Presidential Search Committee

Cheryl Pappas, Chair – Class of 1970

Cheryl Pappas is chair of the presidential search committee.  She has been a member of the trustee board since 2009, is the immediate past trustee board chair and is currently an emerita trustee.  She also serves on the “Building Our University: The Campaign for Mars Hill” Steering Committee and was the recipient of the 2016 Mars Hill University Board Leadership Award.  Cheryl received a B.A. in English and Spanish from Mars Hill and a Master of Education and Certification in School Administration from UNC-Charlotte.  A retired educator, she had a rewarding 33-year career as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and central office administrator.  Cheryl and her husband Chris (MHU Class of 1966) reside in Charlotte, NC where she is actively involved in her church and serves as the wedding coordinator, volunteers for a global missions organization and enjoys exercising, traveling and attending various sports events.

Wayne Higgins – Class of 1975

Wayne Higgins is the current Chair of the Mars Hill University Board of Trustees and is a member of the “Building Our University: The Campaign for Mars Hill” Steering Committee.  He served as Chair of the Mars Hill Board of Advisors prior to joining the Board of Trustees.  Wayne is the 2011 recipient of the North Carolina Baptist Heritage Award.  He is involved in many community activities including past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, President of the Mountain State Fair Ministry, Past Governor and distinguished President of the North Carolina West District Optimist International and was inducted into the West District Optimist Hall of Fame in 2002.  Wayne has been recognized by the Optimist International Foundation and the North Carolina Boys & Girls Homes for his support and service.  He is very active in the First Baptist Church -Weaverville serving in many capacities including chair of deacons, Sunday school teacher and serving on several committees.  Wayne is Senior Vice President of a lending and financial institution in Asheville and resides in Weaverville, North Carolina.