Student worries about future as Martin University pauses classes

Dec. 10, 2025, 5:29 a.m. ET

At a time that students would normally be focused on finals, those enrolled at Martin University also have to worry about their college pausing operations after this semester. Because of “financial and student enrollment challenges,” Indiana’s only predominantly Black institution is discontinuing classes.

Classes will continue through the last day of the current session on Dec. 13. Psychology major Ta’Hona “Kween” Zackery said she’s been trying to figure out what’s happening after she received an email Dec. 8 announcing the news.

“We reached out to advisors and faculty who basically said they got the same email we did at the same time,” said Zackery, who is a sophomore. “We just got an email from an advisor saying they will get with us to see if we can test out to graduate or if they’re going to help us switch to different schools.”

Zachery said she chose Martin University because it’s the closest thing to an HBCU in Indiana, and said the halting of classes is an inconvenience.

“On the road to finding myself, Martin was there. That’s getting snatched from under me, and it’s disappointing,” said Zackery, who is also frustrated with the lack of transparency about what’s next. “We can’t ask questions and get answers, and that’s even more disappointing.”

In a statement to IndyStar sent Dec. 9, the university said the board is exploring ways to minimize disruptions to students enrolled at the university.

“Clear degree-completion options will be provided to all students as soon as they are confirmed. Students will continue to have access to their transcripts,” the statement said. “Updates about future billing concerns, refunds if applicable and account closures will be provided as plans develop.”

Some people say they saw the writing on the wall long before the announcement came, describing the latest developments and watching problems build with little intervention. Among the red flags, people told IndyStar, was former President Dr. Sean L. Huddleston stepping down after six years in the role. A new leader was never chosen.

‘Directly out of Trump and Gov. Braun’s agenda,’ state rep says

Indiana State Rep. John L. Bartlett, D-Indianapolis, said it would be an “atrocity” to see Martin University go.

“This is directly out of Trump and Gov. Braun’s agenda,” Bartlett said. “I hope the community is able to save Martin University; it’s a vital part of our city and state.”

Bartlett previously served as board chair for the university and earned a degree from the institution in 2015.

“At a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are being demonized throughout the country, it’s disheartening to see an institution like Martin University struggle to keep its doors open for the community it has so diligently served for decades,” said Indiana State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.

Indianapolis community tried to intervene earlier this year

Community leaders began raising the alarms earlier this year, but were reassured the university was OK.

Before his resignation months later, Huddleston told Mirror Indy in February 2025 that the university’s future “Is as bright as it always has been.” The community wasn’t entirely convinced.

“I knew things were bad, but I didn’t know it would be this year,” Keith “Wildstyle” Paschall told IndyStar.

Paschall was a part of a group of community members and leaders who opposed Gov. Mike Braun’s removal of a $10 million grant given to the university over the last two years. Paschall said they were going to demand more from the state at the beginning of 2026, but were told not to by the Board of Trustees.

The university’s response, paired with rumors about employess not getting paid on time, and financial heads “coming and going,” made Paschall question what was going on with the university.

“The board tried to make the community look like we were overreacting when we were spot on,” Paschall said.

Gregory Meriweather said he also wasn’t surprised to hear the news.

Meriweather called the pause due to financial and enrollment issues “corporate neglect” and said he does not have faith that anything or anybody will be able to help enough for the university to resume operations.

“Man, this is over. Huddleston wouldn’t have left if it wasn’t over,” Meriweather said. “It’s going to destroy everything for the students … They knew they were running into a brick wall and were still taking people’s money.”

City leaders say they will work for a solution

In a statement, Indianapolis Councilman Rob Gibson said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the pause.

“In the days ahead, I am committed to working with community partners, state and local officials, and stakeholders across Indianapolis to better understand what support is needed and what solutions may still be possible,” Gibson’s statement said. “We have a responsibility to show up for the students and families who rely on this institution, and to make sure the conversations about its future include the people most directly affected.”

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus said they were “disheartened” to see the university face struggles, especially since it played an “important role in narrowing the achievement gap and opening doors for minority, first-generation, and non-traditional college students.”

Source link