By SEAN L. HUDDLESTON
The recent discussions and outpouring of support for Martin University has been nothing short of overwhelming — and it demonstrates how vital Martin University is to our community and our state.
With former Gov. Eric Holcomb’s support and advocacy, we were fortunate to be allocated $5 million in grant funding from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) in the state’s last biennium budget, funding that allowed us to soar. This was a pivotal moment for Martin University and the state of Indiana, as it marked the first time in our history that Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution of Higher Education (PBI) was allocated public funding from the State.
Accordingly, we worked hard and exceeded every objective set before us. We saw record new student enrollment numbers, launched new technology-focused programs in line with Indiana’s STEM workforce needs, and strengthened our Teacher Preparation programs for Early Childhood and Elementary education.
We proved that when resources are invested in Martin University, they translate into tangible outcomes.
However, we also knew this funding was not meant to sustain us long-term, but rather to ignite new growth. It was meant to fuel our efforts to prepare talent and help meet the workforce demands of our state. Although we did not formally make a request for additional grant funding in the upcoming biennium budget, we hoped that the success of our programs and the results we delivered might open doors for further consideration and investment. We thought there would at the very least, be an opportunity to have a conversation.
Thanks to the leadership and relentless advocacy of some of our fearless elected officials and community leaders, there is a possibility that conversations may now take place. At this point, we don’t know what may come of them, but we are forever grateful for the support we have received thus far.
What we do know for certain, and what this moment has demonstrated is that now is the time for us to come together like never before.
What has always sustained institutions like Martin and the communities that we serve are our collective and intentional actions that fuel our progress, defend our purpose, and ignite our excellence. While the expressions of support we continue to receive each day are heartening, they must be more than words. Now is the time to turn that support into action.
We are uniquely positioned to continue shaping the future of our students, our workforce, and our state. Martin has always been a catalyst for change, especially through our commitment to work-based learning, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills employers need. With over 95% of Martin alumni remaining in Indiana to contribute to our city and state’s economic vitality, the impact of our institution is undeniable.
Today, I respectfully issue a call to action and humbly ask for your commitment and support. Our city had a vibrant network of community anchor institutions that continuously navigate challenges to remain viable. Our continued success depends on active engagement from those who are invested in our missions. I ask that you take this chance to truly understand the challenges and opportunities that you can and will help them overcome with meaningful and impactful action.
The answer for Martin University is simple.
Like most small private institutions of higher education, especially HBCUs and PBIs, Martin University needs more students and more investment partners to confidently secure our future. Martin serves roughly 200 students per year, but that number needs to grow significantly for our institution to remain sustainable and continue the excellent work we are doing.
We need the community — local businesses, alumni, philanthropists and local leaders — to rally together and help us reach our full potential. A growing enrollment translates into more resources, more opportunities for our students and more value for Indiana’s workforce.
Martin University is an essential institution, one that shapes lives, builds futures and drives economic development. But it cannot do this alone. Now is the time for action. Together, we can ensure that Martin remains a vital force in the future of Indiana.
Let’s make this moment count.
Dr. Sean L. Huddleston is the president and CEO of Martin University.
