded its athletic facilities, tripled its endowment, increased its student enrollment, and started a graduate school in education.[13] In June 2018, John Anthony "Tony" Floyd became the university's sixth president in 121 years.[14]

In 2008, Mars Hill gained autonomy from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina when the state convention voted to eliminate the requirement that it have final approval over who could serve as trustees for the school; this ruling allows the university to choose non-Baptists as trustees.[15] The state convention also agreed to start transferring funds traditionally given directly to the university into a new scholarship fund for Baptist students. The move was made in conjunction with the four other remaining N.C. Baptist Colleges – Gardner–Webb University, Campbell University, Wingate University, and Chowan University. The university, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with the North Carolina Baptist Convention and acknowledging its Baptist roots, is no longer directly associated with any Baptist church or organization, but proclaims in its mission statement that it "is an academic community rooted in the Christian faith", and that the university is "committed to an emphasis on service and Christian ethics."[16] The college yearbook is called the Laurel, the college literary magazine is the Cadenza, and the college newspaper is The Hilltop.[17]

Mars Hill is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's and master's degrees, and is an affiliate of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Council of Independent Colleges, the Appalachian College Association, and other similar organizations.[18]

Academics

[edit]
Chambers Gymnasium

The university offers six undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Social Work), three graduate degrees (Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Master of Management), and 35 majors. In May 2013 the university awarded its first M.Ed degrees.[19] The university recently added a M.A. in criminal justice program, and a Master of Management program.[20][21] In August 2016 the university opened a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.[22] The most popular majors are in the fields of business administration and management, education, social work, physical education teaching and coaching, and general psychology.[23] In 1932 Lamar Stringfield, a Mars Hill alumnus, formed the North Carolina Symphony, the first state-supported orchestra in the nation.[24] The "Bailey Mountain Cloggers", the university's dance team, have won 23 national championships in clogging,[25] and they have performed all over the United States and internationally in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, France, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic.[25] In 2002 the university opened the Ramsey Center for Regional Studies. Named after an alumnus who served a record four terms as the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, the center is dedicated to preserving the heritage and culture of the people of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Rankings

[edit]
Academic rankings
Baccalaureate
Washington Monthly[26]74 of 242
Regional
U.S. News & World Report[27]20 (tie) of 132

In 2023-2024 rankings of "America's Best Colleges", U.S. News & World Report ranked Mars Hill tied for 20 out of 132 colleges in Regional Colleges South.[28] U.S. News also ranked Mars Hill 12 of 13 in "Best Colleges for Veterans", based on its participation in "federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees."[29]

Campus

[edit]

The university has a scenic 194-acre (79 ha) campus; most of the dormitories are located atop two hills, named "men's hill" and "women's hill". The main campus is located in a small valley between the two hills. The university is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains; from various points on campus it is possible to see Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Bailey Mountain (nicknamed "Old Bailey") is located about a mile (1.5 km) northwest from campus and is a local landmark. Interstate 26 is located one mile east of the university, and provides access to the nearby cities of Asheville, North Carolina, to the south, and Johnson City, Tennessee to the north.

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Mars Hill Lions

The university is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and it is also a member of the South Atlantic Conference. Mars Hill's sports mascot is the mountain lion; the university's colors are royal blue and gold.[30]

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Mars Hill University (2003). "Religious Identity Statement". Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  2. ^ (https://www.mhu.edu/news/trustees-extend-mars-hill-university-presidents-contract/)
  3. ^ a b "College Navigator - Mars Hill University".
  4. ^ "Mars Hill University Identity Guidelines". Mhu.edu. Archived from the original on October 7, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  5. ^ "National Register Information System – (#06000865)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  6. ^ "Graduate". September 2017.
  7. ^ "Mars Hill becomes a university | CharlotteObserver.com". Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  8. ^ "About". July 19, 2017.
  9. ^ a b "History of the University". Mars Hill University. August 17, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  10. ^ "Mars Hill president to retire in 2018". Citizen-times.com. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  11. ^ a b "Mars Hill University to Dedicate New Buildings". Madison County Chamber of Commerce. August 17, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  12. ^ "Mars Hill College – Ferguson Math & Science Center". Engineering Services Group. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  13. ^ https://www.mhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/academic-catalog-mhu-2013-14.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  14. ^ "President's Office - Mars Hill University". Mhu.edu. August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  15. ^ Kwon, Lillian (March 23, 2007). "5 N.C. Colleges Seek Independence from Baptist Body". www.christianpost.com. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  16. ^ "Mars Hill University | About MHU". Archived from the original on July 13, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  17. ^ "Campus Life - Student Media". Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  18. ^ "Accreditations - Mars Hill University". Mhu.edu. August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  19. ^ "Mars Hill College, in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC | Mars Hill Graduates 152, Including First Master's Grads". Archived from the original on July 2, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  20. ^ "Mars Hill University news on academics and faculty: Two New Degrees and a Certificate Program". May 31, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2019. and the M.M."Mars Hill University entices recent grads with new graduate program". August 22, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  21. ^ "Mars Hill University entices recent grads with new graduate program". August 22, 2017.
  22. ^ "News & Events - News Articles - Pre-Licensure BSN Program Approved". Archived from the original on July 13, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2016.
  23. ^ "Mars Hill University | Mars Hill College | Best College | US News". Archived from the original on July 20, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  24. ^ "Lamar Stringfield - Encyclopedia of Appalachia". Encyclopediaofappalachia.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  25. ^ a b "Bailey Mountain Cloggers". Baileymountaincloggers.yolasite.com. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  26. ^ "2023 Bachelor's College Rankings". Washington Monthly. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  27. ^ "Best Colleges 2023: Regional Universities Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  28. ^ (https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/mars-hill-college-2944)
  29. ^ (https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-colleges-south/veterans)
  30. ^ "Quick Facts". Marshillions.com. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  31. ^ "Houston wins national coach of the year award". Citizen-times.com. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  32. ^ "News & Events - News Articles - First American Woman to Complete (And Win!) the World Marathon Challenge". Archived from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
[edit]
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