Laura Martin

Laura Martin is a Staff Instructor and Associate Director of the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at the University of Mississippi. She leads initiatives like M Partner and the North Mississippi VISTA Project, focusing on poverty alleviation through education, innovation, and community empowerment. Her work bridges academic resources with grassroots efforts to improve Mississippi’s quality of life.

Education includes dual degrees in Hispanic Studies and International Relations from Brown University (cum laude), an MPA from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. Her research explores community engagement impacts, anchor missions in universities, and civic identity development among students and national service participants.

With over 20 years in poverty alleviation, Laura has managed community projects in Nicaragua, served in AmeriCorps, and worked with organizations like the ACLU of Texas. She actively connects faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance sustainable solutions.