by the Appalachian Mountains; from various points on campus it is possible to see Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Bailey Mountain (nicknamed "Old Bailey") is located about a mile (1.5 km) northwest from campus and is a local landmark. Interstate 26 is located one mile east of the university, and provides access to the nearby cities of Asheville, North Carolina, to the south, and Johnson City, Tennessee to the north.
== Athletics ==
The university is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and it is also a member of the South Atlantic Conference. Mars Hill's sports mascot is the mountain lion; the university's colors are royal blue and gold.
== Notable alumni ==
John S. Battle (1890–1972), lawyer who served in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly and as the 56th Governor of Virginia
Archie Campbell (1914–1987) American comedian and writer
Ludovico Corsini (born 1993), Olympic swimmer
Mike Houston, (born 1971), college football coach
Woodrow …
