Martin University history

To assure that non-traditional students would have the opportunity to attend the university, a Child and Family Resource Center was built in 1980, followed later by the Children's Center.

Margaret Perry was selected as institutional Chancellor in 1985, the first woman to head a UT-system school.

The country's general economic expansion during the 1990's allowed student enrollment to rebound in time to completely modernize the library and student university center.

Extensive renovation of Old Main began in 1993 when the roof was reconstructed.

Work was accelerated after a fire on November 15, 1994 in the basement kitchen’s dishwasher room caused over a million dollars in damage.

With the official opening on June 9, 1995, the library expanded to 120,000 square feet, and the renovation included space for a Special Collections area, a Media Center, and group study space.

He ran aground over a shakeup in programatic priorities and accepted a reassignment to Knoxville as the University celebrated its centennial in October, 2000.

A $10 million Educational Center and adjoining Peace Garden opened in the summer of 2001.

Further renovation was done in 2009 when St Gertrude’s Café, the main campus dining area, was built on the first floor.