Building on a 60-year relationship with the University, the new campus ministry offers students community, connection and a place to grow in faith where all are welcome, affirmed and celebrated

MARS HILL, N.C. – (Aug. 31, 2025) – Mars Hill United Methodist Church is excited to announce the creation of the Wesley Fellowship at Mars Hill University (MHU), a new campus ministry dedicated to creating a welcoming space where students can connect, grow and serve together.

“Mars Hill United Methodist Church has been a meaningful source of spiritual support for our students for many years,” said Stephanie McLeskey, Chaplain at Mars Hill University. “The addition of the Wesley Fellowship as a formalized campus ministry will give our students another way of connecting and exploring their spirituality in a community that wants to see them flourish. I am thrilled about this new offering!”

*Pastor Kelly Dotson (center) and Mars Hill University students gather at Mars Hill University’s College Street Crawl on August 28.*

For more than 65 years Mars Hill United Methodist Church has enjoyed a strong partnership with the University. Faculty, coaches, staff and students have participated in worship, supported the Church’s renowned music program and contributed to college theatre and athletics. The church has seen former students go on to seminary. It now awards scholarships each year to music scholars who participate in the Chancel Choir and Handbells Choir.

“Since I first arrived at Mars Hill, I’ve found a real sense of community and belonging through the faith community at Mars Hill United Methodist Church,” said Jordan Hulsey, a fourth year Business Administration and Community & Nonprofit Leadership major. “I’m excited that more students will now have the chance to experience this same welcoming congregation and grow in community through the Wesley Fellowship.”

“This new chapter builds on decades of friendship and shared ministry between our congregation and the University,” said Rev. Kelly Dotson, Senior Pastor at Mars Hill United Methodist Church. “We are thrilled to walk alongside students in this important stage of their lives. Our congregation offers a community where all truly means all.”

Wesley Fellowships are part of a wider United Methodist network of campus ministries — foundations, fellowships and chaplaincies—that exist to engage students through worship, mission and community support. Fellowships like the one newly launched in Mars Hill aim to provide spiritual care, leadership development and authentic community in the unique culture of college life.

“The Wesley Fellowship will be a place where Mars Hill students can ask big questions and explore their faith,” said Cindy Turner, Chair, Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. “It will also be a place where they discover how their gifts can serve the world. We’re grateful to see this ministry take root in such a vibrant welcoming church.”

The Wesley Fellowship at MHU will offer regular gatherings, service opportunities and events designed to help students build authentic relationships and deepen their faith with sincere acceptance for their background, beliefs and where they are on their spiritual journey.

On August 31, the church and University community gathered to officially launch the Wesley Fellowship with joy and anticipation for what lies ahead. The service included a blessing of the ministry and the presentation of a charter and check, marking the beginning of this new chapter in campus ministry.

Among those participating were co-interim superintendents of the Blue Ridge District Rev. Ashley Crowder Stanley and Rev. John Boggs, along with Rev. Lory Beth Huffman, Director of Connectional Ministries for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. More than 50 people attended, including 15 current Mars Hill University students, current and retired faculty, and members of the congregation and community — a visible sign of the strong support surrounding this ministry at its start.

“I am honored and excited to step into this role, and I look forward to getting to know everyone more,” said Liz Parrish, Campus Ministry Coordinator for the Wesley Fellowship at Mars Hill University.

For more information about the Wesley Fellowship at Mars Hill University, visit marshillumcnc.org/campus-ministry

Photos from the August 31 Welcome Back Cookout

On August 31, the church and University community gathered to launch the Wesley Fellowship with the presentation of a charter. More than 50 people attended, including 15 current Mars Hill University students, faculty past and present, officials from the Blue Ridge District and Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, and members of the congregation and community

About Mars Hill United Methodist Church

Mars Hill United Methodist Church is an inclusive, affirming and reconciling faith community located in Madison County, N.C., adjacent to Mars Hill University. Here we welcome, affirm, celebrate and love every child of God. No exceptions No exclusions. To learn more, visit marshillumcnc.org or follow @mars_hill_umc.