Retired senior VP accorded ‘emeritus’ status at Penn College
Thursday, June 9, 2022
William J. Martin, who retired as Pennsylvania College of Technology’s senior vice president in 2011 after serving the institution with distinction for nearly three decades, has been granted “emeritus” status.
Retired faculty and staff at Pennsylvania College of Technology are eligible for emeritus status if they have demonstrated a record of distinguished service to students, their department, their academic school and/or the college itself. The college’s Board of Directors approved the designation for Martin at its Thursday meeting.
Martin began his employment at Penn College’s immediate predecessor, Williamsport Area Community College, as director of secondary vocational programs in 1983, after having served as principal and a teacher of biology, physical science and health at Williamsport Area High School.
His subsequent roles at Penn College included dean of student services, vice president for student affairs and vice president for college services, which underwent a title change to senior vice president in 1996. He served 15 years in this final role. He also held the rank of professor since 1987.
One of Martin’s most significant responsibilities as senior vice president was overseeing construction and renovation projects that constituted the multiyear $45 million Stage X Building Program – the largest in the college’s history – which dramatically expanded and enhanced facilities on main campus.
He was also instrumental in the construction, development and operation of the Community Arts Center, which opened in 1993, and he served as chair of the Arts Center’s board until the merger with the college in 2021.
Martin was a vital facilitator between the college and the local community throughout his tenure.
“Bill Martin is most deserving of this emeritus honor for his many years of devoted service to the college and the Community Arts Center,” President Davie Jane Gilmour said. “His leadership was indispensable during a period of rapid expansion on main campus, and his contributions to the growth and development of the Arts Center were equally invaluable.”
The Community Arts Center Board of Governors in 2002 honored Martin with a Vision Award for his role in the renovation of the Arts Center and his ongoing support for the facility. In 2011, the theater at the Community Arts Center was renamed the William J. Martin Theatre in his honor.
In 2020, Martin was granted Lycoming County United Way’s highest honor, the Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award. His efforts have similarly been recognized by other area organizations including the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, State of Israel Bonds, the Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America and the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Retired faculty and staff at Pennsylvania College of Technology are eligible for emeritus status if they have demonstrated a record of distinguished service to students, their department, their academic school and/or the college itself. The college’s Board of Directors approved the designation for Martin at its Thursday meeting.
Martin began his employment at Penn College’s immediate predecessor, Williamsport Area Community College, as director of secondary vocational programs in 1983, after having served as principal and a teacher of biology, physical science and health at Williamsport Area High School.His subsequent roles at Penn College included dean of student services, vice president for student affairs and vice president for college services, which underwent a title change to senior vice president in 1996. He served 15 years in this final role. He also held the rank of professor since 1987.
One of Martin’s most significant responsibilities as senior vice president was overseeing construction and renovation projects that constituted the multiyear $45 million Stage X Building Program – the largest in the college’s history – which dramatically expanded and enhanced facilities on main campus.
He was also instrumental in the construction, development and operation of the Community Arts Center, which opened in 1993, and he served as chair of the Arts Center’s board until the merger with the college in 2021.
Martin was a vital facilitator between the college and the local community throughout his tenure.
“Bill Martin is most deserving of this emeritus honor for his many years of devoted service to the college and the Community Arts Center,” President Davie Jane Gilmour said. “His leadership was indispensable during a period of rapid expansion on main campus, and his contributions to the growth and development of the Arts Center were equally invaluable.”
The Community Arts Center Board of Governors in 2002 honored Martin with a Vision Award for his role in the renovation of the Arts Center and his ongoing support for the facility. In 2011, the theater at the Community Arts Center was renamed the William J. Martin Theatre in his honor.
In 2020, Martin was granted Lycoming County United Way’s highest honor, the Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award. His efforts have similarly been recognized by other area organizations including the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, State of Israel Bonds, the Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America and the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.