About 200 people attended the Jan. 7 grand opening of the new South Asheville site for Mars Hill College on Airport Road.  

Two ribbon-cutting ceremonies involving officials from MHC as well as the Asheville and Henderson County chambers of commerce were part of the festivities.

Dr. Dan Lunsford, MHC president, expressed appreciation to all who had had a part in making the new location a reality, including the MHC trustees, members of the administration, and college faculty and staff. 

A-B Tech will also lease space for classes at the site.  Dr. Hank Dunn, A-B Tech’s president, said he was proud to be part of a cooperative effort with MHC to provide greater educational opportunities in the region.

Programming at the new location will be administered through the MHC Adult and Graduate Studies program.  According to Marie Nicholson, dean of the program, MHC’s AGS classes are designed to fulfill the needs of working adults who would like to further their education. 

“The opening of a location in south Asheville expands opportunities for people throughout the region to take advantage of the degree programs offered through Mars Hill College,” Nicholson said.

“The new Airport Road location makes Mars Hill classes more accessible for adult students in the Asheville and Hendersonville areas, who may not have time to drive to Mars Hill after work for class.”

 Nicholson said the opening of a second Asheville site effectively removes one more hurdle for potential students who may have been dreaming of returning to school, particularly those near the South Asheville area. 

And while the location will be different, the small-campus environment that has buoyed thousands of Mars Hill College alumni through a rigorous academic experience will still be present, Nicholson said.

Educational programs to be offered at the site will include general education and major classes toward bachelor’s degrees in education (elementary, middle grades, special education, integrated education and teacher licensure), business management, criminal justice and social work. 

Classes toward a master’s degree in elementary education will also be held at this site. Additional major programs may be added later. All classes are evening classes that will meet one night per week.

Financial aid is available for AGS classes. For more information about Mars Hill College Adult and Graduate Studies or to register for classes, call 689-1166, or email AGS Director of Marketing and Admissions Samantha Fender at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .