Drake University is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to extend President Marty Martin’s contract to serve as Drake’s president for an additional three years, securing his leadership through the end of the University’s 2029 fiscal year (June 30, 2029). The decision was finalized during a special session held this week, highlighting the Board’s confidence in President Martin’s leadership and dedication to the University’s mission.
“President Martin’s bold vision for the University has brought about transformative and positive change that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Mark Ernst, chair of the Drake University Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank President Martin for his continuing commitment to Drake University. We are highly confident in the future of the institution under his leadership and are excited to partner with the entire campus community to continue transforming lives and strengthening communities.”
“I am grateful for the Board’s trust and support, and I am honored to continue serving as President of Drake University,” said Martin. “Together, as a community, we have made significant strides to strengthen Drake as a premier, national liberal arts institution. I look forward—in partnership with our faculty, staff, and students—to continuing the work that further elevates our great University.”
In the process of selecting Drake’s 13th president more than a decade ago, there were 90 highly qualified nominees, out of which Marty Martin stood out as the ideal candidate to lead Drake University into its next great era. Since then, it has been Drake’s mission and the subsequent creation of its inspiration statement—together we transform lives and strengthen communities—that have served as the cornerstone for all that the Drake community has collectively accomplished during his tenure.
Transforming Lives
Throughout President Martin’s 10 years of leadership, Drake has expanded access to a college education through efforts including the launch of Drake’sTuition Guarantee, the creation of John Dee Bright College, the record-breaking success of The Ones: Drake’s campaign for the Brave and Bold which raised $265 million, including $54 million for scholarships, and most recently the launch of two full-tuition coverage programs—the Bulldog Promise and the Bright College Pathway. These collective efforts have contributed to Drake welcoming its most diverse class in University history two years in a row.
Strengthening Communities
A key tenet of President Martin’s vision for the University has been a commitment to the community in which Drake operates—and to the world at large. This commitment has come to fruition through many new and expanded community partnerships, centers, and institutes including the Gregory and Suzie Burt Boys & Girls Club, the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center serving 8 million youth worldwide as the global hub for CHARACTER COUNTS!, the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy, the Drake Business Clinic, the Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake, Mediacom Stadium, the Harkin Institute, and the Jay N. Darling Institute. Under President Martin’s leadership, Drake athletics programs have also thrived, securing the University’s first All-Sports MVC trophy and achieving record attendance.
Commitment to Mission
Drake’s mission of preparing students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship has been the guiding light for President Martin’s vision with numerous outcomes demonstrating success, including state- and nation-leading accomplishment rates and internship placement rates, and significant growth in Drake’s global partnerships while remaining committed to infusing global learning into all that is taught at Drake.
While there is much to celebrate over the last decade, President Martin recognizes there is much more to do.
“Grounded in mission and our foundation as a liberal arts university, Drake will continue to deliver an exemplary education to our students, to render outstanding research and scholarship, and to serve the many constituencies that benefit, and even depend on, this wonderful institution and its people,” said Martin.