Martha Ellis

Martha M. Ellis, Ph.D.

Dr. Ellis is director of higher education strategy, policy, and services at the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin., Martha spearheads the initiative to modernize entry-level college mathematics programs through working with states, universities, and colleges. She ensures student success across the educational ecosystem with seamless transfer and applicability. Martha facilitates conversations with institutional and system leaders to scale mathematics pathways to student credential attainment leading to viable careers. The DCMP continues to enjoy unprecedented growth and rises to the challenge of meeting the increasing demands within Texas and across the nation.  

Additionally, Martha is a Leadership Coach for Achieving the Dream, the Texas Pathways Project and provides leadership development for college and university administrators as well as Boards of Trustees across the county.  She teaches in the  Higher Education Leadership Program at UT Austin.

Previously, Ellis was Associate Vice Chancellor for Community College Partnerships, Distance Learning and Leadership Institute at University of Texas System. She has 28 years of experience in community colleges in Texas including two presidencies, provost, chief information officer and faculty member.  

Martha has her Ph.D. from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.  She completed additional doctoral work at Columbia University, a post doctoral fellowship at the Albert Ellis Institute at State University of New York, and  the Harvard Institutes for New Presidents.

Ellis has won numerous teaching awards, has scholarly publications, and is an invited presenter at national conferences. Ellis was recognized by the Texas House of Representatives and U.S. Congress for her leadership in community colleges.