George Martin, president of St. Edward’s University, recently sat down with Hilltop Views to discuss the issues facing the campus, as well as his tenure as president.

In the interview, Martin said that the future presents challenges that will have to be met for sustaining and increasing enrollment, especially in New College and Graduate programs. This is due to the fact that many people may want to put off paying to get a degree due to the current economic climate.

Martin also discussed the challenges of trying to maintain the current student to faculty ratio, which the university prides itself on.

Despite increasing fundraising revenue during histime as president, Martin said the university is having a difficult time raising funds for a new Chapel, a project that was originally slated for completion next year as part of the 2010 Master Plan.

In addition, Martin spoke about how the university has kept costs down for the satellite campus in Angers, France through various deals and agreements with businesses, universities and local governments.

Martin, 65, also said that he hopes to be able to remain president through 2015 to oversee a new strategic plan.

Martin has been the president of St. Edward’s University since July 1, 1999. During his tenure, he has already overseen many changes to the look and culture of the university.

Interview with President Martin from Eloise Montemayor on Vimeo.