Middlebury Establishes Robert P. Martin Professorship with $5 Million Gift
Middlebury College has received a gift of $5 million from an anonymous donor to establish the Robert P. Martin Professorship, honoring a professor who led the creation of Middlebury’s computer science program.
The endowed professorship will support “a teacher and scholar of true eminence and excellence” in fields emphasizing data study and application, said Dan Courcey, vice president for Advancement. “Data analysis plays a pivotal role across industries and fields of study, and understanding AI and data manipulation is vital for staying competitive in today’s workforce.”
The Martin Professorship is the eighth faculty position endowed through For Every Future: The Campaign for Middlebury. Increasing support for academics is a key campaign goal, with $94 million raised so far for academic programs. The total raised over the course of the campaign for all priorities is $514 million toward a goal of $600 million.
“Endowed professorships help us attract and retain exceptional faculty—enriching the student experience and reinforcing our commitment to academic rigor and creativity,” said Steve Snyder, Middlebury’s interim president.
Robert Martin joined Middlebury in 1976 as an assistant professor of mathematics and quickly gained a reputation for his creative teaching methods. He developed courses that were as imaginative as they were rigorous, including “Calculus for the Social Sciences,” “The Mathematics of Rubik’s Cube,” and cryptology. Martin’s ability to blend creativity with critical thinking inspired generations of students.
Martin’s influence extended beyond mathematics. Recognizing the growing importance of computer science, he took a sabbatical in 1980 to study at Harvard and MIT. Upon returning, he led the creation of Middlebury’s computer science major, blending technical expertise with the liberal arts focus on critical thinking. Today, computer science is one of Middlebury’s most popular programs.
“Bob Martin saw early on how developments in computer science would reshape the way we live and work,” said the donor, one of Martin’s former students who graduated in the 1990s. “Thanks to his efforts, Middlebury students were prepared for those changes. Today, AI, data science, and digital methods are transforming the world just as profoundly. I want to help ensure that Middlebury continues to prepare students to navigate and lead in this new digital era.”
One example of Martin’s ingenuity was the Green Chicken Contest, an annual math competition he co-founded with a Williams College colleague in 1978. The prize? A chartreuse, chicken-shaped chafing dish once owned by Martin’s sister. Nearly 50 years later, the tradition continues, reflecting Martin’s enduring legacy of blending rigor with joy.
“Professor Martin was an exceptional teacher and mentor,” the donor said. “He pushed us to think critically and creatively, to grow intellectually, and to build confidence in our abilities. He approached even the driest subjects with humor, transforming them into something engaging and fun.”
Martin’s far-reaching contributions not only as a teacher but also in advancing the field of computer science inspired the donor to establish the professorship.
“We believe in the power of education and the role educators like Professor Martin play in fostering excellence,” the donor said. “The impact he had on students was remarkable, and we wanted to honor his memory in a way that keeps his spirit of curiosity and innovation alive.”