The Board of Governors appointed Mirta M. Martin, Ph.D. the fifteenth president of Fairmont State University effective January 1, 2018. Dr. Martin holds a baccalaureate 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.

Dr. Martin’s career involves work in both the public and private sectors. As a senior banking executive, Dr. Martin was recognized as a highly effective and innovative practitioner, positioning companies for growth and profitability. Her higher education experience is equally diverse and successful. She has served in various academic roles, most recently as senior education adviser to former Mexican President Vicente Fox, president of Fort Hays State University, and dean and professor of management at the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at Virginia State University.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell appointed Dr. Martin to the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges and to the Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment. She was appointed by former Governor Tim Kaine to serve on the Virginia Council on the Status of Women. She is active in many educational, civic and charitable organizations. Most recently, she was appointed a director for Marion County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Marion County and became a member of the Rotary Club. For her leadership, Dr. Martin has received numerous awards, including:

The Humanitarian Award for Academic Excellence; The Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States; The Hispanic College Fund Legacy Award; and a Finalist for the Innovation in Education Educator of the Year Award

Born in Havana, Cuba, and an immigrant to the United States, Dr. Martin uses her interpersonal and cultural expertise to work diligently to promote access to affordable educational opportunities. She and her husband, John, who is an engineer, have two children. This past May, Katherine earned a doctoral degree from the University of Miami, and Patrick earned a master’s degree from Wake Forest University. They both reside in Washington D.C.