About Us:

Founded by Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin in 1977, Martin University's original mission to serve low-income, minority, and adult learners has not changed, although students from all backgrounds have always been welcome. While the average age of the students remains around 40 years of age, we are enrolling a growing number of young people. Martin University's "non-traditional" student is between the ages of 18 and 22!

The original campus was at 35th St. and College Ave. It moved to its current location on Avondale Place in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood in 1987. Housed initially in buildings once occupied by Francis de Sales Catholic church and elementary school, the campus grew to include many other structures in the immediate area.

Dramatic changes have taken place in recent years. More than 25 buildings either used by staff and administration or those owned by the university were razed to make room for parking lots, landscaping, and the first-ever new Martin University building, the $10 million Educational Center. It, and the beautiful Peace Garden that connects the Center, the Bernice Fraction Performing Arts Center, and the Dr. Andrew J. Brown Building, opened in the summer of 2001.

The beautiful brick-and-stone Educational Center contains nine classrooms; faculty and staff offices; an 800-seat Gathertorium; a two-story, glass-and-steel globe; a Frederick Douglass Room; student and staff lounges; and a smoking-cessation center. In addition to graduations and other campus events, the building is also used for many community activities.