Giving
Meet the Advancement Staff
Bud Christman
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
Ophelia DeGroot
Alumni Relations Resource Consultant
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).
I came to Mars Hill College in 2001 after serving in Enrollment at UNC-Greensboro and Florida State University. At MHC I work with the president on special projects and with all alumni-related activities. My family has had a long relationship with the college: I’m a 1958 alum; my late husband, Jack, was on the MHC Board of Advisors; and my daughter Gretchen graduated from MHC in 1996.
I live in Mars Hill and am a member, deacon, and substitute Sunday school teacher at Mars Hill Baptist Church. I’m also a member of the Rotary Club and serve on Rotary Executive Board, am an executive board member of SART Guild, and a member of Mars Hill Woman’s Club.
Amy Garrison
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (828) 689-1102
Email: agarrison@mhc.edu
Beth Hardin
Director of Alumni Relations
Phone: (828) 689-1148
Email: ehardin@mhc.edu
Education: BA, Mars Hill College, 2008
As a proud alumna of Mars Hill College, I’m thrilled about the opportunity to become the Director of Alumni Relations. Fifi has done such a wonderful job over these past years, and has helped create a wonderful sense of community and connection for so many of us as we’ve moved through our years away from the Hill, that I’m excited to see where we can go from here. I’ve learned so much from her in my current role in the Alumni Office, and I’m truly honored to build on the path she’s laid out.
I graduated in 2008 with my BA in Religion & Philosophy and I feel the signs and brochures say it right, “there’s just something about this place.” From the caring professors who have become my friends, to being able to once again enjoy the fried okra at Pittman Dining Hall, it is a joy to be working at The Hill.
My family shares my love for Mars Hill College. A third generation Mars Hillian, I’m honored to keep the legacy going.
After growing up in Palm Harbor, FL, I am overwhelmed by the beauty of the mountains. I find it hard to go inside when the leaves change color or the snow starts to fall, so I can usually be found reading or drinking coffee with friends on the quad.
Karen Hedrick
Gift Services Associate
Phone: (828) 689-1584
Email: khedrick@mhc.edu
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.
Tiffany Hill
Director of Stewardship
Phone: (828) 689-1295
Email: thill@mhc.edu
Education: B.S., Mars Hill College, 2001
Since 1997 I have spent 13 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 about my current 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.
James Knight
Director of Annual Giving
Phone: (828) 689-1122
Email: jknight@mhc.edu
Donna Kull
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Phone: (828) 689-1277
Email: dkull@mhc.edu
Education: B.S. Auburn University; M.S. University of Tennessee
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
Tim McClain
Director of Development
Phone: (828) 689-1435
Email: tmcclain@mhc.edu