Title:  VP for 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

I am pleased to have joined the Mars Hill staff in 2007, and have over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and grants development at other institutions of higher education or non profit organizations. My career has spanned such areas as Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Knoxville, Tennessee. I am an active 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. When not working, one may find us at church activities, attending a theatre event, driving or hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoying life in the mountains.

”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
- Romans 15:13

I am so proud to be a part of the staff here at Mars Hill College. After 8 years in the financial industry, Mars Hill College has given me the opportunity to serve in higher education. My role with the college is to bring alumni and friends together to help them fulfill their dreams and the goals of the College. In May 2007, I married the love of my life Katherine. Both being born and raised in North Carolina, we enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with GOD all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

Since 1997 I have spent ten years at Mars Hill College. Four as a student earning my BS in Business Administration, three years as a Service Associate in the Advancement Office, and three years as the Director of Annual Giving.

I am very excited begin my new role as Director of Stewardship. MHC is such a special place to me and everyone else who has been a student here or worked here. I am very passionate about what we do in Institutional Advancement and excited about all the wonderful things to come.

When I am not working I am usually at our home in Mars Hill spending time with my husband Daniel and our dogs. I also enjoy spending time with friends and doing things outdoors.

Title:  Special Assistant to the President, Alumni Relations
Phone: (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.

I joined the staff of the Office of Institutional Advancement in 1998 where I serve as the Gift Services Associate. My primary responsibilities are to manage the day-to-day booking and receipting process for donations to the college. Previously, I worked in the Admissions Office for 17 years, and three years in the Career Planning and Placement Center.

I love teaching children in Sunday school and serve as church pianist. I live in Marshall with my husband Jim and have one stepdaughter.

I worked in Financial Aid and in the Business Office prior to coming to the Institutional Advancement office. My position as Administrative Assistant is one of support for all the team members in this office and their varied responsibilities.

Additionally as keeper of the alumni data base, I have an opportunity to follow our graduates, young and old, as they make their way through the world – grad school, families, careers. It is very interesting.

I am married to my husband for more than forty-five years and we have two wonderful sons. When not at work, friends call me “Heidi” as I raise Boer goats on our little farm here in the mountains.