Mars Hill University

Mars Hill University conferred degrees on 57 graduates during its December commencement ceremony in Moore Auditorium on Friday, December 17, 2021. It was the university's first indoor commencement since December 2019. Of the graduates, four received master's degrees, with the other 53 earning bachelor's degrees in arts, music, science, or social work. The graduates completed their degree requirements in August or December of 2021.

"Our legacy is not defined by any one moment. It's a collection of experiences, struggles, victories, and growth we've all shared together," Mars Hill University graduate Braxton Robinson told his fellow graduates during the university's spring commencement ceremony. This sentiment of shared accomplishment defined the day as the university conferred 199 degrees on 193 graduates (six graduates double-majored) on Saturday, May 10, 2025, marking one of the largest graduating classes in several years.

Mars Hill University conferred 168 degrees during its spring commencement ceremony on May 21, 2022. In addition to the bachelor's and master's degrees awarded, the university also presented an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Oralene Anderson Graves Simmons, who broke the color barrier at Mars Hill in the early 1960s.

Mars Hill University music students recently showcased their talents at the National Association of Teachers of Singing North Carolina District Competition in Greensboro. Most of the students who participated earned spots at the Mid-Atlantic Region NATS competition, to be held in March in Winston-Salem. Senior voice performance major Jordan Speece of Lewisville, North Carolina, took first place in her category and was recognized with a special award for Outstanding Collegiate Treble for her performance. She stood out among a highly competitive field, as her category was so large it had to be split into 4 different rooms to be judged in a timely manner. Speece earned one of the highest awards given at NC district NATS competition this year. Senior music education major Daniel Pearsall of Fairview, North Carolina, secured 3rd place in his category in his first appearance at NATS. Additionally, first-year students Hannah Galbraith of Fairview, North Carolina, and Jacob Bailey of Dallas, North Carolina, both scored high enough in their respective categories to qualify for participation in the regional NATS competition, marking an exciting step forward in their musical careers. "The students' success at the NATS district competition reflects the ongoing commitment to excellence in MHU's music program," said Professor Matt Blanks, voice area coordinator for Mars Hill's music department.

Mars Hill University recognizes 482 students named on the Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the fall 2024 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C.

Mars Hill University recognizes 387 students named on the Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the spring 2024 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C.

Mars Hill University recognizes 393 students named on the Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the fall 2023 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C.

Martin's impressive outing led the Lions to a 31-17 win over UVA Wise in football.

In a pair of victories, Jimenez had 65 digs.

Grant averaged 1.27 blocks per set in the Lions' three volleyball wins last week.

Mars Hill University inducted 13 new members into the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Mars Hill's chapter, North Carolina Epsilon Chapter 120, was formed in 1971. Members of the honor society must be juniors and seniors with grade point averages in the top 10 percent of the student body.

The Bailey Mountain Cloggers, Mars Hill University's precision dancing team, is a national champion for the 31st time. The team won the title for its 8-Couple Southern Appalachian Hoedown in the Young Adult Team category. The America's Clogging Hall of Fame National Championships were held October 20-21 in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Mars Hill University announces nine students who will make up the inaugural class of Blackwell Scholars. The Blackwell Scholarship is an academic and merit based award which recognizes students who are involved in leadership and citizenship activities in their high schools, and want to continue in those types of roles at Mars Hill University.

The Judge-McRae School of Nursing at Mars Hill University recognized its 16 graduates in the class of 2021 with a pinning ceremony on May 7.