MSU names residence hall in honor of Wayne Martin
As Morehead State University continues opening new residence halls as part of its campus revitalization plan, the University’s second new residence hall will be named Martin Hall in honor of an MSU alumnus, former basketball coach, Board of Regents member, and lifelong supporter, Wayne Martin (Class of 1968, 1972).
Wayne Martin served as head basketball coach at Morehead State University from 1978 to 1987, guiding the Eagles to two NCAA Tournament appearances. He was named Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Coach of the Year in 1982 and was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. During his tenure, he coached three NBA draft selections, including fellow Hall of Fame member Bob McCann.
Beyond his coaching career, Martin built a distinguished legacy in broadcasting and community leadership. He served as regional vice president for Gray Television Inc. and president of Gray Kentucky Television Inc. (now Gray Media), overseeing multiple stations across Kentucky and the United States. He is also the former president of WVLT‑TV in Knoxville, Tennessee.
In recognition of his professional achievements, he previously received the MSU College of Business & Technology Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017 and received the Founders Award for University Service in 2025.
“Naming this residence hall in honor of someone who has dedicated their life to the advancement of Morehead State University and the betterment of our region is a fitting and deeply meaningful tribute,” said Dr. Jay Morgan, MSU president. “This recognition reflects not only a legacy of leadership and service, but also a lifelong commitment to ensuring that MSU continues to thrive, inspire, and transform lives for generations to come.”
Martin has been a dedicated advocate for Morehead State, serving three separate terms on the MSU Board of Regents (1989-93, 2012-14, and 2015-21). His leadership was instrumental during the COVID‑19 pandemic, ensuring continued focus on student and employee well‑being. Reappointed in 2021, his current term extends through 2027. He also served as vice chair of the Board of Regents from 2016 to 2020, providing continuity and direction during key institutional initiatives.
The naming of Martin Hall came with the creation of the Wayne Martin Scholarship Endowment, which has already garnered over $100,000 in committed support and is expected to grow over time through contributions from various donors. Central Bank is the lead donor and officially established the scholarship endowment in honor of Martin's service to the region. The lobby of Martin Hall will be named Central Bank Lobby in honor of this financial commitment. This scholarship celebrates Martin’s distinguished career and extraordinary legacy of service to MSU.
View photos from the Martin Hall Beam Signing and Topping
“The philanthropic support behind the naming of Martin Hall really speaks to how deeply people believe in Wayne Martin’s legacy,” said Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009), CEO of the MSU Foundation. “The creation of the Wayne Martin Scholarship Endowment is a powerful statement about the kind of impact he has made on this region and on Morehead State. We’re especially grateful to Central Bank for stepping up as the lead donor. Their generosity, recognized in the naming of the Central Bank Lobby, helps ensure that this scholarship will continue to grow and open doors for students for years to come. This is what meaningful philanthropy looks like, honoring someone’s lifelong service by investing in future Eagles.”
The $10 million building will house approximately 80 students and is currently under construction. It will replace Normal Hall and be similar in architecture to the new Prefontaine Hall. The naming of Martin Hall was approved at the Board of Regents meeting on March 27. It is expected to open in Spring 2027.
For more information and updates on Morehead State University’s ongoing campus revitalization, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/forward.
To learn more about this scholarship or how to create your own, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations & Development at 606-783-2033 or email giving@moreheadstate.edu.
