Dr. Mirta M. Martin’s journey from a young immigrant fleeing communist Cuba to a trailblazing higher education leader is a powerful narrative of courage, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of education. At just 14 years old, she arrived in the United States with her grandmother and sister, stepping into an unfamiliar culture and language. Determined to succeed, she worked full-time while attending high school and later College, all while helping support her family.

Her academic accomplishments were earned through tenacity and sacrifice, aided by scholarships and sheer will. That personal transformation sparked her lifelong mission to make education accessible for others with the same drive but limited opportunity. After building a successful career in banking, Dr. Martin shifted her focus to education, recognizing the critical need for institutions that are inclusive, diverse, and responsive to real-life challenges.

Her professional path includes senior leadership in the corporate world and key positions across academia. She has served as a faculty member, vice president, foundation director, dean, trustee, and president at multiple Colleges and universities. Her broad experience has given her a distinctive perspective on institutional leadership and the evolving role of higher education.

Guiding Ferrum College with Purpose

As President and CEO of Ferrum College, Dr. Martin leads with a servant-first philosophy, focusing on the advancement of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. She works closely with the Board of Trustees to shape and implement strategic goals, ensuring the College fulfills its mission and thrives academically and financially.

Her role goes beyond operational oversight. Dr. Martin is a relationship builder, forging strong ties with business leaders, government agencies, and academic networks. She is both an advocate and fundraiser, dedicated to securing resources that directly benefit the College and its students.

Student success remains central to her leadership. She takes an active role in supporting academic achievement, creative expression, athletic excellence, and community service. Her presence is not limited to administrative meetings; she is visible, engaged, and deeply invested in campus life.

A Legacy of Opportunity

Established in 1913 by the Methodist Women’s Missionary Society, Ferrum College began as a faith-based training institution for underserved youth in Southwest Virginia. Over time, it grew into a junior College in 1940 and became a four-year College in 1974. From its roots in social purpose, Ferrum continues to evolve with a clear vision: to remain a welcoming place of opportunity.

Today, Ferrum College is recognized for its diversity and inclusive learning environment. Its student body represents a broad range of cultures and geographies, including students from across the United States and more than 40 nations. The College offers more than 80 programs, including certificates, minors, and four graduate degrees, each designed to prepare students for meaningful careers.

Community Impact and Academic Excellence

Dr. Martin places strong emphasis on connecting Ferrum College to the surrounding region. She highlights the successes of students and faculty, positioning the College as a valued contributor to the community’s cultural and economic development.

Her vision includes expanding innovation and academic rigor while keeping education affordable. Under her leadership, the College has invested in student support services, job-readiness training, and enhanced academic pathways that reflect industry demand.

Students benefit from a wide range of resources, including tutoring, writing and math centers, wellness services, and mental health support. She has established a mentoring culture where faculty and staff play an active role in student development. Service-learning and internship opportunities are also built into the student experience, helping graduates gain practical insight and workplace confidence.

Tackling Affordability and Preparedness Head-On

With national debates intensifying around College cost and value, Dr. Martin has taken action. She introduced initiatives focused on improving access and affordability for students from all walks of life.

One of her most impactful programs is the PANTHER PROMISE, which covers tuition for qualifying Virginia residents. Additional support is extended to out-of-state students through targeted grant offerings, reinforcing the College’s pledge to remove financial barriers wherever possible.

To further address College readiness and job alignment, Ferrum recently restructured its academic model. The institution now features six specialized schools: Arts and Humanities, Business and Technology, Nursing and Allied Health, Science and Agriculture, Education and Behavioral Sciences, and Graduate and Online Studies. Each school is designed to serve a distinct student population while responding to market needs.

As part of a broader affordability strategy, Dr. Martin implemented a significant tuition reduction of $10,000 for the 2024 academic year. This move supports Ferrum’s longstanding identity as a “College of Opportunity” and signals a strong commitment to providing excellent education at a reasonable cost.

Preparing for a Changing Workforce

Dr. Martin is driving efforts to adapt the College’s academic offerings for a dynamic labor market. Curriculum redesigns now focus on building both intellectual capacity and hands-on expertise. Workforce certificates have been introduced for non-traditional learners, offering College credit while addressing specific job skills. These stackable credentials give students flexibility and open more pathways to career success.

Leading with Heart and Purpose

Dr. Martin brings passion to every aspect of her role. While her schedule is demanding, she finds joy in the work. The sense of fulfillment she gains from creating life-changing opportunities makes the challenges worthwhile.

Her love for the College community is evident in her daily interactions. She attends student showcases, campus events, sports games, and creative performances, always showing genuine enthusiasm and pride. Her encouragement is both loud and heartfelt, making her a familiar and trusted presence on campus.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Martin nurtures a wide range of interests. She enjoys traveling, exploring languages and cultures, listening to music, and appreciating visual arts. Spending time with family, friends, and animals, and visiting the ocean bring balance and peace to her life.

A Champion of Transformation

Dr. Mirta M. Martin is not only leading Ferrum College with vision and purpose, she is setting a new benchmark for what higher education leadership can look like. Through access-driven policies, student-centered innovation, and a strong commitment to service, she is creating a model of institutional success that is rooted in equity and empowerment.

Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of learners and educators alike, reaffirming that true transformation begins when education is accessible, compassionate, and built to serve.