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 former leader, or chancellor, of two important universities in North Carolina: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) and Winston-Salem State University.
Dr. Martin is a graduate of North Carolina A&T, where he studied electrical engineering. He was the first former student to become the chancellor of N.C. A&T. During his time as chancellor, N.C. A&T grew to become the largest historically black university (HBCU) in the United States. It also became a top-ranked 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.
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Who is Harold L. Martin Sr.?
Harold L. Martin Sr. is an important figure in American education. He has spent many years working as an engineer and a leader in universities. His work has helped thousands of students get a great education.
Early Life and Education
Harold L. Martin Sr. was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on October 22, 1951. He attended North Carolina A&T for his college education. There, he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering.
Later, he continued his studies at Virginia Tech. In 1980, he earned his doctoral degree, which is the highest level of education, also in electrical engineering.
A Career in Education
Dr. Martin's career in education began at his old university, North Carolina A&T. He worked in different roles within the electrical engineering department. From 1989 to 1994, he was the dean of the College of Engineering. This meant he was in charge of the engineering programs.
After that, he became the vice chancellor of academic affairs for the university. He held this important position from 1994 to 1999.
Leading Winston-Salem State University
In 2000, Dr. Martin was chosen to be the chancellor of Winston-Salem State University. As chancellor, he was the main leader of the university. During his time there, the number of students almost doubled, growing from 2,796 to 5,556.
Students' SAT scores also improved. The campus itself changed a lot, with new buildings and upgrades. Dr. Martin also worked to improve academic programs and help more students graduate. He also made sure the campus had better technology.
Becoming Chancellor at North Carolina A&T
In 2006, Dr. Martin left Winston-Salem State University. He took on a new role as senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of North Carolina. In this job, he helped guide the academic plans for the entire university system.
On May 22, 2009, Dr. Martin was elected 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 chancellor of his alma mater.
As chancellor, Dr. Martin created a plan called "A&T Preeminence 2020." This plan aimed to make North Carolina A&T a top university for learning and research. The plan helped the university grow steadily in student numbers. It also improved the academic skills of new students and increased funding for research.
Because many goals of the first plan were met, a new plan, "A&T Preeminence: Taking the Momentum to 2023," was started in 2018. This new plan aimed to increase the total number of students to 14,000.
In the summer of 2019, Dr. Martin celebrated 10 years as chancellor of A&T. That fall, the university welcomed its largest group of students ever. There were 12,556 students from 44 states and 68 different countries. Dr. Martin retired from his role as chancellor in 2024.
Awards and Special Recognition
Throughout his career, Dr. Martin has received many awards and honors. In 2019, he received the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Education Leadership Award. In 2015, he was included in Ebony magazine's Power 100 list, which recognizes influential African Americans.
In 2010, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus by the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. He also received an Honorary Degree from Wake Forest University in 2007.
In 2012, a new residence hall at Winston-Salem State University was named in honor of Dr. Martin and Alvin J. Schexnider. Schexnider was the chancellor before Dr. Martin.
Personal Life
Dr. Martin is married to Davida Martin. Mrs. Martin used to be the county attorney for Forsyth County, North Carolina. They have two sons, Harold Martin Jr. and Walter Martin. Dr. Martin is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
