Dr. Martin was elected the twelfth Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and assumed his position on June 8, 2009. As chief executive and administrative officer of the institution, he provides visionary leadership that establishes long range strategic plans in consultation with its various constituencies; assert strategic leadership to develop innovative approaches for expansion resources and ensure the fiscal and academic vitality of all colleges and schools. Dr. Martin facilitates collaborative relationships between A&T, the community, media, businesses, corporations, government, alumni, donors, the University of North Carolina System, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and other educational institutions. He demonstrates a high level of campus visibility, political savvy, civic and community involvement, and cultivates diverse internal and external publics. Dr. Martin provides leadership to take A&T to the next level of excellence in delivering the highest quality of education and life preparation possible, ensuring that students are prepared to become competitive global citizens. He provides fiscal management for a multi-million dollar budget and demonstrates a high level of commitment to all aspects of A&T’s culture.

Dr. Martin became the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of North Carolina in July of 2006. As the Senior Vice President, Dr. Martin led the development and implementation of the academic mission of the University, including teaching, research, international programs and student affairs. He advised the President and provided leadership for the President’s council. Dr. Martin advised the Board of Governors on academic affairs issues of university-wide importance; led strategic academic planning and the implementation of resulting policies affecting the system; worked closely with campus chancellors and chief academic officers on university-wide academic initiatives; worked to maintain the focus of the missions of the campuses, and implemented the academic portion of the Long-Range Plan. He led the University’s research and educational missions and oversaw Academic Planning; Faculty Support and International Programs; Academic and Student Affairs; Sponsored Programs and Research; Strategy Development and Analysis; and the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, units which comprise the Division of Academic Affairs.

Prior to joining UNC General Administration, Dr. Martin was the eleventh chief administrator and the seventh chancellor of Winston-Salem State University from January 2000 to July 2006. While at WSSU, he guided the reclassification of WSSU from a baccalaureate I to a master’s II institution, created a School of Graduate Studies and Research, established seven master’s degree programs and enhanced the quality of overall academic programs. While at WSSU the university’s enrollment doubled since 2000, giving WSSU the fastest growing enrollment in the University of North Carolina system.

Dr. Martin served as a strong community leader while at WSSU and participated in several local citizen initiatives, including, Biotechnology in the Piedmont Triad, the ECHO Council, Leadership Winston-Salem, the Piedmont Triad Partnership, the Triad Entrepreneurial Initiative, The Winston-Salem Millennium Fund, Winston-Salem Alliance, and the Winston-Salem Rotary Club. Dr. Martin serves on the boards of the Research Triangle Institute, UNC Press, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Southern Education Foundation, TUCASI, UNC-TV Foundation, and the Winston-Salem Foundation; and serves on the SACS Commission on Colleges. Dr. Martin has written and co-authored numerous articles and has made many presentations at national and international conferences. He has served as a consultant to major corporations and companies and is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society, Eta Kappa Nu, the International Honor Society for Electrical Engineers, and Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society for Business.

Earlier positions include vice chancellor of academic affairs at NCA&T State University (1994-99), and dean of the college of engineering (1989-94.) He was chair (1985-87) and acting chair (1984-85) of electrical engineering at NC A&T State. Dr. Martin holds a bachelors and masters of science degrees in electrical engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T State) and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

He is married to the former Davida Wagner, and they have two sons, Harold Jr. and Walter. Davida is the county attorney for Forsyth County; Harold Jr. is a graduate of Morehouse College, Harvard Business School, and Yale Law School; and Walter, a graduate of Hampton University, attends the University of Maryland Dental School.