Minority Serving Univ. Names Interim President

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Board of Trustees of Martin University has announced that Dr. Charlotte Westerhaus has been appointed Acting President of the university, replacing Dr. Algeania Freeman, who is retiring as President effective December 31, 2010.

“As we launch our nationwide search for Martin’s next permanent president, we are most pleased that Dr. Westerhaus, a nationally recognized expert in multicultural education and workforce diversity and inclusion, will be working closely with staff, faculty and the board to preserve the progress made under Dr. Freeman and prepare the university for its leadership transition,” said John Bartlett, the Chair of Martin’s Board of Trustees. 

Dr. Westerhaus is the former Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the National Collegiate Athletics Association in Indianapolis. She holds a J.D. from the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, Bloomington. She also holds a M.Ed. in College Student Personnel and a B.S. in Journalism, both from Ohio University, Athens. Her experience overseeing effective initiatives, programs and regulatory compliance for profit and non-profit organizations includes: three years’ service as Assistant to the President, Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at the University of Iowa; three years as Director of Affirmative Action at Purdue University; and two years as Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity and Diversity at the University of Wisconsin, Kenosha.

“The Board is grateful to Dr. Freeman for her many contributions during her three-year tenure as President of Martin University,” Bartlett said.  “Under her determined leadership, the university accomplished the primary turnaround objectives she was asked to achieve, including significant improvements in the university’s enrollment, academic programs and financial standing.”

The historic mission of Martin University is to serve low income, minority, disenfranchised, and non-traditional learners or all who may benefit in a freedom and healing-minded environment. The University is recognized for providing a quality education to persons who often need a second chance, especially those who contend with poverty and lack of educational resources. Martin University is a non-denominational, private, liberal arts institution.