There is something to be said about deliberately seeking to serve a demographic that has its fair share of challenges. In the case of Martin University, that demographic is low-income, minority and adult learners.
When an entity is tasked with serving a demographic that has a certain degree of challenges, that entity can sometimes be susceptible to challenges as well — sadly, in some instances it comes with the territory. Unfortunately that has been the case with Martin University for a number of years. However, things are now on an upswing in a major way, in large part due to Eugene White, president of the university.
As most of you already know, White is a longtime education advocate who has dedicated his career to improving opportunities for students. He has spent the vast majority of his nearly 50-year career in Indiana, most notably in Washington Township and Indianapolis Public Schools. I’ve always had an affinity for White’s approach to education and tackling challenges. His style is a successful blend of old-school methodologies coupled with new-age thinking — an approach that has proved effective time and time again for White. Not surprising, that approach is still valuable as White is the lead agent for truly effective and sustainable change for Martin University.
In May, Martin University, Indiana’s only Predominately Black Institution (PBI), kicks off the first year of its three-year strategic plan that was developed to make the school more financially stable, improve program effectiveness and operational efficiency, and “enhance an environment and culture for greater educational achievement and personal growth.”
In short, White and his team simply want to make Martin better. With the steady and obtainable goals set, I am confident the university will be better, but it is going to take more than faculty, administrators, staff and students. It is going to take you!
Martin needs the support of the community to aid in its growth. That means people like you and me need to be Martin advocates, and I mean advocates that do more than just talk. Martin needs advocates who understand the word “do” is indeed an action word.
Before I get deeper into my call to action, let me briefly highlight some key points about Martin University:
The majority of Martin students are African-American, 25 years and older and 90 percent are females (including many single mothers and grandparents raising their children’s children).
In an effort to help students who have children ages 2–10, Martin offers child care for only $27 a year.
The university offers 13 bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees.
The university is one of the most affordable in the state.
All the aforementioned are wonderful reasons to want to see Martin continue on its upward trajectory, but here’s another: The strategic plan calls for Martin to develop a doctoral program in Urban Leadership. Martin is located in Brightwood, an area that experiences its fair share of crime. Having a doctoral program with an emphasis on urban leadership helps ensure we have leaders who are truly equipped to handle the arduous task of leading communities, because they were proactive in attaining educational knowledge to tackle problems rather than working to resolve conflict reactively. Urban communities need intervention, and a doctoral program like the one Martin University is proposing would be a great foundation for political and organizational leadership.
So here’s what I need you to do:
Tell everyone you know about Martin and the wonderful opportunities available. Many of us know individuals who fit within Martin’s core demographic, so help them attain an improved quality of life while also helping Martin in its efforts to fulfill its mission of providing excellence in educating and developing students in an inclusive, supportive and healthy collegiate environment.
Make a financial donation to Martin University. Next week, the institution will celebrate its “39 Years of Service” during the Founders Day Luncheon. Show your support of Martin, its students and its founders, Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin and Sr. Jane Edward Schilling, by contributing at least $39. You can send your donations to Martin University, 2171 Avondale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46218 or call (317) 917-3376. In the spirit of ensuring “do” remains an action word, I have done my part this week by making my own personal donation to Martin. I pray you do the same.
