Kristy Kiel Martyn, a professor in the Woodruff School of Nursing, will promote intellectual and social engagement opportunities for the Emeritus College's more than 700 members.
Kristy Kiel Martyn, professor in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, has been named the new director of Emory University’s Emeritus College effective July 1, 2025.
Martyn succeeds Ann Rogers, a fellow nursing professor who is retiring this summer after serving as Emeritus College director since 2021.
“I am thrilled to have Kristy become the new director of Emory’s Emeritus College,” says Pearl Dowe, vice provost for faculty affairs and Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Political Science and African American Studies. “She is dedicated to supporting our retired faculty community, and her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen the vital connections between retired faculty and the university, as well as expand opportunities for continued intellectual engagement and mentorship.
“I also want to express my gratitude to Ann for her outstanding service these last four years,” Dowe added. “Her commitment and thoughtful stewardship have built a strong foundation of community, programming and engagement.”
The Emeritus College, established in 2001, has served as a model for other colleges and universities to engage faculty and senior administrators who are nearing retirement or already retired. It offers a myriad of programs and social events for more than 700 members.
“The Emeritus College represents an ever-evolving, vibrant community of faculty from across disciplines, schools and departments,” Martyn says. “To have the ability to facilitate what the members want is a privilege. It’s a unique opportunity to build relationships and engage in ways that perhaps were not available as a faculty member, with more time for engagement and expression.”
Social and educational programming provides retired faculty with opportunities to network with former colleagues and to continue learning. Lunch colloquiums, held in person and via Zoom twice a month, allow Emeritus College faculty to share their expertise and views on various intellectual topics. Additionally, members can remain connected to current faculty and students, offering pre-retirement advice to faculty and mentoring students, including hosting mock interviews for Emory students applying to medical school.
Martyn, a nationally recognized leader in pediatrics and nursing education who joined Emory in 2013, is excited about deepening the relationship between retired faculty and the Emory community, focusing on “connection, collaboration and contribution.”
“We will begin exploring ideas to enable the Emeritus College to become an even more active and more visible part of the Emory community,” she says. “We will pursue opportunities to partner across the university to support students and to engage with alumni and other groups. The Emeritus College has some of the wisest intellectuals in the community, and I look forward to the activities and programs we will develop together.”
To learn more about the Emeritus College and how to become a member, visit its website.