Dr. Rosalee Martin

Hailing from Harlem, NYC and raised by a single mother with 5 children, Dr. Martin learned early the importance of family and education. She is the mother of three, Deshon, Tishana and Yvette, and has six grandchildren. Like her mother, Dr. Martin had to help them navigate being black in a racial and gender divided country. Having to give ‘the talk’ is traumatic to her and them. She does this using many formats—sharing wisdom through words, family pictures, letters, poetry and visual art. She also learns from them, knowing that their knowledge grows her as well. Friendships and community involvement are important to Dr. Martin. Being a lifelong learner, seeking opportunities to learn and grow keeps her vibrant and relevant. Dr. Martin is the author of several poetry books, children’s books, and professional writings in journals and newspapers and anthologies.

Her poems, essays and art can be found in all editions of 900 Chicon, HT’s annual literary journal. She is currently completing a novel which is being considered for possible production. Her most recent book, Their Stories, Our Stories: Four Presidents of Huston-Tillotson University, is a partial history of HT. Dr. Martin’s faith in God was/is central to why she remained at Huston-Tillotson as a professor and administrator as long as she did; It was God's calling on her life—now fulfilled after 50 years. In her retirement, Dr. Martin’s amassed skills, gifts and talents make room for her in whatever space she enters. Dr. Martin has traveled extensively throughout the US and globally on mission trips, academic pursuits and personally. God continues to grant her the desires of her heart as she continues to operate in His will.