07/30/14 ks

HAYS, Kan. -- A national magazine that focuses on diversity published a two-page spread in its summer edition about Dr. Mirta M. Martin's selection as the ninth president of Fort Hays State University.

Martin was born in Cuba. As a young child, she escaped with her grandmother and a sister to Spain, where she grew up, and eventually the family made their way to the United States. With her exposure to a variety of cultures and the ability to speak four languages, she was an obvious choice to be featured in the national magazine, Racing Toward Diversity, which is published in Cary, N.C.

The story, which relates Dr. Martin's appointment by the Kansas Board of Regents, originally appeared in the High Plains Journal of Dodge City. The story was written by Larry Dreiling, senior field editor for the Journal and also an FHSU alumnus and an instructor of informatics on the Hays campus.

Dr. Martin, who officially began her duties on July 1, said the national story "is a reminder to anyone that achieving the American dream is possible."

She said diversity is not just about gender or ethnicity. "It is about diversity of thought," she explained. "The wealth that is achieved through the strength of our different viewpoints is what makes this great nation of ours unique and strong."