BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — A reversal by the Bluefield State University Board of Governors and Dr. Darrin Martin is no longer the president at his alma mater.
The BOG announced Thursday evening it had voted to withdraw its July 14 approval to renew Martin’s contract “ending his employment with the university.”
BOG Chairman Charlie Cole said the board recently learned some new information about the university’s fiscal stability, internal operations and administrative oversight prompting its decision.
During the board’s Thursday meeting, Cole outlined the new revelations since the last meeting:
– The board learned Bluefield State was “significantly behind paying its obligations” in a figure at least $1.5 million.
– The board was unable to “retain reliable evidence” about unpaid bills, outstanding debts, actual balances, or finances of the institution.
– The board received “mixed and conflicting numbers” from Martin.
– The board learned Bluefield State was the “only school in the state” that didn’t submit its annual state appropriation request on time, which was $7 million last year.
– The board didn’t get notified about “potentially serious violations of NCAA rules,” which led to an emergency meeting last week.
– When the board went to talk with Martin after an executive session during the emergency meeting, “the president had left and was not available to speak to the board.”
“The Board determined that this change was necessary to ensure the University has the financial transparency and stability it needs going forward,” the Thursday evening statement said.
Martin attended Thursday’s meeting and did not comment.
The BOG has appointed BOG Vice-Chairwoman Cathy Deeb to serve as acting president. She will not be paid, Cole said.
“We understand this news may raise questions, and we are committed to keeping our community informed as this transition moves forward,” Cole said.
According to Thursday’s statement, “This transition follows the Board’s determination that it needs direct, unrestricted access to the University’s financial records. The Board has engaged an independent accounting firm to conduct a full review of the University’s finances and ensure that all obligations are properly accounted for and met. This review will begin as soon as possible.”
Classes and other university operations will continue as normal, Cole said.
“Our students, faculty, and staff are the heart of this University, and nothing about that changes today,” Cole said. “The Board’s immediate priorities are to stabilize the University’s financial position and protect the future of the institution for its students, staff, faculty, and community. We are taking swift steps to strengthen financial oversight and meet the University’s obligations responsibly.”
MetroNews reported on the BOG’s emergency meeting that was held last Thursday.
The purpose of the meeting was listed as “Imminent Substantial harm to the institution.”
Martin, a BSU graduate, became president at his alma mater in November 2024 after several months as interim president following the resignation of former President Robin Capehart in late 2023.
Martin led an effort when interim president to get Bluefield State University back into the good graces of the Higher Learning Commission which determines the school’s accreditation after the HLC had issued a critical report in 2023 of the school’s governance.
U.S. Senator Jim Justice is scheduled to be at Bluefield State Friday to talk about legislation in Congress he backs that supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).