An art professor who practices what he teaches is the 2017 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor at Emporia State University. Patrick J. Martin learned of the honor during a surprise announcement in his 3D Dimensional Design class on Tuesday afternoon.
“Are you sure you’re in the right classroom?” Martin asked the delegation that brought the news — Allison D. Garrett, president; David Cordle, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Brent Thomas, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Eric Conrad, chair of the Department of Art.
Martin came to Emporia State in 1999 as assistant professor of art. He was promoted to associate professor in 2005 and full professor in 2013. Before coming to ESU, Martin taught at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he earned his master of fine arts degree. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and also completed an apprenticeship at Appalachian Center for the Crafts at Tennessee Technological University in Smithville, Tennessee.
His colleagues in the art department credit him with building ESU’s glass-forming program during his tenure and preparing students in the program to move into professional roles after graduation.
“His students majoring in glass are consistently able to get jobs, residency opportunities or continue their education in graduate school,” wrote Derek Wilkinson, professor of art. “This high rate of success is unusual for most students majoring in fine arts around the country.”
Some of Martin’s students have gone to work at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, Pilchuck Glass School, Corning Museum of Glass, Third Degree Glass Factory, the Emporia Arts Council, or opened their own studios such as More Than Glass in Holton.
“The success of his glass program is a direct result of his dedication to his students, passion for teaching, knowledge of the discipline and involvement in the glass community at a national level,” Wilkinson concluded.
Since 1989, Martin’s work has been shown in an average of five exhibits per year around the country.
Martin also was commended for his work as interim chair of the Department of Art from 2011 to 2014. During that time, Martin worked to achieve reaccreditation for the department with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
“During that time,” added James Ehlers, associate professor of engraving arts, “he taught an overload in glass to keep the momentum of his program going — a testament to his dedication to the glass program.”
The Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award has been given since 1979 to the ESU professor who best demonstrates teaching excellence, professional activities, fostering of intellectual atmosphere, service to the university outside the classroom and status as a student mentor. The award includes $1,000 to be used for professional activities.
As the 2017 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor, Martin will be honored at a university reception. He will be listed in the spring commencement program and be the speaker at the December 2017 commencement.