without question, Pulaski and Giles County’s greatest asset. In addition to having a very positive economic impact on our community, to have a college in your town where local citizens can obtain a college degree is invaluable,� Speer says, adding that the college “contributes significantly to our quality of life by providing educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.� That’s music to Ted Brown’s ears. In March 2008, Brown celebrated 10 years as Martin’s president, leading the college’s evolution from a junior college to a fouryear school. “This is a very dynamic time in the life of the institution, and the community
up of students from across the globe. “That’s a fairly recent phenomenon in American higher education to have that kind of international connection, and yet on this campus, it’s a longstanding tradition. It’s a wonderful thing for a small college to have this kind of dynamic,� Brown says. Dynamic could also describe Martin’s growth, with a student population approaching 1,000 for the first time. The college is also growing physically. In 1998, Martin purchased 44 acres, now dubbed the East Campus, where facilities for all outdoor athletics will eventually be located. A lighted soccer field is already on site. After $1.2
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has something to do with that. This was just the right time for the college to make the move to the baccalaureate status, and the community has been overwhelmingly supportive,â&#x20AC;? Brown says. Related to the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church, Martin is known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a true liberal arts college,â&#x20AC;? according to Brown. In addition to traditional studies, such as English and history, Martin boasts strong business, education, science, criminal justice, physical education and nursing programs. It is also known for its programs for students pursuing Christian vocations. The collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique sports management program includes internships with the NFL Tennessee Titans, the NHL Nashville Predators and professional teams in Huntsville, Ala. Surprising for a college its size, 15 percent of Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student body is made
million in renovations, the Grissom Natatorium was reopened in May 2008. Meanwhile, the old gym will undergo $3.2 million in renovations to transform it into the Gault Fine Arts Center. The music and cultural venue will feature a geothermal heating and cooling system, the first of its kind in the county. Brown credits Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in no small measure to the people of Giles County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked on seven college campuses, six of them in small towns. In terms of town-gown relations, this community really understands what it means to be a college community and what an asset a small college can be in a small town like this,â&#x20AC;? Brown says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are so responsive to what we are trying to do here at Martin. Anytime we ask for help, they do everything they can to make that work.â&#x20AC;?
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