Applause

APPLAUSE

NEW PRESIDENT NAMED FOR MARTIN UNIVERSITY

Dr. Algeania Freeman Second President in History of Institution

Dr. Algeania Freeman, former president of Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC, and president and CEO of The Freeman Group, Inc., a consulting group, has been named president of Martin University, succeeding Founding President Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin, O.S.B.

The announcement was made by Ms. Virginia Goodwin, chair of the board of trustees of Indiana's only predominately African-American institution of higher learning. "We are fortunate to have found a person with Dr. Freeman's background and experience to lead our university into a new era."

Dr. Algeania (al-GEEN-ya) Freeman, 58, assumed her duties on January 1, 2008, becoming the second president in the history of the 30-year-old institution. The incoming president brings 35 years of higher education experience, serving in senior administrative positions as a president, vice president of Advancement, dean, department chair, and professor of Communications.

"I am honored to have been chosen to lead this historic institution," Dr. Freeman said. "It is a rare opportunity in the 21st century to succeed the founder of a university."

Hardin, who founded the institution as Martin Center College in 1977, stepped aside shortly after his 74th birthday. A Benedictine monk who has been a fixture in civil rights, the church, and higher education in Indiana for decades, he remains in Indianapolis and continues to teach some classes at the institution. Another who stepped aside is founding vice president Dr. Jane Schilling, C.S.J.

"Dr. Freeman is an excellent choice to assume the duties of president of Martin University," President Hardin said. "She brings an impressive set of skills to her new role that will serve this institution well."

During her tenure as president of Livingstone (2001-2004), she successfully completed a $20m capital campaign. During her presidency, student enrollment increased 12 percent, GPA averages of entering freshmen rose from 2.3 to 2.83, the average SAT entering score increased 100 percent, the retention rate of first-year students rose 17 percent, and there was a 150 percent increase in fundraising.

Also during her years at Livingstone, major renovations of the physical plant were completed and a 10-year regional accreditation, without qualifications, was obtained, the first in the history of the college.

As the founder of The Freeman Group, Inc., she has provided contractual consulting services for various organizations since 2004, including serving as a senior fellow at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, providing fundraising consultation for a $14m capital campaign.

She recently served as the vice president of development at the Foundation for Independent Higher Education, an organization representing 650 private colleges and universities and 36 fundraising organizations. She also founded and served as program director for the Kellogg Collegiate Women of Color Leadership Development Institute.

Dr. Freeman also served more than 16 years in many leadership positions at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA; Southern California College and Orange Coast College, both in Costa Mesa, CA; Morgan State University, Baltimore; East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; and North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro.

She holds a Ph.D. in Communications (speech and hearing science) from The Ohio State University. She has attended institutes for higher education administration, fundraising, and board development at Harvard, Dartmouth, William & Mary, and Northwestern.

She has also been appointed to many national boards and committees in the private and government sectors.

Martin University was founded as Martin Center College and was located originally at 35th and College Avenue. In 2001, the $10 million Educational Center was dedicated. The liberal arts institution offers 17 undergraduate and two graduate degrees. Originally founded to serve adult, minority, and low-income individuals, the university continues to offer opportunities for higher education to these persons, while welcoming students of all backgrounds.

For further information on Martin University or to reach Dr. Freeman, visit www.martin.edu.