poised for quantum leap With President William Crothers stepping down after more than 20 years at the helm, Roberts Wesleyan College was able to fill the void from within. John A. Martin, who came to the college in 1996 as senior vice president and provost, has been appointed president of the college and Northeastern Seminary. Martin and his family will be moving into the president's house in July. Martin said he is excited to be coming in at a time when Roberts is experiencing substantial growth. "We’re poised for another quantum leap forward," said Martin, adding that his focus will now be on positioning the Christian College academically. Under Crothers, the college’s financial position improved drastically, highlighted by a $5 million gift from B. Thomas Golisano. "We’re now ready to go to that next level," said Martin. Martin said he hopes his experience will be key in helping to make that transition. "I think I understand both the academic side of the house and the financial pressures," said Martin. "I’ve found it to be an institution that is capable of and almost relishes change." Martin is currently executive vice president of both the college and the Northeastern Seminary. In that role he has administered all academic matters, student life programs and financial accountability in both institutions. Before coming to Roberts, Martin served as president of Central College in McPherson, Kansas, from 1990 to 1996. Martin also served as a professor and then dean of faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, from 1977 to 1990. Martin’s appointment follows an extensive national search involving 41 nominations and five semi-finalists. Co-chaired by Burton Jones, Roberts’ vice president for academic affairs, and M. Richard Rose, chair of the Board of Trustees, the Presidential Search Committee included representatives from the student body, alumni association, faculty, staff, Rochester business community, Free Methodist Church and the Board of Trustees. "Roberts has not needed to search for a president in more than 20 years, so we struggled a bit in determining the best process," said Mary-Frances Winters, Roberts Wesleyan Trustee, Rochester businesswoman and a member of the search committee. "Once we established the framework, we conducted a thorough search. We considered a quality pool of prospects and ultimately selected Martin as our next president. I am pleased John and Kathryn have accepted our invitation to serve Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary as our presidential couple and I believe they will be an excellent fit for this role." President Crothers affirmed the Board’s choice. "The Trustees have made a great decision naming Dr. Martin as president," Crothers said. "John brings a wealth of experience in teaching, scholarship and academic administration to the office of the president. Before John came to Roberts, I knew him as a colleague when he served as president of Central College. I have every confidence in John’s ability to guide the ongoing growth and development of Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary." The board has agreed to keep Crothers on a consulting retainer. The presidential transition will occur upon the Crothers’ retirement this summer. A retirement celebration event honoring President and Mrs. Crothers is planned for May 10, 2002, at the Riverside Convention Center in downtown Rochester. Alumni and friends of the college and seminary are invited to attend. Tickets cost $50 per person. For reservations call Sherry Stiles, development assistant, at (585) 594-6500 |
