Office of the President

A native of Havana, Cuba, and an immigrant to the United States, Martin uses her interpersonal and cultural expertise to work diligently to promote access to affordable educational opportunities.

Martin holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from Duke University; a Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond; and a Doctorate with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been involved in both the public and private sectors and has extensive expertise in strategic planning, marketing and brand identity, crisis management, financial, budgeting and risk mitigation, stakeholder relationship management, program innovation, and funding.

Dr. Martin served as President of Fairmont State University from 2018-2022, and Fort Hays State University from 2014-2016. Prior to Fort Hays, Martin served as the Dean of Virginia State University’s Reginald F. Lewis School of Business from 2009-2014.

During her tenure at Fairmont State University, Martin accomplished a $20.5 million positive turn-around in the University’s financial condition and an increase in its composite financial index (CFI) from 0.76 to 5.69 (the highest in the state for the second consecutive year). The University’s days cash-in-hand as of June 30, 2021 were the largest in West Virginia. Her “recalibration” model used by the West Virginia legislature provided all public institutions in the State the first increase in funding in several years.

Martin is active in many educational, civic, and charitable organizations, including serving as a Director for the Americas of the International Association of Universities (a UNESCO official partner), Racing toward Diversity Board, American Council on Education Women’s Network Executive Council.