Dr. Deidre Mercer Martin, former Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at USC Aiken, was selected as the Mentor of the Year for the Southeast by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III at their recent conference in Orlando, Florida on February 18, 2025. Martin currently serves as the Gifts Officer for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia. 

Martin grew up on her family farm in South Georgia and credits this upbringing for her strong work ethic and teamwork approach to her work. 

“Being a mentor to others has been one of the greatest joys of my professional career,” said Martin. “I was fortunate to work for some amazing leaders through the years like Dr. Tom Hallman and Mr. David Jameson and took those lessons learned to heart when I had the opportunity to be a mentor. I am very honored to be recognized in this special way by CASE.”

Martin earned her bachelor’s degree from Berry College, her master’s degree from Georgia State University, and her doctoral degree from the University of South Carolina. She has worked in higher education for nearly 40 years at several institutions including the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of South Carolina Aiken, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and PCOM South Georgia. 

Her work in the advancement field has been recognized with numerous awards through the year. However, Martin said the comments of those she mentored who nominated her for this award are one the greatest rewards she could receive. Those she mentored are now in advancement careers at institutions such as the University of Alabama, Georgia Southern University, the University of West Georgia, Western Carolina University, Columbia College, ABAC and the University of South Carolina. 

Former USC Aiken staff member Jennifer Hassett, Associate Director of Development at University of Alabama Birmingham, said: “Dr. Martin's guidance played a pivotal role when I began my career in fundraising. Under her leadership, she instilled a sense of confidence and a donor-centered fundraising approach in me that has been the bedrock of my professional journey. Now, 20 years later, her unwavering belief in my abilities continues to have a lasting impact on my career.”

The CASE District III Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made an impact on other advancement professionals through their mentorship. The award is designed to recognize an individual who has provided guidance and support to their professional colleagues throughout their career.  CASE District III advances and supports educational and professional institutions in the southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) by enhancing the effectiveness of the alumni relations, fundraising, communications, marketing and other advancement professionals who serve them.

Comments from former employees

“Deidre is highly deserving of the Mentor of the Year Award as demonstrated by her lifelong professional commitment to growing others, including myself, in the advancement profession. Successful leaders realize early on that the organization cannot be sustained through only one individual. They seek qualities in others and invest time and energy in shepherding them to be outstanding team members and future leaders. Deidre is a lifelong mentor to me. We have stayed in touch as she continues to provide advice, coaching, support, and confirmation for me as I grow in my profession.”

Jamie Raynor, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Western Carolina University

“Without Dr. Martin’s mentorship and guidance, I truly do not know what my professional life would look like today. I interned for Dr. D during college at USC Aiken and she provided insight into the advancement industry. I took those experiences and focused on donor engagement which led me to my first position at the University of South Carolina. Her belief in me, and many other students, made me feel confident and encouraged me to dream big and chase those dreams.”

Kaydee Self, Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, University of South Carolina

“Throughout her career at USC Aiken and ABAC, Deidre has hired and mentored many young professionals for their first job in advancement, instilled in them a love for fundraising, and prepared them for successful careers in the field. Among those hired by Deidre for their first job in fundraising, many of them now hold leadership positions in advancement at college across the Southeast.”

Ric Stewart, Director of Annual Giving, Georgia Southern University

“Words can scarcely capture the profound influence Deidre Martin has had on my life, both personally and professionally. From guiding me during my student years to encouraging me to pursue higher education and later investing in my growth as a young professional, it’s difficult to envision where I would be today had our paths not crossed nearly a decade ago. She opened the door to this remarkable industry and laid the foundation for my work in advancement, a foundation I continue to draw from every day. Deidre’s unwavering care for her donors, employees, students, and institutions is truly inspiring, and she is the kind of mentor that anyone would be fortunate to have in their life. I can wholeheartedly say that the career opportunities I’ve had are a direct result of the invaluable lessons I learned from her.”

Amanda Moore, Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement, University of West Georgia.

“Deidre is a phenomenal leader. She has a unique way of encouraging her team and pushing them to always be moving forward. She always thinks of her team first. She has an eye for seeing someone’s potential before they even know it themselves. Her passion and determination is inspiring and always makes us want to be a better version of ourselves. She truly cares about those around her, and it shines through her work.”

Randi Hickman, Advancement Officer, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

“Working with Deidre has been a true blessing to my life and my career. She is a wonderful mentor, leader and friend; she is fiercely loyal, caring, helpful and intelligent. I can never repay her for the wisdom she has imparted to me and guidance she has provided over the years. It's an absolute honor to work under her leadership and be a part of her team and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than her.”

Victoria Whiddon, Advancement Officer, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

“As a young communications professional, working under the direction of Dr. Deidre Martin was one of the best moves in my career. She has a special way of providing constructive insight while also encouraging personal growth and learning opportunities. Deidre is a kind, level-headed leader who is strong in her convictions to work hard and always do the right thing but have fun along the way; those qualities are often adopted by other team members and creates a really fun, impactful working environment.”

Jordan Bentley, Communications Coordinator, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College