MARS HILL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Mars Hill University has named Tracy Parkinson as its next president following a national search, the school’s board of trustees announced.

Parkinson, who has served as provost since 2020 and executive vice president and provost since 2022, will succeed outgoing President Tony Floyd, who is retiring at the end of the academic year.

The search was conducted by Buffkin Baker Executive Search.

In his current role, Parkinson oversees academic affairs, accreditation, emergency management, enrollment management, financial aid, grants and marketing and communications. He also represents the university on regional and national boards, including the Council of Independent Colleges and the Appalachian College Association.

During his tenure, the university expanded academic programs, added new majors, and increased online course offerings, including fully online degree programs. Officials said the school also met enrollment goals during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded its Local Lion Promise program, and improved retention and graduation rates.

Brent Townsend, trustee emeritus and chair of the presidential search committee, said Parkinson stood out as a candidate with experience and a strong understanding of the university’s mission.

“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,” Townsend said.

Parkinson said he and his family have developed strong ties to the university and surrounding community.

“Mars Hill University is a remarkably special place with exceptional students, faculty and staff,” he said. “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.”

A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Parkinson earned his undergraduate degree from Carson-Newman University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He also studied abroad at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela and the American University of Paris.

Before joining Mars Hill, Parkinson served as a professor and administrator at King University from 1999 to 2011, later becoming provost at Coker University, where he also held roles as executive vice president and acting president.

He and his wife, Nichole Long, live in Mars Hill with their family.