Dr. Mirta M. Martin is a living testament to the American dream. Martin was born in Cuba. As a young girl, she escaped the Castro regime, fleeing with her grandmother and sister to Spain, and then to the United States and Florida according to a recent article from the High Plains Journal.
She received her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond, Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science from Duke University.
Mirta Martin, Ph.D., is the ninth president of Fort Hays State University, appointed to the position by the Kansas Board of Regents this spring.
Fred Logan is the chair of the Regents. He says, “The Kansas Board of Regents is fully supportive of this new president and the direction she will lead Fort Hays State University into the future.”
“The future of the nation lies in the pursuit of academic excellence,” Martin says. “Progress is not possible without vision, leadership, and trust. As your president, my priority is to enable you to become your best self.”
Martin went on to say, “I believe my selection as president is an affirmation of the Regents’ and Fort Hays State University’s commitment to entrepreneurial leadership, opportunity, diversity, and innovation.”
“Dr. Mirta Martin is the personification of the American dream,” says Logan. “She has been successful in every challenge she has ever faced. She will be successful at Fort Hays State University.”
Martin was recently featured in a nation-wide magazine that focuses on diversity. According to a FHSU press released Dr. Martin says the national story "is a reminder to anyone that achieving the American dream is possible."
She began her duties at FHSU July 1.