(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.
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
