A Message From Martha Sales
As the Interim Dean of Students at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and Executive Director of WKU’s TRIO programs and the Intercultural Student Engagement Center, Dr. Martha Sales is both diligent and committed to the success of students. Her passion is evident in the 19,000 students she serves and the programs she directs, first being the TRIO programs, that are federally funded through the Department of Education and are designed to assist low-income and first-generation individuals with entering in, succeeding, and graduating from postsecondary education. The Intercultural Student Engagement Center promotes a culturally inclusive campus environment, cultural awareness and competence. This office serves as a hands-on recruitment and retention resource for the many cultural, religious/spiritual, and indemnity groups reflected within the WKU community. In addition, the center provides student support services to foster academic success and sponsors culturally based celebratory events.
With her 15 years of grant writing experience, she has been awarded over 14 million for the success of students. Aside from her administrative roles, Martha also teaches and facilitates courses and trains students and her colleagues in her various areas of expertise. She serves and has served in many capacities throughout the campus, community, and nationwide sharing her knowledge in the success of students. As an educator and administrator, Martha is honored to have received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her 26-year career.
Dr. Martha Sales a native from Franklin, Kentucky born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah (Georgia) Robey. She overcame the barrier of being a low-income and first generation student herself, in which has become her career long passion. Martha obtained a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership, an Educational Specialist in Student Affairs, a Masters of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family, a Bachelors of Science in Social Work with a Minor in African American Studies, and a Women’s Studies graduate certificate all from Western Kentucky University.
Martha not only serves professionally but sets priorities and creates the balance of home life and work, she is married to Pastor Shawn Sales and they have two children Seth and Kiah, they reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Martha is a member of the Loving Springs Baptist Church where she serves as one of the musicians, youth advisor, Sunday school teacher, and last but not least “the pastor’s wife.” She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Martha has the unique ability to inspire and provide insight to others, while maintaining a high level of integrity and promoting congruency among all. Her life experiences have given her deep appreciation in the value of family and blessing others but opportunity of being used by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!