Basic Information

Name: Mars Hill University (MHU)

Nature of the institution: Private Christian University.

Founded: 1856.

Location: Located in the town of Mars Hill, North Carolina, USA, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western Carolina, about 25 minutes' drive from Asheville.

History:

Founded and renamed: Founded in 1856 as the French Broad Baptist College, renamed Mars Hill College in 1859. The school was closed for two years during the American Civil War and reopened after the war.

Important Development Stages: From 1897 to 1938, under the leadership of Robert Moore, the school achieved significant growth in finance and size. In 1921, it became an accredited junior college. In 1962, under the leadership of Hoyt Blackwell, the school became an accredited four-year college. From 1996 to 2002, Max Lennon served as president. From 2002 to 2018, Dan Lunsford served as president, during which time the school built new dormitories, health science buildings and other facilities, and opened a graduate school of education. In 2013, the school was renamed Mars Hill University. In 2018, Tony Floyd became the school's 22nd president.

Educational philosophy: Mars Hill University is an academic community rooted in Christian faith. Through rigorous liberal arts learning, connections with the workplace, and commitment to character development, service, and cultivating responsible citizens in the community, region and the world, it challenges and helps students pursue intellectual, spiritual and personal growth.

School Strength

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, it can award bachelor's and master's degrees. It is a member of the American Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Appalachian College Association and other organizations.

Courses and majors: It offers 6 undergraduate degrees and 3 graduate degrees, covering 35 undergraduate majors, such as business, education, social work, physical education and coaching, psychology, etc.

Faculty: With 74 academic teachers, the ratio of teachers to students is good, and students can be provided with personalized guidance and support.

Key disciplines: The school's business school focuses on the combination of theory and practice; the education major provides students with a wealth of educational theory and practical courses; the nursing major has a dedicated health science center for teaching and practice; the biochemistry, ecology and other majors of the natural science department lay the foundation for students to engage in research and career development in related fields.

Campus environment

Natural landscape: There are more than 60 species of trees on campus, and there are special tree trails. Students can hike about 0.75 miles along the sidewalks and paved roads to enjoy various trees.

Building facilities: There are historic buildings such as Montagu Hall (now the Rural Heritage Museum) on campus, as well as modern buildings such as Troy and Pauline Day Hall, Ferguson Health Science Center, etc. In addition, there are sports facilities, art galleries, theaters, etc.