For nearly fifty years, Martin University has stood as a beacon of opportunity, access and hope. Every member of Martin’s Board of Trustees has served because we believe deeply in the mission of the university and the transformative power of education in the Indianapolis community. We write today out of respect for our students, alumni, faculty, staff, supporters and founders — and to speak clearly and honestly about where we are as an institution.
The full Board of Trustees made the painful but necessary decision to pause operations, which ultimately led to closure. This decision was not made lightly, nor was it made without feeling. We recognize the deep sense of loss many are experiencing. We share it. But we also have a responsibility to confront financial reality with honesty and courage.
Martin University’s target demographic has always been students with great promise who, too often, have had limited financial means. Many of our students cannot afford to pay full tuition. As a result, Martin has had to rely heavily on grants, government support and philanthropy. Without an endowment and given today’s political climate around higher education funding, this financial model is simply not sustainable.
“Without an endowment and given today’s political climate around higher education funding, this financial model is simply not sustainable.”
Over the past several years, university leadership explored a number of different educational models designed to honor the founders’ mission while adapting to the realities of modern higher education. We pursued institutional collaborations, transformational gifts, business and community partnerships and enrollment growth strategies. We did this work because we wanted Martin to thrive — not merely survive. Despite these intensive efforts, none produced the financial or enrollment progress necessary to sustain operations.
At the same time, declining enrollment, increasing costs and accumulated debt left the university without sufficient operating cash to function as an institution of higher learning. Following the decision to pause operations, the Higher Learning Commission directed the university to cease operations. Combined with the lack of sufficient operating revenue, Martin has had no choice but to move toward closure.
Throughout this process, our greatest concern has been our students. The Board and university leadership have remained steadfast in working to ensure that every current Martin student has a path to continue their education without interruption. Teach-out agreements and transition plans are being established, and individualized support has been provided so that students can complete their degrees elsewhere.
We recognize the passion, grief and even anger being expressed within the community. Those emotions are real and understandable. However, we ask for civility in both public and private discourse. Personal attacks do not honor Martin’s mission or legacy.
“The decision to close the university was made by the full Board of Trustees, collectively.”
The decision to close the university was made by the full Board of Trustees, collectively. The Board Chair and Executive Committee have led with integrity under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, and unfair targeting of any one individual must stop.
Martin University values and respects the stakeholders who have stood with this institution for decades — alumni, donors, employees, partners, churches and community advocates. We are working diligently to honor our financial commitments to the greatest extent possible. As part of that process, assets will be sold in an orderly manner so that creditors and employees are treated fairly.
Let us be clear: nothing would bring the Board greater satisfaction than preserving the founders’ vision and legacy. Even as we wind down operations, we remain open to supporters who are willing and able to assist in meaningful ways — financially and through enrollment — consistent with the fiduciary responsibilities we hold.
Our work now is to ensure that Martin’s legacy of access, faith, resilience and opportunity does not disappear. We will wind down operations with dignity, transparency and compassion. We will continue to advocate for the educational future of our students. And we will honor the founders who dared to believe that higher education should be available to those too often left behind.
“The closing of our doors does not erase the impact of this institution, nor the community that built it.”
Martin University has changed lives. That will always be true. The closing of our doors does not erase the impact of this institution, nor the community that built it. We remain grateful, humbled and committed to seeing this final chapter handled with the same purpose and integrity that defined Martin University from the beginning.
The Board of Trustees of Martin University
