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Mars Hill University President Tony Floyd to Retire in May 2026

Mars Hill, NC (09/16/2025) — Mars Hill University announced today that President Tony Floyd, J.D., will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, following Spring Graduation.

Since joining Mars Hill University as its 22nd president in 2018, Floyd has guided the institution through a period of significant growth, resilience, and renewed spirit. His leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, positioning the university for continued success well into the future.

During his tenure, President Floyd oversaw the completion of transformative campus projects, including the renovation of Marshbanks Hall, the renewal of the Sunken Garden, renovation of Harrell Pool and the Chambers Gymnasium lobby, addition of an indoor batting practice facility, development of the Trammell Family Park on Main Street, renovation of Moore Fine Arts Building Lobby, and the launch of the Together We Rise campaign, bringing the new campus center to life.

Floyd championed enrollment growth initiatives like the Local Lion Promise, Tennessee Neighbor Promise, Judge Blackwell Scholars, and Laurel Scholars that stabilized student numbers during challenging times in higher education and fostered a culture of collaboration across university departments.

Additionally, Floyd brought the Cothran Center for Career Readiness to the forefront of the MHU student experience. He oversaw the launch of new graduate degrees, Master of Management and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, and new undergraduate degrees in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Community and Nonprofit Leadership, Biomedical Sciences, Ecology and Conservation, Graphic Design Communications, and Web Development. He brought Esports, Acrobatics and Tumbling, Flag Football, and Olympic Weightlifting to enhance athletics offerings.

President Floyd also guided the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic, ushering in online learning and safety measures that held enrollment steady throughout that challenging period. He also led the campus during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, encouraging many hours of community service work by students, faculty and staff in nearby areas.

Floyd currently serves as Chair for the Appalachian College Association and Chair of the South Atlantic Conference Presidents Council.

"Serving as your president has been the honor of a lifetime," said Floyd in a campus announcement. "I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me, for the work we have accomplished together, and for the relationships that I will carry with me always. Mars Hill is a special place, rooted in mission, guided by faith, and filled with people who care deeply about one another and about making a difference in the world."

The Mars Hill University Board of Trustees will begin a national search for the institution's next president. Board Chair Brent Townsend expressed gratitude for Floyd's leadership, noting, "Since joining Mars Hill University on June 1, 2018, Tony has been an integral part of our institution, leading with an unwavering commitment to the mission statement of Mars Hill University. Under his leadership, we have weathered challenges and reached new heights that once seemed out of reach. Tony's contributions have left an indelible mark on Mars Hill University, and we are profoundly thankful for his service. We also want to recognize his wife, Terry, for the many ways she has supported Tony and shared in his commitment to Mars Hill. Together, they have given so much to this community, and we are excited for them as they step into their next season of life."

President Floyd will continue to serve through the 2025-26 academic year, ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership. The university will share plans in the coming months to honor him and his family for their years of service to the Mars Hill community.

Media Attachments

President Tony Floyd, Mars Hill University.

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