Karen K. Martin to lead The TSTC Foundation, advancing student success
Karen K. Martin
(RED OAK, Texas) — Texas State Technical College has named Karen K. Martin as president of The TSTC Foundation, where she will lead philanthropic efforts that directly support student success across the TSTC system.
Martin, who joined the Foundation in October, will focus on expanding scholarships, emergency student assistance and investments in programs and facilities that help students complete their education and enter industry-ready careers. She will be based at the college’s North Texas campus in Red Oak.
Martin brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising and strategic development at the local, regional and national levels. Throughout her career, she has strengthened organizations by expanding donor engagement, modernizing governance structures and aligning philanthropic goals with mission-driven outcomes.
“We’re truly excited to have Karen coming on board,” said Cledia Hernandez, TSTC’s vice chancellor and chief external relations officer. “One of the things I value most about her is how she leads with both strategy and care. She listens well, brings people together and keeps the work centered on outcomes, which is exactly what it takes to grow the Foundation’s reach and deliver on its mission.”
Martin’s philanthropy career began early, serving on a local American Heart Association board while still in high school and later attending the organization’s first National Youth Conference as a delegate. She said those experiences shaped her commitment to ethical fundraising, strong governance and donor-centered relationships.
“The heart of my work has always been connecting generous people with opportunities that change lives,” Martin said. “At TSTC, that means helping students overcome financial barriers, complete their education and move into meaningful careers that support their families and communities.”
At The TSTC Foundation, Martin will guide the organization’s growing alumni engagement strategy, strengthening connections with graduates who share a vested interest in the future of TSTC and its students. A graduate of Baylor University, Martin holds degrees in public relations and business administration. While at Baylor, she served in leadership roles within the Student Foundation and later became the first female regional development director for the Baylor School of Nursing in North Texas. Her career also includes serving as executive director and consultant to multiple nonprofits and as national director of board relations for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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About TSTC
With 12 campuses across the state, Texas State Technical College helps to strengthen the Texas workforce with highly skilled, technically competent graduates. Operating on a unique funding model based on student employment outcomes, the college celebrates 60 years of service to the state of Texas in 2025. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
About the TSTC Foundation
The TSTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports students through scholarships, Helping Hands emergency grants, equipment purchases, academic programs and facilities. The Foundation accepts gifts including cash, stocks and bonds, real estate and gifts-in-kind, and operates in partnership with the college’s External Relations Division while adhering to IRS regulations and the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Code of Ethics. To learn more about making a gift, visit tstc.edu/give.