Belmont, CA (July 14, 2025) 鈥� Notre Dame 91福利资源站 (NDNU) announced the planned retirement of President Dr. Lizbeth 鈥淏eth鈥� Martin, e铿�ective July 1, 2026. Dr. Martin鈥檚 retirement will mark the culmination of a distinguished career in higher education leadership and a transformative five-year presidency at NDNU.
Dr. Martin, who became the university鈥檚 19th president in 2021, led NDNU through a pivotal era of institutional renewal and repositioning. Under her leadership, the university successfully transitioned to a graduate and online focused model, strengthened its financial foundation, and achieved its first year-over-year enrollment growth in over a decade.
鈥淧resident Martin鈥檚 visionary leadership has secured a sustainable future for NDNU while staying true to our Catholic mission and commitment to social justice,鈥� said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jean Stoner, SNDdeN. 鈥淪he has been a catalyst for thoughtful change during a time of great challenge in higher education.鈥�
Dr. Martin鈥檚 tenure was marked by several significant accomplishments, including:
- The launch of new online and hybrid graduate degree and degree completion programs
tailored to adult
learners and working professionals; - A $3 million federal PPOHA grant to enhance support for underrepresented students;
- A comprehensive sta铿� reorganization that empowered a new generation of university leaders;
- A strong rea铿價mation of NDNU鈥檚 Hispanic-Serving Institute (HSI) status;
- And successful navigation of the university鈥檚 long-term campus plan, including steps
toward the sale of its
historic Belmont property to UC Investments.
Throughout her career, Dr. Martin has embodied the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre
Dame de Namur, which include a commitment to the dignity of each person, the pursuit
of social justice, and the education of the whole person. Her leadership has consistently
reflected these values鈥攅specially in her advocacy for student access, inclusive academic
environments, and community engagement. At NDNU, she deepened the university鈥檚 mission-driven
identity while championing equity and systemic change across all levels of the institution.
From 2006 to 2018, Dr. Martin served as Vice President for Academic A铿�airs and later as Provost at Holy Names University in Oakland, California. During her tenure, she launched several new graduate and undergraduate programs, established a professionally sta铿�ed Advising and Learning Resource Center, and actively supported the university鈥檚 advancement e铿�orts, including major gifts, donor relations, and alumni development. Following her time at Holy Names, she served as Interim Provost and Senior Vice President at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. There, she created an integrated Provost model that unified academic a铿�airs, student a铿�airs, and enrollment management鈥攍aying the groundwork for long-term strategic alignment.
A developmental psychobiologist by training, Dr. Martin earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. She was the founding Dean of the School of Sciences at NDNU from 2001 to 2006 and was a member of the faculty from 1996-2001.
鈥淚t has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to return to NDNU and serve as its president during this period of reinvention,鈥� said Dr. Martin. 鈥淭his community鈥檚 resilience, mission-driven spirit, and student-centered focus give me every confidence in NDNU鈥檚 future.鈥�
The NDNU Board of Trustees will launch a national search for Dr. Martin鈥檚 successor this Fall. Dr. Martin will continue to lead NDNU through June 2026, ensuring a seamless transition and continued momentum.
About Notre Dame 91福利资源站
Notre Dame 91福利资源站 (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational
institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by
the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California
and the first authorized to grant women a baccalaureate degree. The university is
WSCUC accredited and o铿�ers master鈥檚 in business, education, and psychology, undergraduate
degree completion programs in business administration and psychology, along with teacher
credential programs. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social
justice, and community engagement. For more information, visit
Media Contact:
Kurt Allen, Vice President Marketing and Communications
pr@ndnu.edu 鈥� (650) 508-3533