Meet the Advancement Staff
Title:
VP for Institutional AdvancementPhone: (828) 689-1435
Email: amiller@mhc.edu
Education: B.A., Mars Hill College, 1975; M.A., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1986
Over lunch recently a long time friend of the college said, “there is no way I’d do what you do for a living”. We had a good laugh and I responded this way. When a minister steps into the pulpit all the preparation should have been done before he/she arrived. What happens after the sermon is between the Holy Spirit and the person in the pew.
That’s precisely how I feel about asking someone to support the college. I would never “cold call” on someone to ask for a significant gift. The ask is the final step in a process that may have taken years. And when I do ask it is to offer them the opportunity to invest in something I already know they believe in.
I begin my twentieth year in fundraising this fall. I’m an
alumnus, class of 1975, father of six children, four biological and
two adopted from China. I married Lynn Greene ’78 as a student
and we celebrated our 30th anniversary this year.
Title: Executive Director of
Institutional Advancement Phone: (828) 689-1194
Email: bchristman@mhc.edu
Education: B.A., Wake Forest University, 1980; M.A., Wake Forest University, 1982
After 17 years in the advancement field, including over a dozen in "planned giving," I realize my primary role is that of a dream weaver. We all have dreams. We all rightfully want to leave a legacy: be it spiritual, emotional, or financial. We want to make a difference both now and in the future. As a dream weaver at Mars Hill, it is gratifying to work with alumni and friends, help flesh out their dreams, and consider how those dreams can best benefit themselves, their family, and Mars Hill College. It is a privilege to witness dreams unfold. On a personal note, dream weaving for me naturally includes my incredible family: my wife Sally and teenage daughters Rachel and Sarah.
“For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans
to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11
Phone: (828) 689-1277
Email: dkull@mhc.edu
Education: B.S. Auburn University; M.S. University of Tennessee
I have 20+ years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and grants development, including nine years as the Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. My career has also spanned such areas as Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Dallas, Texas. I am member of the American Association of Grants Professionals, a member of their national Professional Growth and Development Committee, and the former president of the Austin chapter. I have been married for 25+ years to my husband Max, an engineer and math teacher, and have two adult children.
Phone: (828) 689-1295
Email: lcarson@mhc.edu
Education: B.S., Business Management, Montreat College 2003
My name is Lauren Carson and I am the
Director of Major Gifts here at MHC. I am a 2003 graduate of Montreat
College with a BS degree in business administration concentrating
in management. I am originally from the eastern side of the state
but have been living in the Asheville area for seven years. I enjoy
traveling to new places any chance that I have and spending time
with my family.
Phone: (828) 689-1148
Email: bdanforth@mhc.edu
Education: B.S., Computer Science, Minor Business Administration, Minor Webmaster, Mars Hill College (2006)
Hi, my name is Brian K. Danforth and
I hail from North Augusta, SC. I spent one full year in the MHC
admissions office and now make my home in the institutional advancement
office. While at MHC, I was vice president of the Student Government
Association, a Bonner Scholar, resident director, member of the
Student Judicial Board, and was awarded Student of the Year for
2005-2006. Mars Hill greatly impacted my life and I consider it
a true blessing that I had the opportunity to obtain a degree of
higher education from this incredible institution. I am currently
pursuing a masters of entrepreneurship degree from Western Carolina
University. My favorite scripture is Phillipians 4:13, "I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Support Mars Hill College...ask me how!
Title: Special Assistant to the President,
Alumni RelationsPhone: (828) 689-1438
Email: fdegroot@mhc.edu
Education: A.A., MHC (1958), B.S., English Education, Appalachian State in (1960), M.Ed, English Education, UNC-G in (1968).
Came to MHC in 2001 after serving in Enrollment at UNC-G and Florida State University. Husband Jack, deceased, was on MHC Board of Advisors; daughter Gretchen graduated from MHC in 1996.
Live in Mars Hill. Member, deacon, substitute SS teacher at Mars Hill Baptist Church. Member of Rotary Club and serve on Rotary Executive Board. Executive board member of SART Guild. Member of Mars Hill Woman's Club.
Present position: Currently work with president on special projects and with all alumni-related activities.
In August, I celebrated my 29th year at MHC. I have served in several capacities on campus. The first being in the Career Planning and Placement Center where I worked for three years. I spent 17 years in the Admissions Office and moved to the Office of Institutional Advancement in 1998 where I book, receipt, and report on gifts to the college.
I love teaching Sunday School and serve as church pianist. I live in Marshall with my husband Jim and have one stepdaughter.
Phone: (828) 689-1102
Email: bhassen@mhc.edu
Education: Miller Draughn College, Cincinnati, OH – AA Business
I'm currently in my seventh year working
at Mars Hill College. Off time is spent with family and a menagerie
of animals.
