Who We Are

Mars Hill University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in western North Carolina on its original site.

Where We Are
Mars Hill University is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, sitting in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina. The town, which derives its name from the university, has a population of about 2,200. It is approximately 25 minutes north of Asheville, NC and approximately 45 minutes southwest of Johnson City, TN.

Mission Statement

Mars Hill University, an academic community rooted in the Christian faith, challenges and equips students to pursue intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth through an education that is:
 

• grounded
  in a rigorous study of the Liberal Arts

• connected
  with the world of work

• committed
  to character development, to service, and to responsible citizenship in the community, the region, and the world

This mission statement was adopted in 1997 as part of the university’s strategic planning process. To accompany its Mission Statement, Mars Hill University has further defined itself with a Religious Identity Statement.

VISION STATEMENT

Mars Hill will be a preeminent private university, nationally recognized for transforming engaged learners into ethical citizens and successful leaders in an ever-changing world.

Religious Identity Statement

Mars Hill University, an academic community rooted in the Christian faith, challenges and equips students to pursue intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth that is:
 

• grounded in a rigorous study of the Liberal Arts,
• connected with the world of work, and
• committed to character development, to service, and to responsible citizenship in the community, the region, and the world.

The Center For Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The mission of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office is to create a culturally enhanced campus environment through inclusive education, advocacy, social justice, diversity, and leadership opportunities. It is our goal to provide and promote diverse events such as lectures, concerts, cultural awareness programs, films, and workshops that will assist our students in an understanding of world views that influence their work and relationships.

Respect MHU
Mars Hill University is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming experience for all members of and visitors to the MHU campus community. The work of creating and maintaining an inclusive environment requires the efforts of the entire university, and we recognize that each member of the community holds some responsibility to foster an environment in which its members can thrive without fear of hate or bias. The creation of Respect MHU allows for the community to work together to report and address incidents of bias and hate on campus, thereby enhancing and contributing to the authentic pursuit of knowledge and truth that lies at the heart of our institutional identity and purpose.