By: James Hill, Director of Athletics Communications
BETHANY - After 40 years at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), Athletic Director
Bobby Martin has announced his plans to to retire June 30, 2019. Martin stepped onto the campus of Bethany Nazarene College (BNC) as a student-athlete in the fall of 1972. He has served his alma mater in a variety of leadership roles including: Dean of Students, Recruiter, Instructor, Coach and Athletic Director.
Whether as the point guard for the former Bethany Nazarene College "Redskins", pacing the sidelines as the head coach of the men's basketball team or running the day-to-day operations as athletic director, one thing is for certain:
Bobby Martin has made an impact on SNU, its faculty, staff, students and the Bethany community.
One constant, through the four decades of Martin's leadership is the mission of the Athletic program modeling the University motto - Character, Culture, Christ. SNU Athletics has proven to stand for more than victories and championships. Our student athletes have learned sportsmanship and have been challenged to grow in their faith. Coach Martin has modeled a "LiveLast" lifestyle for these athletes and encouraged their pursuit of Christian education.
"No person in SNU intercollegiate athletics history has made a more significant contribution than Coach
Bobby Martin," said former SNU President Dr. Loren Gresham. "His contribution to building lives on a solid foundation has impacted hundreds of student athletes."
SNU's athletic programs have seen many changes during Martin's tenure. One of the most notable was moving from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Martin and his leadership team worked tirelessly and SNU began its full active membership in the NCAA Division II in the 2014-15 academic year.
"I can't think of anyone, who loves SNU more than
Bobby Martin," said SNU Executive Vice President Mike Redwine. "His 40 years of dedicated service to our students, coaches, and campus community have been executed with humility, integrity, and excellence."
After earning his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education at BNC, he earned a Master's in Education from Central Oklahoma. Martin began his coaching career at Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio) College in 1976. At Mount Vernon he served as men's basketball and baseball coach for three seasons. Martin returned to his alma mater in 1979 as Athletic Director and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.
SNU's athletic program has grown from four varsity sports to sixteen under Martin's leadership. During this time SNU has claimed thirteen team national championships and thirteen individual national championships, but the most important priority to
Bobby Martin has never had anything to do with athletics.
"Our goals are pretty much the same every year. We want to see change in the lives of our athletes and coaches," said Martin.
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Bobby Martin's contributions to SNU are immeasurable," said SNU President Dr. Keith Newman. "In every role he has provided Christ-like leadership and been a champion for students on their discipleship journey. We are grateful for the sacrificial investment he and Jan have made in this university and I hope we can find many ways to express our deep appreciation. May God bless Bobby in some extra special ways in this next season."
