Prof. James Martin’s Work on Military Mental Health Preserved in New Archive

Nearly 100 boxes of professional papers from Professor Emeritus of Social Work James Martin have been added to the Columbus State University Military History Archives.

“A pioneering Army social worker and researcher, Martin’s career spanned from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. His work in developing soldier substance abuse programs, researching psychological readiness, and advising on personnel policy during major conflicts makes his archive an essential source for understanding military mental health and the volunteer force era,” reads the announcement about the acquisition.

Martin’s scholarship, teaching, and public service focus on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing military and veteran populations.

A retired Army officer, Martin’s military career included various clinical, research, senior program management (command), and policy assignments, including serving as the senior social work officer in the first Gulf War. While at Bryn Mawr, Martin has held several appointed and elected College and GSSWSR faculty service positions. He is a recipient of the Bryn Mawr College McPherson Fellowship for excellence in teaching, research, and service. In 2016, he was recognized by the National Association of Social Work Foundation as a Social Work Pioneer. 

Martin's scholarship and service continue today. In addition to his status as a professor emeritus, Martin holds the active status as a research professor at Bryn Mawr. His current work focuses on Russia's war in Ukraine. He is also a co-organizer of a bi-weekly webinar series for mental health providers in Ukraine. These seminars are now in their second year and are supported by the Center for Deployment Psychology at the Uniformed Services University in Washington, DC.