Meet the President
George E. Martin, PhD
President
Since becoming the 23rd president of St. Edward’s University on July 1, 1999, George E. Martin, PhD, has led the university’s collaborative effort to attain national recognition as one of the best small universities in the country. That effort has already achieved results. For seven years running, U.S. News & World Report has recognized St. Edward’s University as “one of the best colleges in America.”
In the early days of his presidency, Martin introduced a vision and working with the Board of Trustees identified seven strategic priorities. These strategic priorities combined with an ambitious strategic plan define the direction of the university.
Progress toward these goals has been tremendous. Traditional undergraduate enrollment has grown by 60% since 1999 while maintaining a low student-faculty ratio. The university’s exceptional faculty has increased by 47%.
New facilities, such as Trustee Hall and the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center–North have elevated learning with the latest technology. A new residential village infuses the heart of campus with student housing designed to foster a welcoming sense of community. And, donors have responded to the university’s vision by investing more than $70 million in St. Edward’s.
Currently, Dr. Martin is forming partnerships to establish a spectrum of educational programs in France for European and American students as part of the Global Understanding Initiative at St. Edward’s.
As the campus evolves to meet the needs of a growing student body, President Martin is committed to ensuring the university stays true to its Holy Cross mission: to deliver a personalized, transformative educational experience in a diverse and supportive community.
Martin says the role of president is not one of power but of possibility. He leads by listening, thinking, sharing energy and ideas, and encouraging creativity within the culture of the institution.
Martin continues the strong legacy of leadership at St. Edward's established by our past presidents.