WKU’s Martha Sales: A Champion for Students and Community
_Bowling Green, Kentucky_ — At Western Kentucky University (WKU), the heartbeat of the student community is profoundly felt through the dedication of individuals like Martha Sales, the Vice President of Student Experience and Dean of Students. Residing on the second floor of the Downing Student Union, Sales is not just an administrator; she’s a living testament to the power of resilience and community support throughout her life.
A Journey from Adversity to Achievement
Born and raised in Franklin, Kentucky, Sales’ background is both inspiring and motivating. With parents who had modest educational backgrounds—her mother only completed the tenth grade and her father the eighth—Sales credits them as the “wisest people” she’s ever known. They instilled in her a strong self-belief, pushing her to challenge barriers. When a high school counselor advised her to pursue factory work instead of going to college, Sales chose a very different path. “I refused to accept that advice,” she recalls, a sentiment that guided her toward a brighter future.
After speaking with her parents about her college aspirations, her mother sought guidance from their church community, leading to connections that would significantly impact Sales’ educational journey. This cultivated a passion for helping others that would shape her entire career.
Finding Her Purpose
When Sales first set foot on WKU’s campus, she was uncertain about her major but was clear on one thing: she wanted to serve others. This passion drove her to pursue a degree in social work. In her role today, she sees her responsibilities within the Dean of Students’ office much like social work, as she helps connect students with vital resources on campus and in the broader community.
“It’s all about connection,” Sales says earnestly, explaining how she navigates her duties to better benefit students and faculty alike. During her own time as a student, she didn’t just focus on academics; she actively engaged in student organizations like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, further deepening her commitment to community service.
A Full Circle Moment
After earning her degree, Sales worked in various roles aiding women and children in need before returning to WKU as a TRIO counselor. Over the years, she advanced to positions like academic coordinator and director of TRIO programs. “Now TRIO reports to me,” she chuckles with pride, pointing out how her journey brought her back to where it all began.
Promoting a Culture of Positivity
Beyond her administrative duties, Sales radiates positivity and has gained immense respect and admiration from colleagues. Cynthia Nichols, a current WKU Regent, says, “Sales gives off such a positive energy to everyone she comes in contact with. She’s just so dynamic.” Her charm and demeanor have made her a beloved figure on campus, leading to her promotion as Dean of Students and later as Vice President of Student Experience.
WKU President Timothy Caboni expressed that her invaluable contributions as a dynamic leader were central to her advancement at the university. “Her talent and spirit have led her to greatness within the university,” Caboni commented, reinforcing the significance of her positive presence in university conversations.
Guidance and Support for Students
The warmth and encouragement Sales offers is a recurrent theme among those she interacts with, particularly young staff members like Emmeline Essler and Cres’Sena Thomas. “Her constant reassurance throughout the process that I was capable really helped me,” Essler remembers, highlighting Sales’ genuine investment in her professional growth. Thomas echoed similar sentiments, sharing, “She empowers you, she gives you honest feedback. She wants to see you win.”
Connecting with Every Student
Whether guiding students on campus or offering them guidance from a position of authority, Sales remains rooted in her mission to uplift every individual. Senior Dylan Oglesbee recalls a chance encounter with her on a visit to WKU, describing it as a pivotal moment in his decision to attend. She offered valuable information without any sense of pretense, simply wanting to help.
The Heart Behind the Role
For Sales, her role is more than a job; it’s a calling driven by her strong Christian beliefs. “Love is universal,” she declares, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of background or beliefs. This philosophy captures the essence of her work at WKU, where she strives to create a family-like community among students, staff, and faculty.
Looking Ahead
As the face of WKU’s commitment to student engagement, Sales oversees various university programs and opportunities, ensuring the university remains a welcoming environment. Reflecting on her journey and the students’ myriad experiences on campus, she says, “WKU means family. WKU means empowerment. WKU means the next next.”
In this role, Martha Sales embodies hope, encouragement, and guidance. She is a true beacon on the Hill, dedicated to making WKU a place where every student feels connected, valued, and inspired to thrive.
