Dr. Edward W. Martin

November 29, 1928 - June 8, 2018

Dr. Edward W. Martin A native of Sumter, SC, Dr. Edward W. Martin (“Eddie”) was born on November 29, 1928 to the late Eddie D. Martin and Frances Cook Martin. He dedicated his life to family, church, Prairie View A&M University and the surrounding community. His active service in various capacities was felt throughout numerous organizations. Eddie was educated in the public schools of Sumter, SC and continued his higher education in Nashville, TN where he attended Fisk University. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Cum Laude) from Fisk University, a Master of Arts Degree from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Iowa. Eddie first considered entering the medical profession; however, while enrolled at Fisk University, he discovered his true passion – his ability to educate and inspire young minds. After graduation from Indiana University, he accepted a teaching position at Prairie View A&M University (“PVAMU”) where he intended to stay for one year. That one year grew into 58 years of dedication. While teaching at PVAMU, Eddie met the beautiful and talented Pearl Sewell who was also employed at the college as an art instructor. They married on August 18, 1956 and raised three children: Andrea, Debra and Christopher. Dr. Edward W. Martin initially retired after completing 48 years of distinguished service at Prairie View A&M University. During those 48 years he held various positions including instructor, assistant professor and professor of biology before advancing to administrative positions including Head of the Division of Natural Sciences, Interim Vice-President ofAcademic Affairs and Dean ofthe College of Arts and Sciences. In recognition of his unwavering service, the university bestowed the illustrious title of Dean Emeritus. Eddie’s never-ending dedication to education prompted him to continue at PVAMU as a part-time Biology professor for an additional 10 years. Edward Martin has been honored and recognized as an outstanding scientist, academician and humanitarian. He was the recipient ofthe coveted Faculty Fellowship Award by the National Science Foundation. The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation named him a Piper Professor to honor his outstanding teaching, and the Johnson-Phillip All Faiths Chapel presented him with its Outstanding Leadership Award. Many other educational, religious and civic organizations have recognized his outstanding contributions and service including Who's Who in the South and Southwest; American Men of Science; Distinguished Member, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society; Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society; Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society,· and Prairie View National Alumni Association. He received the Theta Chi Chapter ofOmega Psi Phi Fraternity Achievement Award and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Distinguished Service Award. Edward Martin held memberships and positions in the following professional organizations: American Society of Zoologists; American Association for the Advancement of Science,· Texas Academy of Science; Society of Cell and Developmental Biologists; National Science Foundation Review Panel; Advisory Committee, Baylor College ofMedicine; Executive Committee, Texas Association ofAdvisors/or Health Professions; Naval ROTC Scholarship Selection Committee; Review Panel for National Institutes of Health; Chairman, PremedicalAdvisory Committee; Society ofSigma Xi Scientific Research Society (Treasurer); and the Core Curriculum Advisory Committeefor Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He was appointed by the Coordinating Board to serve on the committee for the Office of Civil Rights issues. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity-Nu Boule ofHouston head the list ofthe many community, civic and service organizations that Dr. Martin was affiliated with. Also included were the Advisory Committee, Waller Independent School District; Theta Chi Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (charter member); Houston Connecting Links, Inc.; Prairie View Employees Federal Credit Union (Secretary); Prairie View Citizens for Good Government; Prairie View Chamber of Commerce; St Martin de Porres Catholic Church and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (Lector), Edward Martin was a people person who identified with and related to students, faculty and community. He spent tireless hours advising students and was instrumental in assisting with university accreditations and the design of the multi-million dollar Obanion Science Building. His scholarship, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control are legendary at Prairie View A&M. Edward Martin is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Frank C. Martin and sister, Nettie L. Martin Thompson. In addition to his devoted wife, Pearl Sewell Martin, he is survived by his daughters, Andrea Michelle Carlson (Fred), Debra Yvette Holland (Jake) and son, Christopher Edward Martin. He was the doting grandfather of Taylor Yvette Holland, Cory Edward Carlson, Alexa Michelle Carlson and Jalen Sanderson Jeter-Martin. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Leola G. Martin of Sumter, SC, Jeanette Randall of Baltimore, MD and loving nieces, nephews and family friends. In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to: The Edward W. Martin Scholarship Endowment Fund Prairie View A&M University P.O. Box 519, MS 1200 Attn: Sue Sampleton Prairie View, Tx 77446