Celebrate James Martin's Retirement

James R. Martin, director of Financial Aid, is retiring after devoting more than three decades to higher education financial aid administration, building a distinguished career defined by leadership, compliance expertise, and student advocacy.

James came to Idaho State University (ISU) in 1992 from the University of New Mexico (Valencia campus). He has served as Director of Financial Aid since 2014. In this role, he oversaw institutional, state and federal financial aid programs, ensured regulatory compliance, managed audits, and led strategic planning while supervising and mentoring staff.

Prior to his directorship, Martin held progressive leadership roles at ISU, including Associate Director (2010–2014) and Assistant Director (1992–2010). Throughout these positions, he played a key role in managing financial aid operations, supervising staff, coordinating with auditors, guiding policy development, and providing financial aid services for diverse student populations, while maintaining strong partnerships across campus.

Martin began his career in financial aid as a Loan Servicing Representative with the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (1985–1988), followed by his role as Financial Aid Coordinator at the University of New Mexico Valencia Campus (1988–1992), where he managed all aspects of student aid programs and advising.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. A dedicated professional, Martin was an active member and leader in state, regional, and national financial aid associations, including serving as President of the Idaho Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA) and on the Training Committee of the Western Association of Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA).

Throughout his career, Martin was recognized for his commitment to student access and success, his deep knowledge of financial aid policy, and his lasting contributions to the profession and the institutions he served. The ISU community will miss him greatly. James is looking forward to spending more time with friends and family, especially his beloved daughter Maryjane, and plans to enjoy more time in the outdoors, hunting, fishing and trapshooting.

Please join us in celebrating James Martin’s career and well-deserved retirement on Friday, May 15, at Goody’s Deli (meeting room) from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served along with a no-host bar.