Two MHU Professors and One Staff Member Awarded For Work With Students

August 14, 2026

From left: Nicole Soper Gorden, Kayti Ledford, Kristie Vance

Kayti Ledford, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Kristie Vance, director of admissions, received the 2026 Snow Caring Awards from Mars Hill University. Nicole Soper Gorden, associate professor of biology, received the 2026 Gibbs Outstanding Teacher Award.

The Snow Caring Award was established in 1999 by A.C. and Nancy Snow in memory of their daughter Melinda Jean Snow, a 1988 graduate of Mars Hill College (now Mars Hill University). Also known as the “Chicken Soup Award,” the Snow Award is given to one faculty member and one staff member whose lives and teaching styles reflect the personal concern for students illustrated by an oft-remembered quote from Melinda. As a junior, Melinda transferred from UNC Chapel Hill to Mars Hill, citing a desire for the smaller college atmosphere. She is known to have said, “At MHC, you miss class and pretty soon somebody, often a faculty member, is knocking on your door, bringing a bowl of hot chicken soup.”

Nominations for Ledford say she “exemplif[ies] the true spirit of the Snow Caring Award through dedication to our students” and her “genuine care for students and willingness to give her time and energy wherever needed make her a wonderful example of what it means to truly care for the Mars Hill community.”

Vance was described in her nomination as “always doing her best to take care of everyone… work[ing] tirelessly to make sure all our incoming students are ready to begin life at MHU.” The nomination said she also takes the same approach to helping the staff on her team.

The Gibbs Outstanding Teacher Award is intended to encourage and reward excellence in teaching at Mars Hill University. Nominees are considered based on outstanding performance as a classroom teacher, outstanding development of teaching methods and materials, influence on students, and influence on other teachers. The Gibbs Award was established in 1970 in memory of Robert S. Gibbs, Sr., who served on the Board of Trustees at Mars Hill College from 1903-1943.

Soper Gorden’s nomination recognized her as someone whose “support goes well beyond the classroom, from staying late to mentor students and guide research projects to providing hands-on learning experiences through the campus prairie, greenhouse, and Tree Trail.” She was recognized as a faculty member who “doesn’t just teach her students—she supports them, encourages them, and truly cares about their success.”

The awards were presented Tuesday, August 11, 2026.