Martin University

I am a graduate of Martin University with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology. Martin University’s mission is «to provide excellence in educating and developing all students, with expertise in serving and empowering low-​income, minority and adult learners, in a healthy and collegiate environment.»
That was me quite a few years ago. I was a a low-​income, adult learner hoping for a second chance at my academic life and determined to live a better life than Social Security Disability offered me despite having the challenges of spina bifida, a brain injury, being a double amputee, and using a wheelchair. I’d always been referred to as a bit slow, but my first professor at Martin, Sister Marian Ruth Johnson, figured me out during that first semester and tailored my academic life to how I learned best (experientially).
I blossomed. From a C+ student in high school, I suddenly found myself earning straight «A’ grades. From being stressed out and overwhelmed in school, I found myself falling in love with learning and the educational journey.
Martin University wasn’t easy. I’ve heard the jokes about the place and, just as I’ve experienced in other settings, I’ve occasionally looked at some graduates and thought to myself «How did they possibly get through?»
As a school that targets urban populations, low-​income folks, and adults, Martin gets a bad rap for its academics. Is it Harvard? No. Would I put it up against many of Indiana’s institutions? I sure would. It’s got some brilliant graduates and it’s got some not so brilliant graduates. It’s got some amazing professors and, on occasion, it’s had some not so amazing professors.
Martin University is a school with a mission that it takes seriously and that mission is lived out every single day through its academics, professors, professional staff, and students. When I first started at Martin, they didn’t have their newer building yet and I attended classes in a 3-​story building that didn’t even have a lift at the time (It does now!). I wanted to change my life so badly that I crawled to some classes and, I think, I was the school’s first disabled graduate.
The professors banded together and they refused to give up on me. I was employed the day after graduation thanks to a fine education and terrific placement that was appropriate to my program. I continue to work in my field years after graduation.
Years after graduation, the school’s founder, Father Hardin, found out that I’d been laid off after nine years during the Winona Hospital closing saga. In typical Father Hardin fashion, he arranged a speaking appearance for me about my life journey that I’d assumed was going to be a gift back to the school that had helped me so much. As I was leaving my appearance that day, I found myself holding an envelope that contained enough financial assistance to help me through that rough time until I was employed again.
THAT’s Martin University. They don’t turn off their mission. They never turn off their compassion. They currently have ten Bachelor programs and two Graduate programs (Community Psychology and Urban Ministry).
Is the school the fanciest? Nope. The school is located in the Brightwood area of Indy’s Eastside, a location that makes sense when you consider the school’s mission. They’ve carried my writings (Mental Note: Get them my latest book!) and changed my life in more ways than I can ever express.
I’ve seen them do it time and again.
I went from a homeless guy living on Social Security due to my disability to a homeowner working in the field of my choice and living better than I’d ever imagined possible. I graduated Summa Cum Laude, something I sure never thought possible, and have nothing but positive things to say about Martin University.