06/03/2026
New Provost and Vice President Named at Mars Hill University
Mars Hill University announces the promotion of Donna Parsons to provost and vice president of academic affairs. Parsons previously served as associate provost for Adult and Graduate Studies and dean of professional studies and social sciences. She also is an associate professor of business administration. She joined the Mars Hill faculty in 2014.
Parsons holds a Ph.D. from the Sobey School of Business at St. Mary’s University of Nova Scotia, a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, and a B.A. from North Carolina State University. She has been teaching at the college level since 1994 and has conducted research leading to publications on gender and organizations. She is highly engaged in the community and region, having served in leadership roles for churches, non-profits, and schools in the area.
“Dr. Parsons has demonstrated a commitment to MHU’s mission and to student success for both traditional and AGS students,” said President Tracy Parkinson. “I believe that she is the right person, in terms of both relevant experience and demonstrated commitment, to work alongside our faculty and academic staff in the best interest of the university.”
“I am honored to serve alongside President Parkinson and the exceptional faculty and staff of Mars Hill University in this new role,” Parsons said. “MHU is a special place because of its people and its commitment to helping students discover their potential, purpose, and place. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university to strengthen that work and expand opportunities for our students and the communities we serve.”
Former provost and executive vice president Tracy Parkinson was selected by the university’s Board of Trustees to be Mars Hill’s 23rd president, following the retirement of Tony Floyd. Parkinson began his new role on June 1.
