The Colorado State University Board of Governors named Michael Martin as a finalist for CSU’s chancellor’s position, saying he is “uniquely qualified” to lead the system through the challenging times it’s facing.
“These are complex times in higher education, both here and across the country — the No. 1 issue being the financial structure” said Joseph Zimlich, the board chairman. “With state funding decreasing, we’re dealing with matters like access and cutting costs while trying to keep the quality level high.”
Martin, 65, the chancellor at Louisiana State University, drew raves from the board, which felt that his experience dovetails with what CSU is looking for. He is a former president of New Mexico State University, which, like CSU-Pueblo, is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution. Also, like Colorado State, LSU is a land-grant university, with a mission to serve the state’s population.
“That was a very important aspect,” said Pat McConathy, the chairman of CSU’s search committee. “Access and affordability is one of our top two or three goals. You have to take that into account; there has to be a voice for higher education and its values and how to get to as many people in the state as possible.”
Martin, who has been chancellor at LSU since August 2008, did not return telephone calls for comment. The school issued a statement on his behalf, which read in part that, “My single criteria for deciding what to do at this stage of my professional life is to determine where I have the best chance to make a positive difference.”
