University formally dedicates Martin Hall, former governor talks ‘Intersection of Science and Religion’

At UNC Charlotte, buildings are named for people who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the state, and former Gov. Jim Martin qualifies, said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois at a dedication ceremony for Martin Hall Thursday, Nov. 20.

The chancellor lauded Martin for his support and advancement of higher education that contributed to UNC Charlotte’s development as the state’s urban research university. He also acknowledged former first lady Dottie Martin, the namesake of a scholarship established in 1991 for students studying education with an emphasis on child guidance or counseling.

Martin Hall, located in East Village, opened for fall 2014 at the site of the former Martin Village, on-campus residences built in the 1970s. When UNC General Administration mandated all UNC facilities be outfitted with sprinkler systems, the University determined it was cost-prohibitive to retrofit the 10 wooden structures that comprised Martin Village. They were torn down, and the 178,000-square-foot Martin Hall was completed at a cost of $37.9 million.

Born in Savannah, Ga., Martin served as the state’s chief executive from 1985 to 1993. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and a Ph.D. from Princeton University, Martin returned to Davidson as a member of the college faculty, where he taught chemistry for 12 years. In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. A two-term governor, Martin later was vice president of research at Carolinas Medical Center, and he was a member of the UNC Board of Governors in the 1990s.

Prior to the dedication ceremony, Martin participated in a roundtable discussion with faculty and students on “The Intersection of Science and Religion.”

Martin is the author of “Science: The Modern Revelation,” which is about science and religion and his view that one doesn’t cancel out the other. The son of a Presbyterian minister, Martin noted that life’s mysteries, things for which science has no answer, are not to be viewed as absolute proof of God because in science, new answers come along all the time. He explained that he prefers to think of them as “evidences” or indications of God’s existence. “From there, faith takes over,” he said.

Home to 408 residents, Martin Hall is designed primarily to house upper-class students. It offers apartments with four single bedrooms in a variety of configurations. The building has two residential wings connected by an expansive two-story lobby. This connector features a 24-hour service desk, group study rooms, TV lounge, gaming area and a community kitchen. The lobby-area also has a porch and balcony so residents can enjoy the park-like surroundings in East Village. Additionally, smaller study lounges are located throughout the building.