MARTIN UNIVERSITY’S TRUSTEES VOTE TO PAUSE OPERATIONS AT YEAR’S END

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Martin University Board of Trustees announced on December 9th that it will pause the university’s operations at the end of the current semester. Like many universities, Martin is facing financial and student enrollment challenges, prompting the board to explore ways to continue the institution’s mission of providing a quality education to its students.

“Martin University’s primary focus has always been on providing its students with an outstanding education and hiring the most qualified and talented faculty and staff possible,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Perkins. “A primary need of Martin’s is for more community support. This includes funding for its vast first-generation college students who are fighting courageously to make a better life for their families.” The university has no endowment.

According to Perkins, who cites a major national reduction in enrollment, President Sean Huddleston worked tirelessly up to his last day on November 28, exploring numerous options to sustain Martin, but was unsuccessful. Huddleston stepped down as president to pursue other opportunities as previously announced on September 10.

 “Our Board appreciates the work Dr. Huddleston did to maintain the viability and mission of the institution for more than six years; however, the board now finds it necessary to work on a plan regarding the university’s future,” said Perkins.

At this time, the future includes discontinuing classes on its campus at 2186 North Sherman Drive upon the end of the semester. 

Perkins cites several factors for the board’s decision, including financial challenges and a decline in enrollment that makes it difficult to sustain the university’s current operations. He says that the board has been discussing strategic options to minimize interruption to the education of its currently enrolled students. He also says the board is exploring ways to continue Martin’s mission of providing education to an underrepresented population.

To help Martin continue operating through December and maintain its mission, please visit https://www.martin.edu/giving.

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