Mirta M. Martin

Dr. Mirta M Martin is president of Fairmont State University. Dr. Martin’s career involves previous work in both the public and private sectors where she served in various academic and industry executive roles.

Among Dr. Martin’s accomplishments at Fairmont State is a turn-around in the University’s financial condition based on cost containment, growth and retention strategies.  Higher admissions yields and increased rates of student retention and graduation; improved rankings for specific academic programs; expanded academic programs and the dedication and collaboration of the Executive leadership team, faculty, staff and students also contributed to the University’s solid financial position.  Her “recalibration” model used by the West Virginia legislature provided all public institutions in the State the first increase in funding in eight years. In 2018, she was appointed to the West Virginia Blue Ribbon Commission on Four-Year Higher Education (Finance Subcommittee), with other prior gubernatorial appointments in Virginia. 

For her leadership, Dr. Martin has received numerous awards, among which are the Humanitarian Award for Academic Excellence, the RichTech Technology Innovation Deployment Award, and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States.  She was also selected 2019 West Virginia Educator of the Year, and one of 2020 West Virginia’s Living Wonder Women.  Most recently, she was highlighted by The PhD Project during Women History Month. Dr. Martin was also named to the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) in the Northern District of West Virginia.

Dr. Martin is a founding member of the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN), an organization designed to connect educational professionals.  She also created the Hispanic College Institute (HCI), designed to teach first generation Latino students how to enroll and success in college.  Both programs have earned numerous awards and accolades.

Dr. Martin earned a B.S. in Political Science and Psychology from Duke University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond, and a Ph.D. in Strategic Management and Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.