Be an Agent of Change - Mirta Martin

MIRTA MARTIN - Who's Who of Professional Women

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:31:30 GMT

Acting as a strategist and agent for change, Mirta Martin, PhD, immigrated to the Unites States as a teenager with her grandmother from Cuba. She always had an inner desire to help others, and the process of leaving behind her family and entering a country with a language she didn’t speak made the journey to the Unites States one that shaped her for life. Her grandmother pushed her to go to college, saying it was critical. Since Dr. Martin was unaware of how to get there, she sought out individuals who showed her how to apply for scholarships and get loans. Despite the fact that she had been accepted to Duke University, she wasn’t sure about attending because of her financial situation. Thankfully, she had a teacher who was willing to write her a check and she was able to attend. She is adamant that it is now her time to pay it forward. She is so grateful for all of her life experiences, for they have provided her with the ability to shape the next generation of leaders and make a contribution to the future of society.

Fluent in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, Dr. Martin serves as the senior education adviser to former president of Centro Fox, Vicente Fox, since 2017 and president of Fairmont State University in West Virginia since 2018. She began her professional career as a management associate at First Virginia Bank Colonial in 1982, remaining in this position for two years before moving up the ranks to assistant branch manager from 1984 to 1985 and branch manager/banking officer from 1985 to 1988. She then joined Dominion Bank as assistant vice president from 1988 to 1991 and vice president from 1991 to 1993, and later served as senior vice president of First Union National Bank from 1993 to 1994. Adventuring into the education field, Dr. Martin joined Averett University in Danville, Virginia, as an associate professor from 1992 to 2001, also serving as interim dean and regional director in 1995.

Following this tenure, Dr. Martin served the University of Richmond as associate dean of the Robins School of Business and executive director of the Management Institute from 2000 to 2003. She then served as an education and executive consultant for Consulting Alliance Group, Inc., from 2004 to 2005 and special assistant to the president at John Tyler Community College (JTCC) from 2005 to 2009, also serving the latter’s foundation as executive vice president/director. Subsequently, from 2009 to 2014, she served as special assistant to the chancellor of the Virginia Community College System and dean of the School of Business at Virginia State University (VSU). Dr. Martin lastly joined Fort Hays State University in Kansas as president from 2014 to 2016 and presidential advisor from 2016 to 2017. Since 2017, she has also served as the managing director of the Kirchner Group.

Prior to the start of her professional life, Dr. Martin pursued a formal education at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in psychology and political science in 1982. She then matriculated at the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, where she received a Master of Business Administration in finance in 1992. She went on to attain a PhD in business strategy and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in 1996. In addition, Dr. Martin received a certificate in presidential leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2018.

Involved in her local community, Dr. Martin served as a presidential advisor to the Kansas Board of Regents from 2016 to 2017. Since 2006, she has served as the founding director and president of the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN), open to Virginia resident students who are of Latino/Hispanic heritage. Dr. Martin has also served on the advisory board of Racing Towards Diversity Magazine since 2012, directed the Kansas Counsel on Economic Education since 2014 and served as a board member for the Valley Hope Association since 2015, among other roles. Likewise, she maintains involvement with numerous organizations related to her field.

A finalist for the Innovation in Education Educator of the Year Award in 2014, Dr. Martin was awarded the Best Paper in Session Award at the Clute Institute International Business Conference in Maui, Hawaii, in 2015 and was named University Partner of the Year by Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity in 2016. She went on to receive the National Outstanding New Program Award from NASPA at the Hispanic College Institute in 2017, and was named among the Women of Distinction by North Central West Virginia Magazine in 2018 and a Professional Transplant by the West Virginia Executive in 2019, among many other accolades. Looking toward the future, Dr. Martin will be continuing to make a difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders. She attributes her success to her grit, perseverance, faith and family.

https://www.whoswhoofprofessionalwomen.com/listee-features/mirta-martin/

Moody’s Assigns Fairmont State an A2 Rating Under Leadership of President Mirta Martin

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Fairmont State University has remained stable due to its financial position and leadership under President Mirta Martin.

On Wednesday, June 30, Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed Fairmont State University’s stable outlook with an A2 rating to the University’s revenue refunding bonds, maintaining its score from the most recent ratings received in 2018. Although national trends are reflecting downgrades in ratings for higher education institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairmont State University has remained stable due to its financial position and leadership under President Mirta M. Martin.

According to a press release issued by Moody’s, “The assignment of the A2 rating incorporates Fairmont State’s good strategic positioning and solid financial position, including sound liquidity and healthy operating performance.”

Mirta Martin credits the work for the entire Falcon Family for stability

“I am grateful we’ve achieved this strong financial stability rating again,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “And when I say ‘we,’ I mean it. The financial strength of an institution is only partly due to its strategies. It’s the exceptional people in our Falcon Family that truly made this possible. People like our CFO, Christa Kwiatkowski who leads our Finance Division.

Other schools across the country are struggling under decreased state budgets and the impact of COVID-19. Fairmont State University continues to grow stronger and stronger. And that is a direct reflection of our extraordinary faculty, staff, students, our Board of Governors and executive leadership team.”

According to Moody’s, “The University’s solid financial position is evidenced by consistently healthy operating performance. This includes strong operating cash flow margins and healthy liquidity. The University maintains an important role within the state. It has experienced stable enrollment rates despite the effects of the pandemic.”

Mirta Martin says Fairmont State is proud to be a leader in higher education

Further, Moody’s reported in its release, “The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectations of sustained healthy operating performance including management’s ability to continue expense adjustments to align with revenue trends. The outlook also includes expectations for stable enrollment, generating adequate pledged revenues for debt service.”

“Fairmont State is proud to stand as a leader in higher education across the country by demonstrating our ability to soar in an unstable environment,” Martin added.

The system of rating securities was originated by John Moody in 1909. The purpose of Moody’s ratings is to provide investors with a simple system of gradation by which future relative creditworthiness of securities may be gauged.

Mirta Martin named next president Fairmont State University

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Fairmont State University Board of Governors announces Dr. Mirta Martin as president of the university, pending approval from the Higher Education Policy Commission.

Dr. Mirta Martin named President by Fairmont State Board of Governors. Dr. Mirta Martin is scheduled to officially begin her presidency on Jan. 1, 2018. Mirta Martin takes over duties from interim President Stephen B. Jones.

“The Board of Governors of Fairmont State University is extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Mirta Martin to campus and eager to begin working with her on January 1, 2018,” said BOG Chair Dixie Yann. “She comes with a variety of financial and educational experiences, but is extremely student-focused and will continue to build Fairmont State University’s reputation for student success.”

Dr. Martin has more than 30 years of experience

Dr. Martin has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, banking, advisory and consulting. Dr. Martin’s career involves work in the public and private sectors. Her higher education experience is diverse – she has served in various faculty, administrative, executive and trustee positions. Martin has earned respect as a strong advocate and a transformative leader for education.

“I am grateful to the board, the search committee, faculty, staff, our wonderful students and to the community at large. Thank you for affording me the privilege to lead this incredible institution,” Dr. Martin said. “There are boundless opportunities here. I am here because I believe in you, in this institution and in its enormous potential.

“I know that together, we will establish and achieve bold, inspirational goals. We will dream big and deliver transformational programs. We will make a positive impact in our community, in our state, and in the world,” Martin said.

Mirta Martin is Accomplished

Dr. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Duke University. A master of business administration from the University of Richmond. A doctorate with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Fairmont State Ranked Among Nation’s Best Online Military Friendly Colleges Under Leadership of Mirta Martin

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Fairmont State Top Online Military Friendly Colleges, ranking Fairmont State University among the best in the country under Mirta Martin

Intelligent.com has announced the 2021 Top Online Military Friendly Colleges, ranking Fairmont State University among the best in the country. Fairmont State earned the sixteenth ranking of the 63 colleges named and received further special recognition for its ROTC program offerings.

Intelligent is a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning. It calculates rankings of institutions evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rates, reputation and post graduate employment. Other factors considered to determine rankings include:

1. Program strength

2. Student readiness

3. Return on investment

4. Cost

5. Student engagement

We are grateful and humbled to be recognized as one of the nation’s Best Online Military Friendly Colleges,” said Mirta Martin

In addition to reviewing the overall reputation and strength of the institutions, Intelligent examines programs and support offered to active-duty service members, veterans and their families to determine the best fit for this specific group of students.

“We are grateful and humbled to be recognized as one of the nation’s Best Online Military Friendly Colleges,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “Our service men and women are treasures. These heroes are dedicated to protecting the freedoms we enjoy, and Fairmont State is dedicated to doing everything we can to help men and women in the military further their education to achieve their dreams.”

To access the complete rankings, visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-military-friendly-colleges/ .

Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/ .

Fairmont State Continues Excellence in Financial Position Under Leadership of Mirta Martin

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Strong financial standing for the third consecutive year under Mirta Martin leadership

The results from the 2020 audit were highlighted by the University’s independent auditing firm, Suttle and Stalnaker, during today’s Board of Governors meeting. The findings demonstrated the University concluded its fiscal year in strong financial standing for the third consecutive year.

These results highlight the University’s continued focus on strategic and cost saving/containment initiatives. Strategies implemented by the administration in January of 2018. Since 2018, the University has seen a $12 million turnaround in its net positive position.

“Many contributors have enabled us to end the fiscal year with an increase in net position of $5.2M. Changes implemented to improve efficiency. We continue to be conscience of costs,” said Christa Kwiatkowski, Fairmont State University Chief Financial Officer. “To have three years of positive net position changes is quite a feat in the current higher education environment.”

Mirta Martin leads University to financial success

Fairmont State received an unmodified opinion on its audit. Achieving the highest status it can receive and continuing the tradition of excellence in financial reporting. The results indicated the University’s financials were fairly and accurately presented with no uncorrected statements.

“The efforts to further strengthen the University’s financial standing were evident throughout the campus community and reflected in the audit results,” said David Goldberg, Fairmont State University Board of Governors Chair. “As we move forward, the University will remain financially responsible. We will keep students, faculty investment and staff support at the forefront and ensuring quality education opportunities at Fairmont State. Our University community is laser focused on our academic programming to benefit our students and so pleased the faith the faculty, staff and students have in Fairmont State University offerings and our quality education offered.”

Mirta Martin says financial health is key to success in any business

In addition to the audit results, the University’s Composite Financial Indicator (CFI) ratios were reviewed. Fairmont State’s accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, calculates CFI ratios annually by reviewing financial and non-financial data for specific risk indicators. Preliminary calculations show Fairmont State University’s CFI Score is “above the zone” at 2.66, indicating strong financial stability for the third year in a row.

“If the past several months of uncertainty has taught us anything, it’s that financial health is vital to any organization, especially a higher education institution,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “In spite of the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, our financial health, and our ability to respond to unexpected events was never in doubt because I have faith in the resolve of our faculty, staff and students. There will be more challenges in the future, and Fairmont State’s extraordinary financial strength, as borne out by this 2020 audit, gives us the confident agility and adaptability to continue to faithfully serve our students by offering our trademark transformative, accessible and affordable education.”

Dr. Mirta Martin, leader of Fairmont State WV financial turnaround, is WVNews.com Educator of Year

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

FAIRMONT — In the past 30 years, Fairmont State University President Dr. Mirta Martin has made her mark on higher education, leading her to capture the WVNews.com ’s Educator of the Year Award for 2019.

Martin, who has been president at Fairmont State since January 2018, has helped turn the university’s financial situation around over the past 18 months, leading to the institution seeing a $5.3 million increase in its net position this fiscal year despite the $1.9 million deficit she inherited.

Before coming to Fairmont State, though, and before even attending college for the first time, Martin recalls a very humble upbringing, which started when she, her sister and her grandmother left their home country of Cuba to live in a convent in Spain while waiting to be reunited with the rest of their family. Martin lived in that convent for the next decade, not making her way to America until she was 14 years old.

“On a leap of faith, our grandmother brought us to the United States,” Martin said. “I did not speak a word of English, and neither did my sister. Like most immigrants and many American families today, my grandmother worked two full-time jobs, and I went to school and had a full-time job. …

“My grandmother always said that God gave us two hands with which to work, and how grateful we should be for that. She was grateful we were in a country where we could practice our faith and live in a democratic society where the fruit of your labor would allow you the opportunity to become your very best.”

While Martin’s achievements over the past several decades — in both higher education and banking, the latter her first career path — are enough to make anyone proud, she originally had no big dreams beyond attending college, which she said was a mountainous task in and of itself.

“There were times I thought that it wasn’t possible,” Martin said. “I thought it was easier to get to the moon. I could see the moon, whereas with college, (I thought,) ‘What’s that? What does it mean? What courses do I take? What do I do?’ Were it not for the incredible mentors I had, I wouldn’t be here.”

Despite the setbacks, Martin graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science. While she originally wanted to get into pediatric oncology, she decided that it wasn’t for her, which led to her first career in banking.

While climbing the ranks in the banking world, Martin also was hard at work raising her new family and attending graduate school, which eventually led her to attaining an MBA from the University of Richmond and a doctorate with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

By the early 1990s, Martin was the senior vice president of the First Union National Bank of Virginia, while also working as an associate professor at Averett University. Despite the life that she had made for her and her family in banking, a variety of reasons — including her wish to be able to watch her kids grow up — led her to make the switch to higher education.

“At the bank, I was living a very good life, but I made the decision to step down from that position,” Martin said. “I loved what I did. I was able to help people. … (Switching careers) was a leap of faith for us. I took an 85 or 90 percent cut in salary, but if I had to do it again, I would.”

In the 25 years since, Martin has held a number of positions at universities across the country, including the University of Richmond, Virginia State University and Fort Hays State University.

“One thing led to another, and I entered into administration because I felt like I could made a greater impact on the students,” Martin said. “We have many students who are nontraditional, and I understand their plight. My graduate degrees where done nontraditional, raising a family and working, and this was a time before the internet.”

Now, although her children are grown and she’s working in the Mountain State, Martin said she’s never too far away from her memories of the little girl growing up in a Spanish convent.

“The difference, perhaps, between me and others is that I haven’t forgotten where I came from,” Martin said. “The values of hard work and perseverance and my faith is what guides my path day after day. Even when things are difficult, it’s the faith that tells me to get up the next morning and come back in, because there’s always someone there (in need). If I can make an impact on one child, I have done my job, and that’s my mission.”

Martin said that it’s these memories of her early life that have led her down the path she’s taken, and she hopes to provide the same mentorship that was given to her when she was young.

“There were times that there was not enough money to put food on the table,” Martin said. “I remember going hungry, which is what drives my passion for higher ed. It drives my passion for the students. It’s the reason I came to Fairmont State. I can identify with these students. …

“Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed with mentors who stood up for me and defended me, protected me and opened doors for me. They were a voice when I didn’t have one. It’s now my time, privilege and duty to pass it forward, and this is where I’ve chosen to do that with these students.”

Although she’s only been in Fairmont for about two years, Martin has already made her mark on “The Friendly City” as a whole. Since coming to Fairmont State, Martin has been an advocate for community engagement, which has led to a very good relationship with the city of Fairmont, according to Mayor Brad Merrifield.

“The building of relationships is so critical to getting anything accomplished,” Merrifield said. “From the go, (Martin) has been 100% dedicated to community involvement. She’s always receptive and open to what we can do to make things better in the community. …

“She’s just been very open and available. She’s not turned us away as far as ideas floated her way. It’s just a good working relationship.”

Looking back at her educational career, Martin pointed to many accomplishments that have made her proud. At Averett University, she helped create a “fast-track” program for graduate students seeking to attain an MBA without having to go to school for six years.

At Fort Hays State University, Martin designed and launched the Hispanic College Institute, which instructs first-generation Hispanic students on how to navigate the American higher education system.

Beyond that, Martin said that she’s proud of each and every single student she’s ever overseen, and she’s looking forward to continuing her career at Fairmont State University.

“Here at Fairmont State, our ability to turn around the finances to the tune of ($7.2) million in 18 months protects this institution and its faculty, staff and students so they have access to the incredible education we provide and the distinctive programs that we offer,” Martin said. “That impact on this campus and on this community is something that I’m very proud of, and it fills my life with purpose.”

The Importance of Funding Higher Education

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:01:37 GMT

Now more than ever before, it’s vital to fully fund higher education in West Virginia. At the very time when we need to be developing a critical mass of talented graduates and universities in our state; at a time when 40 other states have chosen to increase their investment in higher education, West Virginia has chosen to cut funding for higher education over the last five years by 20.6 percent - the largest cut by far of any state in the nation. We not only have an obligation to provide access to quality, transformational education, but we also owe it to our regional communities, who benefit greatly from the economic, cultural, and intellectual impact of higher education.

Education is transformational. It’s not just about ‘learning a trade’ or acquiring knowledge in a certain discipline – earning a degree also opens pathways to happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives. And that’s not just for recent high school graduates. Schools like Fairmont State University reach beyond the traditional college-bound population and provide practical avenues to degrees for veterans, adults with some college credit, working adults that need new careers, and first generation and under-represented student populations. We provide this region with knowledgeable, skilled citizens who care about West Virginia and work to make their communities better. With proper funding, we can continue to inspire and educate these students so that when they graduate, they can impact their communities.

The funding of higher education is essential to the continued health of our economy. In order to be competitive in 2020, studies suggest that 65 percent of the population will require some form of postsecondary education. [i]

We not only need to keep our extraordinary homegrown talent, but we also need to promote our top-ranked and unique educational programs beyond our state borders and overseas. We need to recruit, educate, and retain these students. We need to connect them with meaningful opportunities right here in North Central West Virginia. With funding, we can develop and maintain for North Central West Virginia a competitive advantage through education, investment, public policy, access to the latest in technology, and quality of life.

Fairmont State is a significant (and efficient) economic force within the state, and steadfastly upholds its mission to serve West Virginians:

In 2018, Fairmont State received about $14.5 million from the State, and turned that into a total economic impact of $82.9 million on the state’s economy.
For every dollar the legislature spent on Fairmont State, the University returned $5.69 into the state’s economy.
Fairmont State is the third largest employer in Marion county.

At over 88%, Fairmont State has the highest percentage of West Virginian residents in our student body compared to all other institutions in the state (61 percent of our students are first generation and 89 percent are on financial aid). However, in spite of our service to West Virginia, we are currently funded at one of the lowest levels per student.

Some may know that I had the privilege to be appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) for Higher Education by Governor Justice. The BRC proposed a Recalibration Formula that would set aside an additional $10 million to be allocated among all seven regional institutions. This funding allocation will bring parity to the in-state, per student funding, and narrow the imbalance that currently exists between institutions.

$10M is only 2.5 percent of the surplus monies the state is expected to enjoy this year. The presidents of the other senior institutions and I feel it is a very modest allocation that will yield an enormous, transformational return on the investment.

Since 1865, Fairmont State has educated generations of West Virginia leaders, teachers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Our reach – and our impact – is growing as more and more West Virginia (and out of state) families learn about Fairmont State, and we just welcomed the largest incoming class in school history.

We’re growing at a perfect time because right now, West Virginia needs a strong Fairmont State University. And now, more than ever, Fairmont State University needs everyone’s commitment – and the proper funding – to making sure we can continue to help West Virginia thrive.

[i] Anthony P. Carnevale, Nicole Smith, and Jeff Strohl, Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements through 2018 (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2012), 121-122. Anthony P. Carnevale, Nicole Smith, and Jeff Strohl, Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020 (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2013), 15.

Dr. Mirta M. Martin named next president Fairmont State University

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Original article from Fairmont State University posted below:

The Fairmont State University Board of Governors announces Dr. Mirta M. Martin as president-elect of the university, pending approval from the Higher Education Policy Commission.

Dr. Martin, who was present for the meeting, is scheduled to officially begin her presidency on Jan. 1, 2018, taking over duties from interim President Stephen B. Jones.

“The Board of Governors of Fairmont State University is extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Martin to campus and eager to begin working with her on January 1, 2018,” said BOG Chair Dixie Yann. “She comes with a variety of financial and educational experiences, but is extremely student-focused and will continue to build Fairmont State University’s reputation for student success.”

Dr. Martin has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, banking, advisory and consulting. Dr. Martin's career involves work in both the public and private sectors as well as work with public-private partnerships. Her higher education experience is diverse – she has served in various faculty, administrative, executive and trustee positions. She has earned respect as a strong advocate and a transformative leader for education.

“I am grateful to the board, the search committee, faculty, staff, our wonderful students and to the community at large for affording me the privilege to lead this incredible institution,” Dr. Martin said. “There are boundless opportunities here -- opportunities we can maximize by engaging alumni and friends and by working together with other senior institutions, community colleges, and with industry. I am here because I believe in you, in this institution and in its enormous potential.

“I know that together, we will establish and achieve bold, inspirational goals. We will dream big and deliver transformational programs that will make a positive impact in our community, in our state, and in the world,” Martin said.

Dr. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Duke University; a master of business administration from the University of Richmond; and a doctorate with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her full CV can be found at https://www.fairmontstate.edu/files/u1/martin-mirta-m-cv.pdf

Keys to College success

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 19:58:54 GMT

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is cooler. There is a hint of color in the trees. And, another academic year of great promise begins. I’ve written previously about some of the keys to finding success in life, and those apply here, as well. For those of you who are attending college this fall, I’d like to share some keys to having a fantastic year.

1. Make one better decision every day

In the end, it will be your decisions that will have the greatest influence on your own success.

Jeffrey Hawkins, the founder of Palm and Handspring, spoke at Stanford in 2009 and said that whether you run a dry cleaner or a tech company, if you could just make one better decision each day, you would end dominating up your industry. So, I am going to take from Mr. Hawkin’s handbook and challenge you to make just one better decision each day as you start the academic year.

I’m going to challenge you to make ONE better decision about alcohol use. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism show that 1,800 college students die each year while under the influence of alcohol. That’s five deaths per day . It is a tragic and totally preventable statistic.

I’m going to challenge you to make ONE better decision about your personal relationships. ONE better decision about a healthy lifestyle. ONE better decision about time management. ONE better decision about service to your community. ONE better financial decision. ONE better decision about academics. ONE better decision about personal integrity.

2. Be about learning the “Skills of Freedom”

In his convocation speech this fall to students and faculty of The College of William and Mary, Judge John Charles Thomas urged students to be about “learning the skills of freedom;” to master the ability to “think well, write well, and speak well.” You, as students, must put forth the effort to learn how to think analytically, act ethically, read with interpretive skill, communicate effectively, and write strong, well-constructed sentences.

You must dedicate yourselves to developing an informed mind that can analyze, synthesize and execute. As Abigail Adams once wrote, “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought with ardor and vigilance.” The continued success of our precious form of government depends on your generation’s ability to discuss, defend, and persuade for the public good.

3. Prepare to change the world

Your number one job while you are a student should be to dream about the possibilities for your life, and to prepare yourself to change the world. For many, you will never again be part of a community so laden with curiosity, vitality, intellect and talent.

Take full advantage of the resources at hand. Study abroad. Participate in research. Get involved in the arts. Join a team. Have earnest discussions with others. Fight for justice. Encourage inclusion and diversity of thought. Be open to new ideas and innovation. Ask those around you, “What better world can we imagine together?” Then, lean on the skills you are learning to turn the common dreams of many into the collective purpose of all mankind.

4. Make service to others part of your college life.

Contribute to the well-being of your school and your community. Be as generous as you can with your time and talents. Show hospitality and civility. Be there for your classmates. Stand up for what is right. Develop and practice the skills that will make you an outstanding leader in the world. Prepare yourself to create communities that not only meet basic human needs, but make the human spirit soar.

I believe very strongly you have a responsibility to use your knowledge and God-given abilities to make a positive contribution to your generation. Create within yourself a promise that life is not just about you; not just about being rich or famous – all of that can be taken away in a minute. Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you, and the impact you make on others will be your legacy – forever.

5. Above all, finish what you have started.

When John F. Kennedy was president, about 10% of American adults had a four-year college degree. Today, roughly 42% of American adults have either a two or four-year college degree.

Before you graduate, 60 % of all American adults will need college degrees just to maintain our nation’s position in the world. America is still the second most educated nation in the world behind Norway. But, our young adults – your generation - are rapidly falling behind in the race to produce the next generation of entrepreneurs, researchers, and world leaders. Young Americans, ages 25 to 34, rank 11th in college degree attainment, trailing behind nations such as Australia, Finland, Korea, and Japan. And, of course, India and China are coming on strong.

I am telling you this because you need to know about the world you will be facing. Earning a college degree will transform your life. Failing to earn one will likely define it.

My best wishes to all for an invigorating and purposeful new academic year.

The Future of Education

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 14:23:26 GMT

By the end of this decade, two out of every three jobs available in our nation will require more than a high school education. In addition, “How do you prepare for a job that doesn’t exist? According to The New York Times , 65 percent of elementary school students face this very dilemma.”

A college education will be essential to the success of students. Their futures – and the future of our nation – depend on a university’s ability and willingness to be flexible, to explore new ways of working smarter, not harder, using 21st century technologies.

Let’s talk about - The American Dream

First, let me begin with the passion and belief that drives my work in higher education. Born in Havana, Cuba, I grew up in Madrid Spain, and I immigrated to the United States. A journey like that stays with you; shapes you; and guides your perspective on practically everything.

The gift that journey gave me is an unshakable belief in the American Dream – the exceptional combination of determination, hard work and opportunity that allows anyone – anyone- in this country to shape his or her future. I’ve never known a more empowering idea.

That dream can seem a little beat up these days. The challenges facing our middle class don’t help. Neither do the rising costs of higher education. Critics and cynics look for reasons to say the American Dream is dying. Someone, somewhere, as we speak, is probably drafting its obituary.

But not so fast. My own story, many of your stories are affirmation that the American Dream is alive and well.

The opportunity to help people achieve their goals, to give them the skills and knowledge to make the most of their God-given talents, to make a difference in improving the human condition - that’s what gets me up in the morning. Helping individuals realize their American Dream is the passion that drives my work in higher education. I am thrilled to be doing that work and I am thankful to have supportive friends, faculty, staff, and alumni at my side, making a difference and opening doors of opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Innovation is Our Salvation

While some universities are gilding their ivory towers, others are innovating. Our creativity; our openness to innovation; our ability to ensure that we offer high-quality education throughout – that’s how we will meet the needs of the students, employers and communities we serve. That’s how we will protect, promote and provide the American Dream for those who pursue it.

We need to break from the status quo; to leave behind the attitudes of “because it’s always been done this way” and “just tell me what to do.” We need to respond to technological changes and rapid growth. We need to prepare for even greater growth, and we need to redefine University roles and processes so everyone will have greater freedom to make the best decisions.

We need to continue to stay relevant for today and tomorrow. We must continue to hone, identify and develop programs of distinction. We need to graduate students with degrees in high demand fields with job ready skills.

But we need to go further, we need to graduate students who can analyze data, discern truths, write-well constructed sentences, and think creatively. We also need to graduate good men and women, who will walk in faith, stand firm against the winds of resistance and strengthen the moral fabric of this country.

I believe one basic function of a public university is to facilitate a well-educated citizenry capable of making good and informed decisions that benefit the whole of society. It follows then, we should produce graduates who can think for themselves, who are articulate and persuasive, who are critical, creative, and collaborative, and who are technologically proficient and competent across disciplines - Graduates who will contribute to the well-being of our nation, and the world. Graduates who are committed to improving the human condition.

As educators, we are uniquely qualified and uniquely positioned to produce the next generation of great leaders, to expand the boundaries of human knowledge, to increase productivity and our standard of living, and to enrich our quality of life.

Many of us have spent years and years becoming experts in our chosen fields. We are witnesses to a Google-fueled, Wikipedia-fed, blog-filled avalanche of information descending on our students. Never has a generation more desperately needed the training and knowledge to distinguish good information from bad. Never has a generation more desperately needed engaged mentors and engaged partners in their education.

Advice for graduates, and life

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, on my way toward a new phase in my career, I drove through the Smoky Hills of Kansas and watched with wonder as they melted into the wide-open spaces of the High Plains. The vistas seemed endless in every direction; bordered only by the Technicolor horizon.

A feeling of anticipation and excitement washed over me. A timeless feeling; one that connected me with the past and the future. The feeling of your first steps into unknown territory.

I immediately knew I had stepped onto a new frontier of my life. I had known frontiers before. They were boundaries that separated me from my family and everything I had ever known. But this – this was different. This frontier was not another obstacle. This frontier was an inviting entrance. It was an invitation to begin a new journey.

Graduating college is an exciting time. It symbolizes the culmination of years of study, hard work, and commitment. It also signifies the beginning of the next chapter in your life — a new frontier where you will encounter new challenges and opportunities. You get to show what you have learned – your ability to think clearly, creatively, and critically; to judge wisely; to act responsibly.

As I think about what words I can share with college graduates, I think of some things I said to my own children, some years ago.

Get over your selfie
According to Google, there are over 93 million selfies taken every day. If you find that figure astounding, consider Goggle also says we check our smart phones over one billion times a day.

Now, selfies are fun and they are a great way to record memories or share important mileposts in our lives with our friends, but don’t let that selfie, that image of who you think you are today, limit in any way the person you can become. Open your minds. Embrace knowledge. Embrace new adventures.

Improve yourself and expand your horizons. Become an active part of your new home. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Learn all you can from the people around you. Make one better decision every day – about learning, eating, sleeping, alcohol, relationships, about your faith – about every aspect of your life.

Be Courageous
Be bold in your actions. Fully inhabit the space before you. Fill it up — broadly and deeply with every expression of the best of humanity. Don’t live a life that’s too small for you. Live large, be courageous, be compassionate, BE A LEADER! To be a leader, you must be visible. To make a difference, you must be seen. To be seen - to have the world find you – you must give of yourself. This is not an easy thing. If you can be seen, you can be touched. You can be hurt.

Create a better world for those who follow. Make service to others part of your life. Contribute to the well-being of your school, your job and your community. Be there for your classmates and co-workers. Stand up for what is right. Develop and practice the skills that will make you outstanding leaders in the world.

Learn to make a plan, but make it in pencil
Some of you may think you already know what you want to do with the rest of your life. For others, it may not seem as clear. Either way, life is not written in pen; rather, it is written in pencil. Planning ahead, anticipating what is yet to come, and being able to adapt to change will characterize successful people in the new global economy. Therefore, be open to new ideas, new experiences, and new directions. Listen to your heart. Follow your dreams.

Find your balance
Feed your mind and your spirit. Find the right balance between eating, study, work, play, rest, and service. Make time to explore the world – study or travel abroad, participate in the arts, play intramurals, go to the football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, track and field or whatever sort of athletic game is occurring during the week.

Enjoy learning. Enjoy life. Never stop. Remember to use your intellect to improve the human condition. Remember to pass forward all the acts of kindness you have received throughout your years. Remember your roots and your family.

In closing, I would like to share with you a quote from leadership gurus Kouzes and Posner that has inspired me throughout much of my life. While it was written close to three decades ago, its content is very salient today:

"Beyond the horizon of time is a changed world, very different from today’s world. Some people see beyond that horizon and into the future. They believe that dreams can become reality. They open our eyes and lift our spirits. They build trust and strengthen our relationships. They stand firm against the winds of resistance and give us the courage to continue the quest. We call these people leaders…"

Opportunities Expand Knowledge: Diversity and Cross-Border Education

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 20:29:55 GMT

Recently, I have been working with former Mexican President Vicente Fox and Centro Fox as his Senior Adviser for Education. For those unfamiliar with Centro Fox, it is the Vicente Fox Center of Studies, Library and Museum, a presidential history center founded by former President of Mexico Vicente Fox in San Cristóbal near his ranch in Guanajuato, Mexico.

A primary goal of President Fox is to deliver transformational opportunities in central Mexico through access to education – to provide young people an economically viable alternative to the often-illicit opportunities surrounding them. Centro Fox and its supporters are committed to providing a better future through higher education. This mission is part of my DNA. Being an advocate for those who often do not have a voice is an obligation for me.

My time working with Centro Fox reinforces my belief that the education we need – one that allows us to build an innovative and entrepreneurial culture, one that differentiates us and creates the best programs and services on a world-wide scale -- must include people who reflect a broad spectrum of demographics and people who reflect a broad spectrum of experiences and ideas.

There is a myriad of opportunities that present themselves when we actively seek to unite our expertise and talent with those of other lands and cultures. Our creativity; our openness to innovation; our ability to ensure that we offer high-quality education throughout – including through cross border programs – that’s how we will engage and meet the needs of the students, employers and communities that we serve.

There is something exceptional about cross border engagement and education. There is an entrepreneurial energy, a sense of unity, a commitment to academic rigor and student success, a commitment to service, a commitment to communicate openly and to expand our minds and opportunities so that the new generation of leaders of the world can learn together and lead together; in peace.

This re-envisioning of education creates institutions where very different people are encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives – one that promotes the free exchange of ideas, one that recruits and maximizes talent from all walks of life, and one that fuels and supports high performance.

In a December 2013 article in the Harvard Business Review , Sylvia Ann Hewitt, Melinda Marshall, and Lauren Sheldon of the Center for Talent Innovation identified what they coined “two-dimensional diversity.”

The first dimension incorporates the traditional traits associated with diversity - inherited traits such as gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Their study then went on to identify a second dimension of diversity they called acquired diversity. Acquired diversity includes traits you gain from experience; for example, things you learn from your career, from your studies, or from living and going to school in different places. What Hewitt, Marshall, and Sheldon found was companies that possess more than one dimension of diversity outperformed and out-innovated those that did not.

Global entrepreneur Richard Branson says his companies intentionally employ people with different backgrounds, different nationalities, viewpoints, skills and personalities. The results according to Branson, are “teams that can spot opportunities, anticipate problems, and innovate solutions.” Isn’t this what we strive for through cross border engagements? Isn’t this the type of education we need to provide as we face unprecedented global and demographic challenges?

In the 21st century, cross border education must be welcomed as a valuable strategic asset; a competitive advantage, a growth enabler. Cross border education is about people; about their thoughts, their experiences. We need to unleash our universities to act entrepreneurially and to become effective agents of economic development, knowledge transfer, and applied research.

Today, through cross border engagement we are creating a stronger community that will encourage problem solving and tolerance; encourage cooperation and critical review; support personal and professional growth, and create new global leaders.

With technology and the exponential rate at which the world is changing, we don’t have a lot of time to change our view of cross border programs and their importance to providing a global education. We all must accept their importance as an imperative for global success. We must capitalize on the advantages of cross border engagements to develop innovative solutions, drive growth, and provide programs and services that exceed our students’ and our clients’ expectations.

IBM executive Ron Glover said, “Innovation is about looking at complex problems and bringing new ideas to the table.” Isn’t that what education is all about? Isn’t that what cross border engagement is all about? With the unprecedented challenges facing the future of higher education, entrepreneurship and innovation highlighted through cross border engagements will differentiate institutions that thrive from those will no longer survive.

Engaging individuals from diverse cultures, values, and nationalities is no longer a “nice to have” thing on university campuses across the world; it’s a “must have.” It’s indispensable to our future – and for the future of our world. We have great opportunities ahead; opportunities to shape the world through international partnerships and cross border engagements. It’s our responsibility to seize the moment; to charge ahead and to educate the next generation of leaders; the next generation of global leaders.

Higher education leaders must be agents of change

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In the coming years, a changing economic and demographic landscape will confront institutions of higher learning and present the leaders of these institutions with exciting opportunities.

It falls to the President or Chancellor of the university to discern these opportunities and capitalize on them to strategically enhance programs, strengthen enrollment, and augment the university’s standing in higher education – regionally, nationally, and in the world. As the leader and public face of the university, he or she must be a passionate champion of the mission and vision, and of shared governance.

Visionary leaders will bring together all constituents to achieve the university’s commitments to excellence in teaching and research, to personalized student learning and to engaged citizenship. They will promote and support robust community dialogue and engagement. They will build institutional and broad-based support while marshaling resources to thrive and to operate efficiently.

To accomplish these goals and unify the entire constituency, the President or Chancellor must also be a principled, servant leader who exemplifies integrity, fairness, compassion and strength of character. He or she should possess an unwavering commitment to student success, diversity and inclusion.

Adding to the challenge, the university leader also must have a proven track record in fundraising and external relations, and in the development and implementation of programs that support first generation, minority and non-traditional students. He or she must be an agent of change.

What do I mean by serving as an agent of change? As the senior executive of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at Virginia State University and a member of the President’s cabinet, I led the College to develop a new strategic plan and to embrace new technologies. I oversaw the complete overhaul of our facilities that provided “smart” classrooms, a real-time trading center, and global “tele-presence” capabilities in our classrooms. With input from industry, we redesigned the business curriculum, and became the first college in the University to implement experiential learning and community service opportunities, international business minor, academic internships, a CEO Shadow Program, and international study-away programs.

I have a strong commitment to scholarship as I believe it provides the platform for best practices and intellectual advances. Our faculty research publications increased over 200 percent. We also restructured our operations to better meet the needs of our students without any additional expense to the University. Our initiatives became the benchmark for the University’s comprehensive strategic plan.

Innovation is at the core of institutional success. The Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLCB) history by being the first school in the country to launch an integrated core curriculum, predominantly delivered in a digital format. This initiative was recognized nationally, and it earned the College of Business many accolades. Because of the digital initiative, the RFLCB realized more than a thirty-percent increase in student retention in our core courses and we saved our students more than $1,121,000 in a three-year period. More importantly, we provided our students with affordable access to knowledge. These are a few examples highlighting my personal commitment to excellence, community engagement, access, retention, and innovation.

Without change, there is no innovation. Without innovation, universities would become obsolete. For this reason alone, the President of the future will need to be a catalyst for institutional innovation, and a guardian of excellence. Ultimately, he or she must recognize learning only begins, not ends, in the classroom.

The finest leaders will be agents of change who fully understand their university’s strengths and have a well-defined plan of action to implement the necessary programs. All of these attributes will be needed to navigate the path of the future in higher education.

News Release - June 28

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 13:31:08 GMT

Former Banking Executive and University President joins Kirchner Group

Mirta Martin PhD brings over 30 years of business and academic experience to firm as an advisor.

Birmingham, Alabama and Toronto, Ontario – 28 June 2017 – Kirchner Group , a traditional merchant bank, today announced Dr. Mirta M. Martin has joined the firm. Dr. Martin will be focused on Kirchner Group’s traditional advisory and M&A services as well as the expanding enterprise development advisory practice. She will further strengthen the Kirchner team and will be active in a number of initiatives in North America and internationally.

Dr. Martin has held numerous academic and private sector roles during her career. She is currently a Presidential Adviser to Kansas Board of Regents and Fort Hays State University. In addition, she serves as the Senior Education Adviser to former Mexican President Vicente Fox and a Senior Scholar for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Martin also serves as a Deputy Director to the Association of International Universities (AIU) representing the Americas. Previously, she has served a number of roles including President of
Fort Hays State University.

Prior to her career in academia, Martin began her career as a banker with First Virginia Bank Colonial. She later worked for Dominion Bank, N.A., and then First Union Bank as a Senior Vice President where she was part of the changing landscape of mergers and integrations in commercial and consumer banking.

“Dr. Martin’s career has exemplified the values and culture that we share at Kirchner Group and we look forward to her joining our growing team,” stated W.B. (Bud) Kirchner, Founder and CEO of Kirchner Group. “Our ability to attract someone of Dr. Martin’s talent is a testament to our 30+ year track record of creating value for our clients and the breadth and depth of our activities.”

Martin also lends her expertise to a variety of boards, including serving as a founding trustee for the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN), a director for Racing Toward Diversity Magazine Advisory Board, and AACSB BizEd Advisory Council. She also served as a Trustee of the American Association for Community Colleges (AACC).

“I am honored to be joining the Kirchner Group family,” added Martin. “It is a privilege to join an organization whose leaders share with me a vision of a better future. Together, I have no doubt we will enhance our ability to provide our partners and clients with innovative educational and business strategies that generate significant value as well as impact.”

Dr. Martin holds a PhD with a concentration in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MBA from the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond and a B.S. from Duke University. She speaks fluent English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, further strengthening Kirchner Group’s international client base.

About Kirchner Group

Kirchner Group was founded in 1985 on two fundamental premises: every business can be improved and every business should improve the world. Today, the firm is a values-based corporate ecosystem, committed to the integration of “earning and returning”.

The firm provides advisory and operational services, enterprise development and transactional support to companies, investors and institutions through a proprietary approach that dovetails domain and process expertise. Kirchner Group also manages assets for family offices and some of the world’s largest insurance companies, commercial banks and institutional investors. www.kirchnergroup.com

What Should Universities Teach?

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

"What Should Universities Teach?"

The answer to this question goes far beyond a program or a list of essential subjects, for today’s students are tomorrow’s world leaders. With this in mind the purpose of the University education should be to develop in students critical skills that can be used to discern what is important from what is trivial, and what is true from what is not. We should seek to develop leaders who are flexible thinkers with agile minds; leaders who can adapt to and resolve problems not yet imagined; leaders who will push the boundaries of our determination, intellect and creativity, who will act ethically and lead with values.

Today, employers want individuals who can use their education to think analytically, act ethically, read with interpretive skill, and write strong, well-constructed sentences. Academic excellence empowers the development of minds that can analyze, synthesize and execute. Throughout my career, my aim has been to instill in my faculty, staff and students a broad, imaginative and critical capacity; not a prematurely narrow point of view. I have sought to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning and service, and to prepare students to confidently adapt to our rapidly changing global environment.

Living and traveling throughout Europe and Latin America, and the Far East has taught me to value different cultures and to embrace diversity of thought. Collectively, these experiences have taught me how to best expand an institution’s reach and academic standing by engendering trust, creating harmony between values, mission and passion. My life’s experiences have provided a rich tapestry of perspective that has made me keenly insightful. It drives my passion to help dreams become realities for others.

As an immigrant to this country and the first in my family to attend college in the United States, I know first-hand, the value of an education. I have created, implemented programs and rallied faculty, staff, and community partners to provide educational opportunities for minority, underserved and first generation students. I also understand the unique needs of non-traditional students. My graduate education was earned as a non-traditional student; studying, working, and looking after a young family.

As an educator, I recognize our obligation to train students to become ethical and responsible leaders in the world, to act with honor and character while focusing on action and outcomes. I hold the noblest purpose of education is to enable students to use their gifts, talents, knowledge, and resources to contribute to the common good of humanity.

Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell once wrote to his college-bound son, “It is important to do something worthwhile in this one life each of us is given by God. This does not mean making headlines or making the most money. Many who succeed at both are quite contemptible. It does mean using your ability in some calling or profession in a way that contributes something to your generation. It also means being a person of honor, character, patriotism, and civic consciousness and some leadership of your fellow citizens.”

It is our responsibility to model this way of life for our students.

New Website Announcement

bruce@armstrongchamberlin.com (Mirta Martin) — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to announce that my new website is live at https://www.mirtamartin.com . Thank you to all who contributed your kinds words during the development process.

When we started the project we wanted to provide an authoritative source to present my ideas about leadership and the importance of change agents, and provide background about my history.

The website includes easy to use navigation, with dropdown menus for mobile and full desktop versions. I hope you find it easy to find what you are looking for when you visit, whether you are on a computer, tablet or mobile device.

The blog, which I will be adding to over the next several weeks, and other resources are available at a single click away. I have also published a gallery’s worth of images which I hope to expand upon further in future.

I hope you like my new site, and if you have any feedback please let me know on LinkedIN , Facebook or Twitter . Thank you. All the best!