Reclaiming Mars Hill’s Cherished Spaces

Marshbanks Hall

Marshbanks Hall—then named Moore Hall— was once the central administrative building of Mars Hill College. The building has not held the president’s office since 1978, when President Fred Bentley moved to the newlycompleted Blackwell Hall. During the summer of 2022, that changed, as Marshbanks became home again to the president’s office, as well as the registrar’s office, the financial aid office, and the business office. All these administrative offices moved to newly-renovated spaces in Marshbanks to make way for the major renovations that will transform Blackwell into MHU’s new Campus Center. With its iconic cupola, enormous windows, and high ceilings, Marshbanks is a stately reminder of MHU’s connection to the past, and its determination to continue serving students into the future.

Once the Campus Center is complete, several of the administrative offices— including the president’s office—will move into the new center. Other offices, including the registrar’s office, will remain in Marshbanks.

Clockwise from the top: The President’s Conference Room, recently-retired Registrar Marie Nicholson, and the Financial Aid Office in their new locations in Marshbanks. INSIDE COVER: President Tony Floyd has taken up residence in his temporary office, awaiting the renovation of Blackwell Hall into the MHU Campus Center.

The Loft

The Loft, a student gathering space in what was once McConnell Gym, is experiencing a resurrection, of sorts.

MHU alumni from the 1980s through the early 2010s may remember The Loft as the site of dances, events, and even concerts. The space was closed in the early teens due to maintenance issues, but the Student Life Office, led by Vice President Dave Rozeboom, hopes to bring The Loft to life again. “Back in the day, students had The Loft space to informally gather and build connections. With the coming addition of the new Campus Center, The Loft provides a current opportunity for social gathering and centralized programming that students currently do not have, and it will also support the efforts of the new Campus Center. Many people helped realize my vision for that space, and there are many more pieces yet to come to enhance it even further.”

Right now, the space has a snack area and a dance floor as well as ping-pong, pool, and foosball tables. Several students enjoyed a recent “soft opening” of the space last month, but more improvements are needed before The Loft is open on a regular basis. Future plans include TV screens and an improved sound system.

Right: Students enjoy a recent “soft opening” of The Loft.