KALAMAZOO, Mich.—An experienced administrator has been appointed associate dean of Western Michigan University's Extended University Programs unit, effective July 1.
The appointment of Dr. Edwin Martini, professor of history, was approved by WMU trustees at their July 8 meeting. Martini replaces Dr. Betty D. Dennis, who is on leave from the University.
Martini served as associate chair of WMU's Department of History from 2009 to 2012 and as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2012 until January of this year, when he returned to the faculty.
While in the latter position, Martini was a key player in the University creating the nation's first higher education programs in sustainable brewing, programs developed in collaboration with Kalamazoo Valley Community College that will be offered starting this fall.
“Ed Martini is an amazing collaborator and innovative thinker with a tremendous eye for new opportunities," says Dr. Dawn Gaymer, associate provost for Extended University Programs. "As a relationship builder, I know he'll do great things for Extended University Programs while advancing the goals of the University and all our academic partners. But most of all, he's just an amazingly talented and kind individual and I could not be more excited that he'll be part of EUP.”
In his new role, Martini will perform a variety of important functions for EUP. They include:
- Directing the University Studies degree completion program.
- Directing retention planning, implementation and assessment activities.
- Leading EUP student support services activities and evaluation efforts.
- Leading K-12 collaboration activities and coordinating these activities with WMU's enrollment management office and Lee Honors College.
- Working to align EUP's strategic direction with the goals of WMU's academic colleges.
- Identifying and facilitating external funding opportunities in areas of degree completion and competency-based education.
Ed Martini
Martini joined WMU's faculty in 2005. Prior to that, he was a visiting professor at Deep Springs College and George Washington University.
His research focuses on the intersections of recent political, diplomatic, cultural and environmental history, with an emphasis on the history and legacies of U.S. warfare and militarism. Current research projects include a global history of napalm and an edited collection on the environmental impact of U.S. military bases.
Martini earned a bachelor's degree in American studies from Pitzer College in 1998 and a doctoral degree in the same discipline from the University of Maryland in 2004.
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