Dr. Martin currently serves as the president of Ferrum College. Prior to her arrival at Ferrum, she served as president of Fairmont State University from 2018 to 2022, and Fort Hays State University from 2014 to 2016. Prior to Fort Hays, Martin served as the dean of Virginia State University’s Reginald F. Lewis School of Business from 2009 to 2014.
During her tenure at Fairmont State University, Martin accomplished a $20.5 million positive turnaround 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 on 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.
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.
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), on the Racing Toward Diversity board and on the American Council on Education Women’s Network Executive Council.
Meet the executive leadership team that guides Ferrum College in partnership with the campus community, the Board of Trustees, alumni, and friends to fulfill its mission to provide a dynamic learning community where students enter with promise and leave with purpose.
