Presidential Search

Mars Hill University is a premier private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees and master’s degrees in elementary education, criminal justice, and management. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Following Dr. Lunsford’s January announcement that he will be resigning after serving as President for 15 years, Mars Hill University Board of Trustees launched a search for our next leader.

February 23, 2018

The Mars Hill University Board of Trustees will introduce John Anthony “Tony” Floyd, J.D., as the institution’s 22nd president, at events on Friday, March 9, 2018. Floyd will succeed Dan G. Lunsford, who retires at the end of this academic year.

Floyd currently is executive vice president of Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina, where he also serves as coordinator of the political science major and coordinator of the pre-law specialization. He will begin his position at Mars Hill on June 1.

More details will follow as plans are finalized for March 9 events.