Virginia Union University Appoints Dr. Deborah Martin as Dean of Graduate Students

September 21, 2023

RICHMOND, VA --- September 21, 2023] — Virginia Union University President and CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas is excited to appoint Dr. Deborah Martin as Dean of Graduate Students.

"I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Martin as the Dean of Graduate Students at VUU. In her role, she is responsible for graduate student life and coordinating support services for this population. Her passion, dedication, and expertise promise an exciting new chapter for our graduate programs," said Dr. Lucas. 

With 16 years of higher education experience, Dr. Martin has served Virginia Union University in multiple capacities, including Dean of Students, Dean of VUU Global Campus, and Assistant Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. Dr. Martin is also an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and the Faculty Athletic Representative for Intercollegiate Athletics and Community Wellness.
 
Dr. Martin was elected for two consecutive terms as a member of the Advisory Council of Student Resources for the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). She currently serves on the ATS Pathways for Tomorrow Advisory Committee and is a part of the inaugural cohort for the ATS Women in Leadership Mentoring program.
 
Dr. Martin graduated from VUU's Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree. After matriculating through VUU as a graduate student, Dr. Martin was elected as Pastor of New Chestnut Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, Virginia making her the first African American woman called to pastoral leadership in Hanover County. During her season in Hanover County, Dr. Martin was the 1st Vice Moderator and President of the Division of Clergy for the Chickahominy Baptist Association, where she mentored many clergymen and women. 2016, Dr. Martin was elected as the Pastor of Real Life Ministries RVA.
 
Dr. Martin obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Florida and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary. Her doctoral work concentrated on "The Impact of Cross-Gendered Mentoring Approaches: Mentoring Female Preachers."

Contact: Erika Roache 
Director of Public Relations