Thank You

Terry, Sarah, Olivia, and I want to thank you for the incredible week that you dedicated to welcoming us into the Mars Hill University Community last week.

Words cannot adequately express how appreciative we are of how you welcomed our extended family and close friends to Mars Hill. We will always treasure those moments that you provided to us.

The entire campus pulled together last week. Our grounds and housekeeping crews worked miracles and magic across campus to make things look festive. Thank you.

Our music department, music faculty, choirs, band, and percussion group put on spine tingling performances. Thank you. The band even joined with me for a selfie on Saturday! I am so proud of these students.

Our Master in Management students and faculty hosted a career discernment symposium that brought experts from great distances to honor my passion for helping students think through their futures and find their gifts. Thank you.

Chartwells went over and above the call of duty to provide food and special touches for our guests. Thank you.

SGA hosted a special tailgate party with a campfire, special entertainment, and even a portable climbing wall which gave new meaning to our inauguration theme of Scaling New Heights.

Shout Out to the Art Department

I want to give a shout out to our art faculty. In particular, Kenn Kotara worked last week to find a creative way to get his students out of the classroom, to be able to experience a number of incredible art events in Asheville. I am very appreciative of being on a campus where professors are willing to push our students, try new things, and find creative ways to connect our students to the vibrant Asheville opportunities that are there. Let’s keep this going and let’s have a campus conversation about how we can become even more distinctive.

Admissions and Enrollment Update

I also want you to see that the enrollment and admissions changes are beginning to pay dividends. This past Saturday we had 10 families on campus for tours. We had Madison Middle School on campus. Our applications and acceptances are up considerably from this time last year and inquiries are coming in daily as our admissions team visits high schools in NC and SC and our web based recruiting plan begins to take shape.

I know deep down that there was a lot of preparation, sweat, and effort to make the days special for us. We don’t take this for granted and I wanted to simply write to say thank you.

It is an honor to be a part of the team at MHU. My heart is full of appreciation and love for this place. As we enter the holiday season I wish you the best, give thanks for you, and wish you a great season with your friends and family.

Thanks,

Tony