Presidential Search Committee
Selection Committee
Chair: Brent Townsend (Board of Trustees)
Goal: Identify and recommend the next president of Mars Hill University.
Purpose: Lead the process of identifying, interviewing, and recommending a candidate to the Board of Trustees.
Responsibilities:
- Develop the presidential profile and candidate criteria
- Review applications and conduct interviews
- Narrow the field to finalists
- Recommend a candidate to the Board
Committee Members:
- Doug Echols (Board of Trustees)
- Brian Danforth (Board of Trustees)
- Paula Kahn (Board of Trustees)
- Jeff Miles (Board of Trustees)
- Paul Powell (Board of Trustees)
- Donna Parsons (President’s Leadership Team)
- Laura Steil (Faculty Chair)
- Mike Thornhill (Staff Chair)
- Wayne King (Alumni & Presidential Advisory Council)
- Student representative (to be appointed during the process)
Presidential Continuity and Transition Team
Presidential Continuity and Transition Team
Goal: Provide stability and vision throughout the transition.
Purpose: Oversee the process from Tony’s announcement through the successful onboarding of the next president.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the president’s exit timeline
- Lead communication with stakeholders (Board, faculty, staff, and community)
- Ensure a smooth handoff between presidents
- Support farewell celebrations and legacy planning
Team Members:
Chair Wayne Higgins (Board of Trustees)
- Anna Renfro (Board of Trustees)
- Karen Smith (Board of Trustees)
- Michael Cranford (Board of Trustees)
- Samantha Fender (President’s Leadership Team)
- Danielle Hagerman (President’s Leadership Team)
- Tim Lolley (Director of Alumni Relations)