Ryan Martin
Director of Housing at The University of Tennessee at Martin
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Ryan Martin serves as the Director of Housing at The University of Tennessee at Martin. With nearly two decades of experience in student housing, Ryan has led transformative initiatives that enhance the residential experience while advocating for student needs and institutional growth.
A proud UT Martin alumnus, Ryan earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from the institution. His professional focus includes facilities planning, crisis response, strategic assessment, and fostering cross-campus collaboration. Most recently, he has been deeply engaged in planning a $50 million, 400-bed residence hall set to open in Fall 2028—a project that has provided unique insights into navigating financial approvals, consultant partnerships, and system-level politics within a regional campus setting.
Ryan has presented at state, regional, and national conferences, and his leadership has earned him multiple awards, including two occasions for the UT Martin Outstanding Employee Award and nominations for university system-wide recognition.
Outside of work, Ryan is married to fellow student affairs professional Rachel Martin. Together, they enjoy traveling and all the adventures that small town living has to offer.
Area of Expertise
Beyond the Blueprint: Lessons from Our Journey to a New Residence Hall
This session shares the untold story behind launching a $50 million, 400-bed residence hall project at a rural regional institution—The University of Tennessee at Martin. As a campus without the clout or resources of a flagship university, we faced unique challenges in gaining system-wide support, navigating complex approval processes, and building the financial case for investment in campus housing. This session focuses on the crucial (and often overlooked) realities that institutions must grapple with long before breaking ground: aligning stakeholders, overcoming internal politics, managing consultants, surviving proforma revisions, and preparing for high-stakes board meetings. We’ll share the real talk no one gives you upfront, offering practical strategies, lessons learned, and cautionary tales that can benefit any campus preparing for a major facilities initiative—especially those that aren’t always in the spotlight.
Ryan Martin
Director of Housing at The University of Tennessee at Martin
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