#United States #Higher Education #Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Dr. Jeremy P. Martin

Florida Southern College Welcomes Dr. Jeremy P. Martin as Its 18th President

On February 12, 2025, at 3 PM, Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, will officially welcome Dr. Jeremy P. Martin as the institution's 18th president during a special inauguration ceremony held at the iconic Branscomb Auditorium. This significant event marks the start of a new era for the college as Dr. Martin steps into this esteemed leadership role after his unanimous selection by the Board of Trustees. His tenure began in August 2024, following nearly two decades of rich experience in academic administration.

Dr. Martin's impressive academic journey includes a variety of influential roles at William & Mary, such as vice president for strategy and innovation, assistant to the president and provost, associate provost, and chief of staff. One of his remarkable contributions was co-chairing the strategic planning initiative that laid the groundwork for the university’s ambitious Vision 2026 plan. Additionally, Dr. Martin's leadership extended to athletics, where he served as interim director from 2020 to 2021, successfully launching the $57.4 million “All In” fundraising campaign for the department.

In a statement reflecting on this pivotal moment, Dr. Robert L. Fryer Jr., chair of the Florida Southern College Board of Trustees, expressed excitement about Dr. Martin’s appointment. “His background in academic administration, commitment to student success, and track record of fostering institutional growth make him particularly well suited to guide the College in its next chapter of excellence,” said Fryer.

Dr. Martin's academic credentials are equally notable. He holds a bachelor's degree from Houghton College, a Master of Science from Georgia State University, as well as both a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership and an MBA from William & Mary. His previous roles extend beyond academia, serving on the boards of Riverside Doctors’ Hospital and Houghton University, showcasing his community engagement and leadership skills.

A native of Fayetteville, Georgia, Dr. Martin is married to Tia Martin, and together, they are parents to two children. This new leadership position at Florida Southern College represents not just a personal milestone for Dr. Martin, but also a fresh chapter in the college's ongoing commitment to providing quality education and promoting academic excellence.

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is recognized as the oldest private college in Florida. The institution offers over 70 undergraduate programs and several graduate degrees, including English, Nursing, and Business Administration. Florida Southern holds an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and has been acknowledged as a national leader in engaged learning, with multiple distinctions in annual collegiate rankings.

The college is particularly proud of its legacy, which includes the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and a reputation as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation, consistently featured in top rankings for its aesthetic appeal. In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, Florida Southern is celebrated for being one of the top