Departmentally Affiliated Organizations

Mars Hill University defines departmentally affiliated organizations as organized groups that promote the attainment of academic and professional excellence and establish a liaison between a particular department and the university community.

Beta Beta Beta

This is the National Biological Honor Society. Membership in TriBeta at the Associate level is open to anyone with an interest in biology, and in that respect we function as a biology club. Those who are Biology or Zoology majors and meet the GPA and course requirements can be promoted to Regular membership. Regular members are eligible to hold a chapter office and graduate with honor cords. We currently have 28 members in our chapter, and usually plan 3-4 major activities each year. These might include hikes, a visit to a medical school, a trip to a zoo or farm, and/or a day spent working with kids at a nearby elementary school or judging science fair projects.

Co-presidents: Emily Nona and River Medlin
Faculty Sponsors:  Nicole Soper Gorden (nsopergorden@mhu.edu) and Michelle Gilley (mgilley@mhu.edu)

Environmental Action Club (EAC)

The mission of the Environmental Action Club (EAC) is to make the Mars Hill community a greener and more sustainable place. We encourage all MHU students to take part in outdoor trips and service projects alongside citizens of Madison County to ensure a sustainable future for our town and campus. The club is open to any MHU student that is interested in increasing awareness of environmental issues or to anyone who enjoys being outdoors and wants to work towards building an eco-friendly community. The club will organize 1-2 trips or service projects each semester. Members will be encouraged to participate, as well as create new ideas and contacts to facilitate future projects. There are opportunities for leadership within the club: team leaders organize monthly meetings and lead projects suggested by the organization. Team leaders also alternate responsibility of taking minutes from each meeting. If you care about the planet, join the EAC!

Faculty Sponsor: Laura Boggess, lboggess@mhu.edu

National Association for Music Education

National Association for Music Education (NAfME), among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.

Mars Hill University’s chapter of NAfME focuses on further educating our members through discussions of real world scenarios. The goal of the chapter is for every music education major to feel comfortable entering the profession upon graduation. Monthly meetings are held to discuss important topics in education as well as to plan upcoming events.

Faculty Sponsor:  Jim Sparrow

Sigma Alpha Iota

Sigma Alpha Iota is an organization which promotes interaction among those who share a commitment to music. Members of SAI are active in all areas of music and campus life, working closely with faculty, administration, and campus groups. Alumnae members are teachers, performers, professionals, and patrons of local and national arts organizations. In addition to personal encouragement and support, members may receive scholarships, grants, and awards in many areas of music-related study. Sigma Alpha Iota has long been recognized as a leader in the field of music.

Faculty Sponsor:  Teresa Sumpter