Photo: Moment RF
Martin University, Indiana’s only predominantly Black college, will close after nearly five decades amid ongoing financial challenges, per theGrio.
Founded in 1977 by Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin and Sister Jane Schilling, Martin University was established to provide higher education opportunities to low-income and disenfranchised students who often lacked access to traditional colleges.
The school will cease operations after the Higher Learning Commission recommended closure on December 23, and the university voluntarily resigned its accreditation.
“Without an endowment and given today’s political climate around higher education funding, this financial model is simply not sustainable,” the Board of Trustees said in a letter announcing the decision.
Martin University has awarded degrees to more than 1,500 alumni. As of 2020, it offered nine undergraduate programs and two graduate programs, including bachelor’s degrees in business administration, religious studies, and other fields, as well as master’s programs in community psychology and urban ministry.
School officials said the institution’s financial strain stemmed directly from its mission to serve students with limited financial means. Many students were unable to pay full tuition, forcing the university to rely heavily on grants, government funding, and philanthropic donations. Declining enrollment, rising debt, and the absence of an endowment ultimately made continued operations untenable.
“The closing of our doors does not erase the impact of this institution, nor the community that built it,” the Board said.
The closure has left current students uncertain about their academic futures. The University of Indianapolis and Marian University have both announced plans to match transfer credits and tuition costs for Martin students.
“We’re trying to make sure those students realize their educational goals that they set out to do,” Chris Plouff, provost and vice president of the University of Indianapolis, said in a statement.
Alumni and community members have expressed disappointment and frustration over the closure.
“We recognize the passion, grief, and even anger being expressed within the community,” the trustees wrote. “Those emotions are real and understandable. However, we ask for civility in both public and private discourse.”
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