Mars Hill University students compete in 2014 Ethics Bowl

Press release

A team of five Mars Hill University students competed in the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities 2014 Ethics Bowl, February 7-8, held on the campus of Campbell University School of Law.

The MHU team had a positive showing, winning three out of four rounds at the competition, which included teams from across the state.

Team members from Mars Hill were: Christina Dalamangas, a senior Biology/Religion major from Belmont, NC; Derek Gibson, a senior philosophy major from Baileyton, TN; Cameron McDaniel, a sophomore business administration major from Weaverville, NC; Jacquelyn Miner, a junior political science/international studies major from Casar, NC; and Octavia Stancil a senior, political science/religion major from Tulsa, OK. Faculty sponsor for the team is Dr. Barry Sharpe, MHU associate professor of political science.

This is the third year that Mars Hill has sent a team to the ethics bowl, a competition designed to provide an academic experience that increases student awareness about applying ethics in leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relationships and other issues in today’s society.

“The competition was fun and the event was a great networking opportunity,” said team member Cameron McDaniel. “Students from all over our state came together to try to make sense of today’s ethical debates; the results were extraordinary and inspiring.”

The ethics bowl is a competitive event where teams accrue points for answers which are evaluated by a panel of business and community leaders. The competition is integral to the event. And yet, according to MHU team members, in some ways, the competition is less important than the experience itself.

“The debate format of the competition allowed me to practice critical thinking skills in a collaborative manner during fast paced situations and helped me to hone my persuasiveness in public speaking,” said team member Derek Gibson

Team member Octavia Stancil said that being part of the Ethics Bowl encouraged her ability to think critically and ethically. “These are skills that will make your academic career even more successful,” she said.

This year’s topic for debate was “healthcare ethics.” The competition featured students from Campbell University, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Louisburg College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, N.C. Wesleyan College, Pfeiffer University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Salem College, Shaw University, University of Mount Olive, Wake Forest University and Wingate University. A team from Wake Forest University received 1st place, and Gardner-Webb University took home the 2nd place trophy.

The presenting sponsors of this event were Duke Energy and Wells Fargo. Other sponsors included Ads Infinitum, AT&T, BCWH Architects, Burlington Industries/International Textile Group, Inc., Dominion NC Power, Fidelity Investments, George Foundation, Martin Marietta Materials, Piedmont Natural Gas and Theo Davis Printing.

NCICU is comprised of North Carolina’s 36 private, non-profit liberal arts, comprehensive and research colleges and universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. NCICU represents independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.ncicu.org.

About Mars Hill University
Mars Hill University is a premier private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees and one graduate degree in elementary education. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina.www.mhu.edu .