Eastern Michigan University’s president of seven years, Susan Martin, was recognized for her public service at the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting on Wednesday.
Felicia Brabec, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, said in a statement she was honored to present Martin with the proclamation, which said Martin led Eastern through an “era of tremendous growth and achievement.”
“Her accomplishments and contributions to our youth, throughout her career and within this community, are phenomenal,” Brabec said in a statement. “Susan has set an example of excellence, one that has served as a beacon of light and endless possibilities for so many. Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw County are better places because of Dr. Martin.”
Martin announced her resignation as the university’s 22nd president this past spring, effective July 7. After a sabbatical, she will return to teach accounting in EMU’s College of Business.
The proclamation notes EMU’s following accomplishments under Martin:
•Eastern Michigan experienced significant enrollment growth for four consecutive years, including the Honors College, which has nearly doubled in enrollment since 2011, and most recently enrolled its largest freshman class ever in the fall of 2014.
•The university has seen financial aid growth of 100 percent over the last seven years, and the lowest dollar tuition increase in the state of Michigan over the last six years.
•Eastern has seen a vast improvement in student safety and security measures, including the addition of the new headquarters in 2009 for the Department of Public Safety, the installation of more than 600 surveillance cameras, along with expanded police patrols in areas surrounding the campus and increased collaboration with Ypsilanti Police and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department.
•The university completed the largest construction initiative in its history, including the construction for the $90 million Science Complex and the $42 million renovation of Pray-Harrold, the university’s largest classroom building.
Before she came to EMU, Martin worked for Grand Valley State University, the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Michigan’s state government.
Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in public speaking at Central Michigan University, and both an master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in accounting at Michigan State University.
