Founders Hall (left), which is still in use today, and the first campus building (right) at Mars Hill University, are seen in this photo from the 1890s. Mars Hill University was founded as the French Broad Baptist Institute in Madison County in 1856, in the days leading up to the Civil War. Shortly thereafter, the name was changed to Mars Hill College.
Mars Hill’s religious identity will never be fully answered through a simple written statement, but will continually emerge through an ongoing dialogue among members of the Mars Hill family. Based on our mission statement (above), this document (below) was developed by the Religious Life Committee in consultation with the Church Relations Council.
The Center for Student Success (CSS) is a department that collaborates closely with both academic and student affairs to assist students in persisting at the university. Comprised of multiple functioning areas, CSS integrates the mission of the university through curricular and co-curricular experiences. As students navigate their college experience at Mars Hill, the CSS staff works to ensure students are connected to campus resources while establishing life-long relationships in their home away from home.
The Housing and Residence Life Office strives to make the residence halls a “home away from home” for students. We are dedicated to the social and mental well-being of our residents, as well as their physical comfort while living on campus. We are pleased to provide a safe environment conducive to the educational, social, and overall developmental growth of the resident.
The Mars Hill University academic community promotes intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth by providing an education grounded in the liberal arts, connected with the world of work, and committed to character development.
The Mars Hill University Wellness Center, located in Robinson Hall, is the health facility for the campus community. The Wellness Center staff provides primary care for full-time students. The Wellness Center is part of the student development office and works closely with this office in order to assist in each student’s physical and emotional development during his/her college experience.
As a competitive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II school that is part of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC), Mars Hill always has our eyes on victory. That includes winning in the classroom. Our Division II student-athletes champion academic achievement and giving back to their community. With an average GPA higher than the student average, our teams are raising the bar both on and off the field. You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to get in the game, Intramural sports offered at MHU include: pool, ping pong, corn hole, and basketball tournaments. Ultimate frisbee is offered as a student club at MHU.
Involvement in student organizations is a great way to get connected to the campus, build leadership skills, enhance or broaden academic skills, meet people and have fun. For information on student organizations, visit the Student Development Office on the third floor of Wren Student Union.
Mars Hill University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's and master's degrees.
Wishlist