Martin University to "Pause" Operations

"Martin University plans to wind down operations at the end of the current semester. College officials are calling the move a "pause," stopping short of calling it a closure. They attribute the pause to financial challenges, declining enrollment and the lack of an endowment. "The Board has announced a pause in operations at the end of the semester. No final decision has been made regarding permanent closure. Discussions continue about how to carry forward Martin's mission," Martin spokesperson Keona Williams wrote to Inside Higher Ed by email."

"While the official language indicates a pause, it appears unlikely Martin will resume operations given its financial challenges and historical precedent, which shows that institutions are rarely resurrected after ceasing operations. Some, such as Knoxville College, have bucked that trend; the historically Black Tennessee college suspended operations in 2015, reopened in 2018 and is working to regain accreditation."

Martin University will wind down operations at the end of the current semester and university officials describe the action as a pause rather than an immediate permanent closure. University leaders cite severe financial challenges, declining enrollment and the absence of an endowment as primary causes. The Board is seeking donations to sustain operations through December while discussions continue about preserving Martin's mission. The university president recently resigned. Recent audits warned of possible insolvency following the COVID-19 pandemic, and a permanent closure would mean the loss of Indiana's only predominantly Black institution.

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