Pfeiffer University unveiled the Diane T. Martin Welcome Center on May 21, 2026, in honor of former University employee, Diane Martin. Her service spanned more than 40 years and included several roles in the admissions division. Three former vice presidents for enrollment management participated in the ceremony program and shared stories of Martin’s selfless service to Pfeiffer students, her commitment to her work, and her dedication to campus colleagues.

“We all worked together, but Diane was our glue, our counselor (we were all young and fresh out of college), our mother in many instances, and our therapist. She even had a nickname… In admissions from 8 to 5, she was sometimes known as Dottie, and to me, if you had a nickname, you knew you were loved,” remembered former Vice President of Enrollment Management Steve Cumming ’92.

“The stories about what Diane meant to our students are absolutely true,” said David M. Smith ’70, former Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Trustee. “She acted as a mentor, a stabilizer, and a balancing force for our whole office,” he said. 

Chris Parker, former Vice President for Enrollment Management said, “I knew right away that I had someone special,” recalling that Martin was the person everyone gravitated toward. “It didn’t matter what the problem was, they were going to counsel with Miss Diane. They were going to get her wisdom, her experience, and her knowledge. When you talk about passion and an individual who cares, that is what she embodies,” he said.

In making the gift in honor of Martin, her son and daughter-in-law, Blake and Jamie Livingston Martin, said they hoped to honor her incredible legacy of service, noting that she rarely goes anywhere that a Pfeiffer alumnus doesn’t thank “Miss Diane” for the difference she made in their lives.

“We’re all made up of interactions, relationships, and moments in our lives, and Diane Martin has touched thousands of students over the years. We are extremely proud of her legacy, and Jamie and I find no greater pleasure than to honor her in this way,” said Blake Martin.

Both Pfeiffer alumni themselves, Blake and Jamie Martin have continued their family’s Pfeiffer legacy. Blake Martin completed an undergraduate degree in History in 2008 and earned his Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer in 2015. He worked as a member of the University Advancement Division after graduation and now serves as President of Monarch. Blake also currently serves as Vice Chair of Pfeiffer University’s Board of Trustees.

A standout student-athlete in women’s lacrosse, Jamie Martin earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2010 and her Master of Science in Leadership in 2020. She is a certified human resource professional and currently serves as a Talent Acquisition leader with Lucet. She is also a former member of the Pfeiffer University Alumni Board.

“In so many ways, Diane Martin has made the people of the Pfeiffer University community feel seen and welcomed, and she has become an underlying part of hundreds, if not thousands, of student success stories. In many quiet ways, she used her position and talent to lift others up, and we are honored that Blake and Jamie have recognized and celebrated that outstanding legacy by naming the Diane T. Martin Welcome Center. There is not a more fitting tribute,” said President Scott Bullard.