Name: Dr. Brandon Martin
Profession: Director of Athletics, Cal State University, Northridge
Age: 41
I have put my passion to purpose by: Committing myself daily to the advancement and success of black men. Instead of focusing on stereotypes and myths, I seek to bring out the God-given gifts that young black student-athletes possess. I believe in us!
At the helm of the Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN) Athletic Department stands Dr. Brandon Martin. One of the country’s youngest and brightest athletic directors in Division I athletics, Dr. Martin is using his unique blend of academic scholar, professional athletic experience, authenticity and purpose to drive CSUN forward. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Dr. Martin wanted the best at a very young age. From a premier academic education to a high-level athletic experience, he wanted to compete with the best and, to this day, he demands nothing short of personal excellence.
A graduate internship at USC taught Dr. Martin about higher education, the inner-workings of finance, and how the college business office works. This rotation exposed him to admissions, student affairs and college athletics. Unexpectedly, while still in graduate school, a resignation placed Dr. Martin in charge of athletic administration. Managing grueling 15 hr days was extremely difficult, but it was at this point that he realized athletic administration was his niche, and a place that he could commit to and change lives. Today, with the support of School President Dr. Diane Herring, Dr. Martin is building an athletic program that places principles over all else, while at the same time executing a viable business model.
Discovering that there were not may African Americans in his position, Dr. Martin made a firm commitment to flourish as the head of athletics. “The first thing I want you to know is that I am a change agent,” Dr. Martin tells BE Modern Man. “My value lies in service, and that is service to the people.”
Inspiration to flourish as the head of athletics may come from many sources. Some would say their peers, former leaders in a similar position, or parents who may have filled them with inspiration, but for Dr. Martin he realizes his purpose draws from his spiritual beliefs. He says, “My inspiration comes from God and the many gifts and attributes that he has provided me. Being able to do God’s work through my profession is in all ways fulfilling.”Read more on page 2…
An educator at heart, Dr. Martin had a clear understanding of what level he wanted to make the most impact. “As a graduate student at the University of Southern California, I had the opportunity to intern in various departments on campus,” Dr. Martin tells BE Modern Man. “My time working in the athletics department was an ‘eye opener’ for me from a standpoint of understanding how I could have an impact in the profession, and most importantly young lives. I discovered that working on the administrative side of college athletics was my niche and a way for me to compete. College athletics was the perfect platform for me to transform lives.”
Standing at 6’5 with an athletic frame, Dr. Martin has never had an issue standing out, but his uniqueness goes beyond his physical characteristics. “My toughness and resolve is what I believe separates me from the crowd,” says Dr. Martin. “My ability to succeed in spite of challenges and no road map in front of me is my distinction. I’m not afraid of the grind!”
The professional grind Dr. Martin exhibits has led him to great heights and many accomplishments, but for him, nothing is more prominent than fatherhood. “My greatest accomplishment is fatherhood,” Dr. Martin tells BE Modern Man. “Fatherhood has provided me with humility, patience, and a blessing unmatched by any professional accomplishment. I thank God for my children each day.”
As he continues to ascend to
new levels and changes the face of intercollegiate athletics, Dr. Martin understands the importance of men like himself , who are showing the world that success can come by way of utilizing your passion and living out your purpose. “It is imperative that black men from various backgrounds and professions are celebrated and acknowledged in this way,” says Dr. Martin. “It provides hope and encouragement to a younger generation of black men who are aspiring for excellence.”Faith, passion, purpose and success are a few words that distinctly describe Dr. Martin, and now we can add BE Modern Man. He says, “To me a BE Modern Man means having an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence in every human endeavor while being a catalyst for change and advancement in my respective field. It means being a part of the solution; not the problem.”
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