Two MHU Professors and One Staff Member Awarded For Work With Students
Mars Hill, NC (08/14/2018) — Brett Johnson, an associate professor of sociology, received the 2018 Gibbs Outstanding Teacher Award at Mars Hill University. Johnson, who joined the Mars Hill faculty in 2012, was recognized for outstanding performance as a classroom teacher, outstanding development of teaching methods and materials, influence on students, and influence on other teachers. The Gibbs Awards was established in memory of Robert S. Gibbs, Sr., who served on the Mars Hill board of trustees from 1903-1943.
Felice Lopez Bell, an instructor of English who has taught as Mars Hill since 2011, received the Snow Caring Award for faculty. While the Snow Award also honors excellent teaching, its focus is the personal concern and mentorship shown by the recipient, both in and out of the classroom.
This year, the Snow Caring Award also was extended to non-teaching staff of the university. Marlene Tomberlin, administrative assistant for Student Support Services, was the inaugural recipient of the staff 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. Also known as the "Chicken Soup Award," the Snow Award is given by the faculty division chairs to a faculty member whose life and teaching style 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."
The awards were presented Monday, August 13, 2018, during the opening session of the university's 2018-19 faculty workshop.
About Mars Hill University:
Mars Hill University is a premier private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees, as well as master's degrees in criminal justice, elementary education, and management. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina. The university's Asheville Center for Adult and Graduate Studies is located on Airport Road in Arden.
www.mhu.edu
Media Attachments
Brett Johnson, 2018 recipient of the Gibbs Outstanding Teacher Award at Mars Hill University.
Felice Lopez Bell, 2018 faculty recipient of the Snow Caring Award at Mars Hill University.
Marlene Tomberlin, 2018 staff recipient of the Snow Caring Award at Mars Hill University.
Mars Hill University
Mike Thornhill, (828) 689-1298, mthornhill@mhu.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Mars Hill University Confers Degrees on 198 Spring Graduates
- Mars Hill University Recognizes Students and Employees for Service to the Community
- Coming Up at Mars Hill University April 28-May 11, 2025
- Coming Up at Mars Hill University - April 21-May 4, 2025
- Mars Hill University to Host Dedication Ceremony for NASA "Moon Tree"
- Mars Hill University Celebrates Earth Week with Film Festival, Outdoor Yoga, and Ecological Education
- Coming Up at Mars Hill University - April 14-27, 2025
- Coming Up at Mars Hill University - April 7-20, 2025
- Zoe & Cloyd to Perform at Mars Hill University's Ramsey Center Annual Spring Concert
- Coming Up at Mars Hill University - March 31-April 13, 2025