NEWS BRIEF By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Mars Hill College and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians officially acknowledged a continuing relationship with the presentation of formalized agreements on Monday, June 4. Mars Hill and the Tribe began their formal relationship in February 2011 which involves consultations by the Tribe on various events and presentations at the school as well as a scholarship for two EBCI students.
EBCI education officials met with Mars Hill College officials on Monday, June 4 to officially acknowledge the continued relationship between the school and the Tribe. Shown (left-right) are Tate McCoy, EBCI Education & Training program manager; Leo James, Mars Hill College trustee; Rachel Mathis, EBCI Education & Training; and Dr. Dan Lunsford, president of Mars Hill College. The agreement being held on the left is in the Cherokee language, and the one on the right is in English. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
“It’s a great program that we have,” said Dr. Dan Lunsford, president of Mars Hill College. “We appreciate having the best relationship with the Tribe.”
Per the agreement, Mars Hill will provide full tuition for two EBCI students yearly. The agreement, first signed on Feb. 16, 2011, will initially extend for three years.
“Our students have long benefited from guest lecturers, presenters and performers who were members of the Cherokee tribe,” Dr. Lunsford said in a statement last year. “This agreement is a continuation of the relationship we have always enjoyed, and an affirmation that we will continue to work together for all our students, of all backgrounds.”
Currently, there are four EBCI students who will enter their sophomore year at Mars Hill. Six more students are set to enter the school this fall.
