Founders

Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin and Sister Jane Schilling founded Martin University in 1977. Martin University's original mission-to serve low-income, minority, and adult learners-has not changed, although students from all backgrounds have always been welcome. While the average age of the students remains around 40 years of age, we are continually enrolling a growing number of young people. Martin University's "non-traditional" student is between the ages of 18 and 22! 

Physical Development

The original campus was at 35th St. and College Ave in Indianapolis, Indiana. It moved to its current location in Indianapolis, on Avondale Place in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood in 1987. Housed initially in buildings once occupied by Francis de Sales Catholic church and elementary school, the campus grew to include many other structures in the immediate area.

Dramatic changes have taken place in recent years. More than 25 buildings, used either by staff and administration or those owned by the university, were razed to make room for parking lots, landscaping, and the first-ever new Martin University building-the $10 million Educational Center. It, and the beautiful Peace Garden that connects the Center, the Bernice Fraction Performing Arts Center, and the Dr. Andrew J. Brown Building, opened in the summer of 2001.

The beautiful brick-and-stone Educational Center contains nine classrooms; faculty and staff offices; an 800-seat Gathertorium; a two-story, glass-and-steel globe; a Frederick Douglass Room; student and staff lounges; and a smoking-cessation center. In addition to graduations and other campus events, the building is also used for many community activities.

Academic Development

In 1977, Martin University, a haven of hope was created, in the midst of the inner city barriers to academic success, to offer opportunities for the ordinary and disenfranchised persons to change their destinies through education. The University is recognized as an institution that offers access and opportunities to persons who have been discounted, discouraged and disregarded in the educational attainment process. Martin University is a distinctive institution that is future oriented, interconnected, and learning-centered. The University is a non-denominational, private, liberal arts institution with over 1,500 alumni.

Its current student population is over 1,000, with several experienced faculty and staff employed to meet student needs. Martin University offers 14 undergraduate degrees and two master’s degrees in a wide array of disciplines, including the liberal arts, business, early childhood education, sociology, religious studies, psychology, chemistry, biology, environmental science, justice studies and urban ministries.

The University’s historical mission is to serve low income, minority, and non-traditional learners in a freedom and healing-minded environment. Approximately 90% of the students attending Martin University receive financial aid. Low-income women comprise two-thirds (2/3) of the student body. Martin University is a communiversity that plays a unique role in the Indianapolis community. Many graduates have gone on to become distinguished citizen leaders. Some outstanding graduates include the current Deputy Mayor for the City of Indianapolis, Administrator for the Pike Township Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff, Marion County Chaplain, McDonald’s Franchise Owner, Pastor of a 16,000 member church, clergymen, social workers, daycare workers and owners, police officers and published authors.