Harold L. Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold L. Martin
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| 12th Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | |
| In office 2009–2024 |
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| Preceded by | Stanley F. Battle |
| Succeeded by | James R. Martin II |
| 12th Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University |
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| In office 2000–2006 |
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| Preceded by | Alvin J. Schexnider |
| Succeeded by | Donald Reaves |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 22, 1951 Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| Spouse | Davida Wagner Martin |
| Children | Harold Martin Jr. Walter Martin |
| Alma mater | North Carolina A&T Virginia Tech |
| Profession | Engineer |
| Website | https://www.ncat.edu/about/leadership/chancellor/chancellor-harold-l-martin-sr-bio.php |
Harold L. Martin Sr. (born October 22, 1951) is an American engineer and educator. He is known for being the retired leader (Chancellor Emeritus) of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He also served as the leader (chancellor) of Winston-Salem State University.
Mr. Martin graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in electrical engineering. He was the first former student to become the Chancellor of North Carolina A&T. During his time as chancellor, N.C. A&T grew to be the largest historically black university in the nation. It also became a top public HBCU and a leading research university in North Carolina.
Two buildings have been named in his honor: the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex at N.C. A&T and the Martin-Schexnider Residence Hall at Winston-Salem State. He has received many awards, including an honorary degree from Wake Forest University and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Education Leadership Award. He was also featured in Ebony magazine's Power 100 list in 2015.
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Early Life and Education
Harold Martin grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He earned his first two degrees in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T. Later, in 1980, he received his advanced degree (doctoral degree) in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech.
Career Highlights in Education
Mr. Martin's career in education began at his old university, North Carolina A&T. He worked in many different roles within the electrical engineering department. From 1989 to 1994, he was the dean of the College of Engineering. A dean is like the head of a specific school or department within a university. After that, he became the Vice Chancellor of academic affairs from 1994 to 1999. In this role, he was in charge of all the teaching and learning programs at the university.
Leading Winston-Salem State University
In 2000, Mr. Martin became the chancellor of Winston-Salem State University. While he was in charge, the number of students almost doubled, from 2,796 to 5,556. Students' test scores also improved. The campus itself changed a lot, thanks to a $45 million program that helped build new facilities. He also worked to improve relationships with people inside and outside the university. He made academic programs better and started new plans to help students stay in school and graduate. He also updated the campus's technology.
Role at the University of North Carolina System
In 2006, Mr. Martin left Winston-Salem State University. He took on a new role as a senior leader for academic affairs at The University of North Carolina system. In this job, he helped guide the teaching, research, and student programs for all the universities in the UNC system.
Returning to North Carolina A&T
On May 22, 2009, Mr. Martin was chosen as the twelfth Chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University. This was a special moment because he was the first former student to become the university's leader.
Under his leadership, North Carolina A&T created a plan called "A&T Preeminence 2020." This plan aimed to make the university a top school for learning and research. The plan focused on increasing student diversity and research activities. It led to more students enrolling, better academic programs, and more funding for research. The university even improved its sports programs.
Because many of the goals were met, a new plan, "A&T Preeminence: Taking the Momentum to 2023," was started in 2018. This new plan set even bigger goals, like having 14,000 students. In the summer of 2019, Mr. Martin celebrated 10 years as chancellor. That fall, the university welcomed its largest group of students ever, with 12,556 students from many different states and countries.
Awards and Special Recognition
Mr. Martin has received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 2019, he received the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Education Leadership Award. He was also named one of Ebony magazine's Power 100 in 2015. In 2010, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. He also received an Honorary Degree from Wake Forest University in 2007.
In 2012, the leaders of Winston-Salem State University decided to name a new residence hall after Mr. Martin. They also honored his predecessor, Alvin J. Schexnider, by including his name on the building.
Personal Life
Mr. Martin is married to Davida Martin. Mrs. Martin used to be the county attorney for Forsyth County, North Carolina. Together, they have two sons, Harold Martin Jr. and Walter Martin. Mr. Martin is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
