Rocky Mountain University announces new president to succeed founder
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- Cameron Martin has been named the new president of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
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- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions stands Friday, May 8, 2020, in Provo.
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- A look at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo. On Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, university President Richard P. Nielsen announced that Wasatch Educational Inc. — the university’s holding company — will build a full medical school in Utah County.
The board of trustees of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions announced Monday that Cameron Martin will be the school’s new president.
Martin is replacing founding President Rick Nielsen, who has served in that capacity for the past 25 years since the Provo institution opened in 1998.
Martin had previously served as vice president of operations and chief of staff at Rocky Mountain University. He will begin his new role Jan. 1.
In announcing Martin, board Chair Dr. Michael Skurja said, “The RMU board of trustees and campus community have complete confidence in the abilities and vision of President Cameron K. Martin. Dr. Martin exemplifies the culture of RMU to put people first, and he strongly believes in the University’s mission and all of our graduate students.”
“Building upon 24 successful years of RMU’s advancing health care throughout the nation, President Martin will continue RMU’s positive trajectory through his exceptional leadership, educational acumen and innovative solutions to take RMU to new heights,” Skurja added.
During the announcement, Martin said he could sum up his style in four words: candid, clear, kind and consistent — kindness being a key factor for leadership, he stressed.
“Kindness is powerful; I believe in it,” Martin said. As far as consistency, he said of himself, “What you see is what you get.”
“We are a culture of caring. It is the most distinguishing of our variables,” Martin added.
He noted there are three things he will build on as president: relationships, resources and respect. He also wants to elevate the awareness of the institution, he said.
“I want people to drink the RMU Kool-Aid,” Martin said.
He gave a couple of assignments to those attending and students: “1. Thank Dr. Nielsen for what he had done, and 2. When you leave on vacation, be on vacation. Recharge your battery because come next year we are upping the game.”
Martin’s wife, Julie Martin, spoke about the couple’s desires to engage and build RMU.
“Thanks for your confidence,” Julie Martin said. “It didn’t take us long to love this university. What an incredible thing to be part of this.”
“Change brings new opportunities. I support my husband whole heartedly; we are a team,” she added.
Martin brings past experience in higher education to the Office of the President. Before joining RMU in 2020, he served as vice president of University Relations, assistant to the president and alumni director at Utah Valley University. He also worked as an associate commissioner in the Utah System of Higher Education.
Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate in educational leadership, all from Brigham Young University. He and his wife have three daughters.
“RMU is perfectly aligned and positioned to meet the graduate educational health care needs throughout our nation,” Martin said. “I am deeply humbled to lead and build upon RMU’s mission and vision to improve the human condition. Serving with the phenomenal faculty, staff and students at this dynamic institution, we will together further elevate the prominence and stature of our advanced modern health care curriculum, experiential learning and world-class facilities.”
Martin indicated his areas of focus include strengthening and strategically expanding RMU’s graduate health care programs, enhancing engagement with industry partners throughout Utah and the nation to meet workforce needs, and elevating RMU’s reputation across the country.
