Mars Hill University students joined their counterparts from 17 other private colleges across North Carolina for the 15th Ethics Bowl, exploring the topic of ethics in leadership. Hosted by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), the event was held February 6–7, 2026, at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.
Each Ethics Bowl team consists of four-to-six students. A campus coordinator works with the students to prepare them for the competition. Mars Hill’s team of four students was coordinated by Ryan Bell, director of advising and first-year academic success.
Team members were:
- Alexis Allen, a senior criminal justice and religion & philosophy major from Mars Hill, North Carolina
- Thomas TJ Burske, a senior business administration and religion & philosophy major from Apopka, Florida
- Lashyia Davis, a senior social work major from Charlotte, North Carolina
- Torin Musick, a senior integrated education major from Green Mountain, North Carolina
The Mars Hill team won one match and lost close matches to three eventual semifinalist teams. Johnson C. Smith University became the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to reach the finals and prevail as champion.
This year’s event marked a technological leap for the competition. Supported by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges, NCICU implemented a digital scoring system, providing judges with tablets for real-time submission and faster tabulation of results.
“The Ethics Bowl is a showcase of the NCICU experience, and Johnson C. Smith’s outstanding team presentations during our 15th anniversary year were remarkable,” said NCICU President Dr. A. Hope Williams. “This event highlights the intellectual rigor and leadership potential across our 36 campuses. We are incredibly proud of all our participants for their ability to navigate difficult ethical landscapes with integrity, collaboration, and profound critical thinking.”
The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions. Mars Hill’s team was sponsored by French Broad Electric Membership Corporation.
About NCICU:
North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) is the statewide office of private, nonprofit, liberal arts and research colleges and universities. NCICU supports, represents, and advocates for North Carolina independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also raises funds through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina for student scholarships and enrichment experiences, provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. Presidents of the colleges and universities comprise NCICU’s Board of Directors.
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.
Caption for abovephoto:
The Mars Hill University 2026 Ethics Bowl team: (seated, l-r) Lashyia Davis, TJ Burske, Torin Musick, (standing, l-r) Ryan Bell, Alexis Allen.