The board of governors for Bluefield State University in West Virginia has fired President Darrin Martin over concerns with the HBCU’s financial stability, according to a report from MetroNews.
In an August 27 meeting, the board decided to reverse their July 14 decision to renew Dr. Martin’s contract. According to chairman Charlie Cole, the board was recently made aware of several fiscal, operational, and administrative issues at university. These include some $1.5 million in outstanding obligations and a lack of evidence about unpaid bills, debts, balances, and finances. Cole also revealed that the board has received “mixed and conflicting numbers” from Dr. Martin. Furthermore, Cole said that Bluefield State was “the only school” in West Virginia that did not submit its annual state appropriation request on time and that the HBCU is facing “potentially serious violations of NCAA rules.”
“Our students, faculty, and staff are the heart of this university, and nothing about that changes today,” Cole told MetroNews. “The board’s immediate priorities are to stabilize the university’s financial position and protect the future of the institution for its students, staff, faculty, and community. We are taking swift steps to strengthen financial oversight and meet the university’s obligations responsibly.”
Following nearly a year of interim service, Dr. Martin was named president of Bluefield State University, his undergraduate alma mater, in November 2024. He previously served on the HBCU’s board of governors and held various faculty roles with Bluefield University, located just across the state border in Bluefield, Virginia. Dr. Martin holds a master’s degree from Radford University in Virginia and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.
While Bluefield State University searches for its next permanent leader, Cathy Deeb, vice chair of the board of governors, will serve as acting president. Classes and other university operations will continue as normal.
