INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Martin University is pleased to announce that John Girton, Jr. has been named Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff. Previously, he was the University’s Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and External Relations.
In his new role, Girton will handle matters of policy and institutional importance on behalf of President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sean L. Huddleston. Girton will further support and sustain a culture of service, professionalism, and continuous improvement in the President/CEO's organizational areas. He will build on the University’s mission and philosophy by engaging in communicative, collaborative, and respectful relationships with those serving in leadership roles at the University, plus manage special projects, including matters involving University officials and community leaders. He will also help manage office staff within the President/CEO's areas as needed.
“John Girton is a proven leader who has been effective, innovative, and deeply committed to Martin University’s success,” said Dr. Huddleston. “As EVP and Chief of Staff, he will play a pivotal role in the continued implementation and evaluation of our strategic plan, policies, and priorities. As one of my key advisors, he will work closely with me to ensure that our administrative and operational functions are managed effectively and efficiently. I look forward to all of the excellent contributions John will make in his expanded role.”
Girton was hired as Martin’s Director of Marketing and Communications in August 2020 and held the position for a year before becoming Vice President. Prior to assuming his current role, Girton had been Lead Pastor of Indianapolis’ Christ Missionary Baptist Church and an instructor at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. He was later named Creative Media Services Director for the university. He was the first to teach the dual-curriculum program of Journalism and Telecommunications at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and has worked in various areas of marketing, communications, and instructional design at the University of Indianapolis, ITT Technical Institute, and The First Amendment Center’s Freedom Forum on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Founded in 1977, Martin University is Indiana's only Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) of higher education. It is steeped in a history of service, and its mission is to educate and develop diverse workforce-ready students in an inclusive, supportive, and collegiate environment. Martin University's vision is to elevate the landscape while providing transformative opportunities, inclusive support, and service to our communities.