Mirta Martin will be inaugurated as the ninth president of Fort Hays State University at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in Gross Memorial Coliseum.
The Kansas Board of Regents appointed Martin as president on May 2, 2014, effective July 1. Martin holds a baccalaureate degree in psychology and political science from Duke University. She also holds a masters of business administration degree from the University of Richmond. Finally, she has a doctorate, with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership, from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Martin will be the first woman president of FHSU, as well as the first president inaugurated in 27 years. The inauguration is planned to last about an hour and a half. “It is worth noting that there is a public reception immediately after the ceremony in Gym 121 Cunningham Hall,” said Lisa Karlin, assistant in the office of the president. Additionally, every person in attendance will receive a commemorative coin.
Classes have been cancelled, and the university will be closed on Friday, Nov. 21, in honor of the inauguration. FHSU students who attend and bring their Tiger ID card to be swiped will be entered into a drawing for various prizes being given away. The drawing will take place the week following the inauguration.
The prizes consist of eight book scholarships, each of which is a $500 University Bookstore gift card. There will also be one grand prize of a $500 University Bookstore gift card and $500 in cash. The prizes have been donated by FHSU.
Karlin said dignitaries in attendance will include “U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, several Kansas legislators, MIAA (Sports) Commissioner Bob Boerigter, several Kansas community college/technical college presidents, and Ann Leiker, the daughter of former FHSU President John Gustad.”
While “President Martin’s inaugural address will be the highlight of the ceremony,” Karlin said, “several people will bring greetings or make other remarks.”