Martin University is happy to announce the appointment of John Girton, Jr. as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff. He was previously the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and External Relations at the University.
Girton will manage policy and institutional affairs on behalf of President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sean L. Huddleston in his new post. In the President/CEO’s organizational domains, Girton will further encourage and preserve a culture of service, professionalism, and continual development.
He will expand on the University’s mission and philosophy by engaging in communicative, collaborative, and respectful interactions with individuals in leadership roles at the University, as well as managing special projects involving University officials and community leaders. He will also assist the President/CEO in managing office employees as needed.
“John Girton is a proven leader who has been effective, innovative, and deeply committed to Martin University’s success,” said Dr. Huddleston. “As EVP and Chief of Staff, he will play a pivotal role in the continued implementation and evaluation of our strategic plan, policies, and priorities. As one of my key advisors, he will work closely with me to ensure that our administrative and operational functions are managed effectively and efficiently. I look forward to all of the excellent contributions John will make in his expanded role.”
Girton joined Martin as Director of Marketing and Communications in August 2020 and stayed for a year before being promoted to Vice President. Girton previously served as Lead Pastor of Indianapolis’ Christ Missionary Baptist Church and as an instructor at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was then designated the university’s Creative Media Services Director. He was the first to teach the Journalism and Telecommunications dual-curriculum program at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and has worked in marketing, communications, and instructional design at the University of Indianapolis, ITT Technical Institute, and The First Amendment Center’s Freedom Forum on the Vanderbilt University campus in Nashville.
Martin University, founded in 1977, is Indiana’s sole Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). It has a long tradition of community involvement, and its objective is to educate and develop diverse workforce-ready students in an inclusive, supportive, and collegiate setting. Martin University’s vision is to change the landscape by delivering transformative opportunities, inclusive support, and community service.