Spotlight: Ben Martin
April 12, 2011
As a student at Culver-Stockton College, Ben Martin ’75 put his passion for being in the spotlight to work as an active member of the theatre department, the debate team, student government and numerous other organizations. Now, even in retirement, he’s helping shine a spotlight on future generations. For 34 years, Martin taught speech, theatre and debate courses at the high school level. He spent 18 of those years teaching at Lee’s Summit High School, before retiring in 2010. Martin says the most rewarding aspect of his extensive career was the opportunity it gave him to “work with wonderful young people to bring works of art to life.” He continues to work in educational theatre as a board member of the Missouri Thespians and The Educational Theatre Association. He also devotes his time to advocating for arts. He serves as chair of the Lee’s Summit Arts Council and is a member of the Missouri Citizens for the Arts. He also does his part to advocate for his alma mater, Culver-Stockton College; telling others “[This] is a great little school where you can dive in and be a part of all kinds of activities, while still receiving a first class education.”
In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Martin earned a Master of Art from Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, Mo. He was also the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his work in teaching and theatre, including Teacher of the Year from Missouri Thespians, Loren Reid Service Award from the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri and the 3 Diamond Coach Award from the National Forensic League, among others. But Martin’s resume lists his highest honor as filling the roles of husband and father. He married his wife, Roxanne, in 1982. They have two daughters, Mary Beth and Jennifer.
Martin shined once again in the spotlight on the campus of Culver-Stockton, as he returned to share the stage with current students during the 25th Annual Guest Artist Production, “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail.”
