MORGANTON, N.C. (ABP) — Fred Blake Bentley, president emeritus of Mars Hill College, died
August 26 at his home on Lake James, near Morganton. Bentley, 68, had fought colon cancer since it was diagnosed in January 2002.
When Bentley became president of Mars Hill College in 1966 at age 30, he was the youngest college president in the nation. Bentley was the 19th president in the college's 110-year history, but only the third to serve in the 20th century. Bentley served almost 30 years before retiring in 1996.
During his tenure, Bentley reorganized the administrative structure of the college and oversaw a litany of accomplishments, including the movement to senior college status and the introduction of innovative academic programs. In 1986, his 20th year, he was named by the Exxon Foundation as one of the “100 Most Effective College Presidents in the Nation.”
Eleven new buildings were constructed on campus during Bentley's tenure, along with seven other major capital improvements. One of his proudest accomplishments was the construction of Broyhill Chapel, which was built largely with the help of donations and volunteer labor from North Carolina Baptist churches. Bentley worked alongside the volunteers, and personally carved the large twin doors of the chapel.
Following his retirement in February 1996, trustees named Bentley president emeritus of the school. In April 2003, the college honored the Bentleys by dedicating a fellowship hall adjacent to Broyhill Chapel as the Bentley Fellowship Hall.
In addition to his wife, Doris, Bentley is survived by a daughter, Rhonda of Billings, Mt., and two sons, Philip of Asheville, and Steven of Mars Hill, along with three grandsons. Bentley is also survived by two brothers, Warren and Dexter.
-30-