Fort Hays President Leaves Abruptly

Mirta M. Martin, president of Fort Hays State University, left the position last week, effective immediately, with a university press release saying only that she resigned for "personal reasons." She had served about two years in office. A Kansas Board of Regents press release gave no reason for her departure. Raymond Cotton, Martin's lawyer, said via email that he believes Martin was "forced out" and that he is investigating the circumstances of her departure.

An editorial Sunday in The Hays Daily News questioned why Martin was forced out and said that she had helped increase enrollment and fund-raising, among other accomplishments. "We would suggest Martin was run out of town, the victim of a determined internal coup on campus and a regents board arriving at a predetermined conclusion," the editorial said. "All we do know is Martin’s termination was wrong, unfair and likely could warrant legal action. While certain circles on FHSU’s campus are celebrating her departure, they don’t include many students, staff, nontenured faculty, alumni or community members."