BOG Unanimously Selects Dr. Darrin Martin as New President of Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV – The Bluefield State University Board of Governors in a special meeting this afternoon, announced the selection of Dr. Darrin Martin, Ed.D. as the university’s 17th president.

Following an extensive nationwide search, the Board unanimously voted for Dr. Martin citing his visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and dedication to fostering student success.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am thrilled to welcome home a third-generation graduate to lead Bluefield State University,” said Charlie Cole, Chair of the Board of Governors. “While serving as Interim President, Dr. Martin has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing educational opportunities and building strong partnerships that benefit students, faculty, and the broader community. We are confident he will be an outstanding leader for Bluefield State,” added Cole.

Martin expressed excitement about joining Bluefield State University, stating, “I am deeply honored to lead this distinguished institution which has given so much opportunity to me and others.” Martin added, “Bluefield State is uniquely positioned to expand opportunities for its students and strengthen its impact in the region. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and the community to build on the university’s successes.”

Growing up in Bluefield, West Virginia, Dr. Martin developed a strong appreciation for the area and its educational institutions. “Coming back to Bluefield State feels like returning home,” Martin said. “This university has meant so much to my family, and I’m honored to help lead it into the future.”

“I would like to express my thanks to the Search Committee chaired by board member, Cathy Deeb and all the constituency groups who assisted us in selecting the next leader,” Cole added. “All three final candidates were strong prospects with years of experience. I am confident that Dr. Martin will lead Bluefield State University into our next chapter.”

Martin had been serving as the Interim President of Bluefield State University, having been appointed to this position by the Board of Governors in November 2023.

Martin is a lifelong resident of the Bluefield area and is a third-generation graduate of Bluefield State University.

Martin added he is also focused on strengthening the university’s ties with the local community saying, “Bluefield State has always been an important part of this region, and we will continue working with local organizations and businesses to create opportunities that benefit our students and the wider community.”

Faculty Representative to the Board of Governors and Associate Professor of Art, Jack Sheffler also praised Martin saying, “The leadership demonstrated during his interim presidency was impressive.” “His engagement with our faculty, staff, and students as well as the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission were key in our decision,” Sheffler added.

Prior to this appointment as interim president, Dr. Martin was a member of the Bluefield State University Board of Governors, having been appointed by Gov. Jim Justice.

Before his service to Bluefield State University, Dr. Martin served in a variety of roles at Bluefield University including, Dean of Academic Support; Director of Graduate Education; and Interim Dean of the College of Education & Social Sciences.

Dr. Martin also served as a School Improvement Specialist for the West Virginia Department of Education; Director of Teacher Education, for Concord University; and was a High School level Administrator with Tazewell County Public Schools in Virginia.

During much of this time, Dr. Martin also operated a successful educational consulting business.

Dr. Martin is a graduate of then Bluefield State College, earning both an A.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology as well as a B.S. in Mathematics Teacher Education.

He continued his education at Radford University, where he received a M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration.

In 2000, Dr. Martin was awarded an Ed. D in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech University.

Dr. Martin lives in Bluefield, Virginia with his wife, Dr. Serena Starcher, Superintendent of Raleigh County Schools in West Virginia, and his four children and is an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

An investiture ceremony will be planned for the near future, where the university community and the public will have an opportunity to formally welcome Dr. Martin.

Founded in 1895 as an HBCU, Bluefield State University has a rich history of providing quality education to students in West Virginia and beyond. Dr. Martin’s appointment represents a bridge between the university’s storied past and its promising future.