Mars Hill University introduces University Lecture Series

“Let’s Save America,” a lecture by business consultant and CEO John L. Boyle about national economics and the federal debt will be the first in a new series of lectures at Mars Hill University called the University Lecture Series.

Boyle’s lecture, set for September 30, will take place at 7 pm in Broyhill Chapel.  The event is free and open to the public.

John L. Boyle II is the founder and CEO of JL Boyle International.  He has over 30 years experience in working on business strategy development, corporate and municipal restructurings, complex analysis and litigation support.  He is a seasoned expert in the area of interim management and has extensive knowledge of government economics. Boyle holds a master's degree in actuarial science from Georgia State University and a master's degree in statistics and operations research from the Wharton Business School.  He is known nationally and internationally for his work, most recently for his insights into the bankruptcy of Detroit, where he was widely quoted in the New York Times. 

Boyle is also an Adjunct Professor in the Mathematics Department at Eastern Michigan University - teaching primarily mathematical modeling. 

According to Dan Lunsford, president of Mars Hill University, Boyle’s lecture will be the first in a series of lectures and presentations intended to further broaden the scope of conversation available to Mars Hill students, faculty, staff and the community at large.

“This series will bring distinguished and knowledgeable individuals to campus to lecture on a wide range of timely and timeless topics which complement the university’s emphasis on the liberal arts,” Lunsford said.  While the first lecture will explore economics and debt in the United States, plans call for future programs to bring scientists, artists, researchers and other experts to campus.

According to Lunsford, the series will not replace, but will add to, the already-engaging and scholarly speakers who are regularly brought to campus through the MHU Visiting Artists and Lecturers Series and the various academic departments.  Administration officials hope to provide at least two lectures per academic year.

Among the experts to be invited to lecture will be some of Mars Hill’s own faculty, Lunsford said.

“In addition to their teaching duties, many of them are often quietly publishing groundbreaking creative and scholarly work, and this lecture series will give them an opportunity to share that knowledge with a wider audience.” 

Some of the lectures to be presented through the series may be controversial, Lunsford said.  “The liberal arts, by definition, involve presenting a variety of opinions and viewpoints.  Not everyone will agree with every speaker, but in my opinion, that is a good thing,” he said.