The Mars Hill University Board of Trustees announced Tracy Parkinson, Ph.D., as the university’s next president, following a national search led by Buffkin Baker Executive Search. He will succeed President Tony Floyd, who is retiring at the conclusion of this academic year.
Parkinson came to Mars Hill in 2020 as provost and in 2022 was promoted to executive vice president and provost. He oversees academic affairs, accreditation, emergency management, enrollment management, financial aid, grants, and marketing and communications. He represents the university on county, regional, and national boards. His service includes the Council of Independent Colleges, the Appalachian College Association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), and the Land of Sky P20 Council.
During Parkinson’s tenure Mars Hill has expanded academic and co-curricular programs, including several new majors; transitioned to offering online courses as well as several completely online degrees; updated enrollment management search and yield tactics and strategy, meeting enrollment goals despite the pandemic; expanded the Local Lion Promise program; raised retention and graduation rates; and entered into several articulation and pathway agreements with area community and 4-year colleges. He has helped secure numerous gifts and grants, such as support for summer programs, the university’s campus center project, and renovation of the Moore Auditorium lobby.
Brent Townsend, trustee emeritus and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, says Parkinson emerged through the search process as a leader uniquely equipped to lead Mars Hill University. “He brings not only experience and vision, but also a deep understanding of who we are and who we are called to be,” said Townsend. “Throughout our time with him, it became clear that he possesses both the strategic leadership needed for this season and a genuine care for students, faculty, and staff.”
“Mars Hill University is a remarkably special place with exceptional students, faculty, and staff,” said Parkinson. “My family and I have fallen in love with MHU, the town, the county, and the region, and we are proud to call this home. I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to serve a place I care for deeply.”
A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Parkinson earned his undergraduate degree at Carson-Newman College and his master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He also studied at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela in Spain and the American University of Paris. He is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy of the American Academic Leadership Institute, the Council of Independent Colleges Seminar on Presidential Vocation and Mission, and the academic officers innovation program of the Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education.
He was professor of modern languages at King College in Bristol, Tennessee, from 1999–2011, where he also held numerous administrative positions, culminating as dean of the faculty and associate vice president for academic affairs. He joined Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina, in 2011 as provost, and prior to coming to Mars Hill was executive vice president and acting president at Coker.
Parkinson is joined by his wife, Nichole Long, a graduate of Emory & Henry College with a major in public policy and community service who also holds an M.B.A. She currently serves as an adjunct professor of business at MHU and is engaged in the community, serving in roles such as a member of the board of the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater. They live in Mars Hill and have two children: Adkins, a fifth grader at Mars Hill Elementary School, and Abigail, who lives and works in Atlanta as a senior graphic designer with AMB Sports and Entertainment.
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, teaching, 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.