Wayne Higgins Named 2025 Alumnus of the Year

October 15, 2025

Wayne Higgins was named Mars Hill University’s 2025 Alumnus of the Year during homecoming festivities on Saturday, October 11. The university recognized Higgins, a member of the class of 1975, for his service to the university and to Western North Carolina. MHU President Tony Floyd presented the award during the class of 1975’s 50-year reunion and also recognized him during halftime of the homecoming football game.

Higgins graduated with his bachelor’s degree and went to work at Mountain Farm Credit, which later became Carolina Farm Credit. He spent his entire career with the company, retiring in 2021.

He has served on leadership boards at Mars Hill since 1993, when he joined the board of advisors, and was selected to the board of trustees in 1998. He is chair of the Together We Rise campaign to build the university’s new student center. Floyd has called him “the ultimate advocate for students on our campus.”

In addition to his work at Mars Hill University, Higgins has been a member and local and district officer of the North Buncombe Optimist Club since 1978. He served on the board of the Western North Carolina Rescue Ministries for 16 years. He is involved with Baptist ministries locally and beyond. He has been involved in prison ministry for many years at Craggy Prison. He supports the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina and the Optimist International Foundation, and for more than 35 years he has been involved in a special ministry to carnival workers with the Mountain State Fair.

Wayne and his wife, Patty, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have been recognized many times over the years for their transformative contributions, which have enhanced educational opportunities, enriched campus life, and supported the success of countless students. Among the examples of that generosity are the two annual scholarships the couple founded for Mars Hill students who graduated from North Buncombe High School. Both Higginses attended North Buncombe and they still live in Weaverville, North Carolina.