MARS HILL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Mars Hill University President Tony Floyd will retire at the end of the 2025–26 academic year, capping off eight years of leadership marked by campus revitalization, academic expansion, and a steady hand through crisis.
The university announced Floyd’s decision Tuesday morning. He will step down following Spring Graduation in May 2026.
Floyd, who became Mars Hill’s 22nd president in June 2018, led the university through a pivotal era. His tenure included significant capital improvements, new academic offerings, expanded athletic programs, and stability through the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“Serving as your president has been the honor of a lifetime,” Floyd said in a message to the university community. “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.”
Among the most visible signs of Floyd’s leadership are campus-wide renovations and construction projects. Those include updates to Marshbanks Hall and Harrell Pool, a renewed Sunken Garden, a new indoor batting facility, and the creation of Trammell Family Park. He also spearheaded the Together We Rise campaign, which is funding the university’s new campus center.
Floyd championed several enrollment initiatives during a period of national challenges in higher education. Programs like the Local Lion Promise, Tennessee Neighbor Promise, Judge Blackwell Scholars, and Laurel Scholars helped stabilize enrollment and attract students from underserved communities.
Academically, the university launched new graduate and undergraduate degree programs under Floyd’s leadership, including master’s degrees in management and criminal justice and bachelor’s degrees in web development, biomedical sciences, and entrepreneurial leadership. He also prioritized career readiness through the development of the Cothran Center, integrating career planning into the student experience.
Floyd guided Mars Hill through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the shift to remote learning and implementation of campus safety protocols. After Hurricane Helene, he encouraged students, faculty, and staff to contribute volunteer hours in surrounding communities affected by the storm.
The Mars Hill University Board of Trustees will begin a national search for the school’s next president. Board Chair Brent Townsend praised Floyd’s commitment and achievements.
“Tony’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Mars Hill University, and we are profoundly thankful for his service,” Townsend said. “We also want to recognize his wife, Terry, for the many ways she has supported Tony and shared in his commitment to Mars Hill.”
Floyd currently chairs both the Appalachian College Association and the South Atlantic Conference Presidents Council. He plans to remain through the academic year to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
The university said it will announce plans in the coming months to honor Floyd and his family for their service to the Mars Hill community.
