[Passion to Purpose] Dr. Brandon Martin, Director of Athletics, Cal State University Northridge

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An educator at heart, Dr. Martin had a clear understanding of what level he wanted to make the most impact. “As a graduate student at the University of Southern California, I had the opportunity to intern in various departments on campus,” Dr. Martin tells BE Modern Man. “My time working in the athletics department was an ‘eye opener’ for me from a standpoint of understanding how I could have an impact in the profession, and most importantly young lives. I discovered that working on the administrative side of college athletics was my niche and a way for me to compete. College athletics was the perfect platform for me to transform lives.”

Standing at 6’5 with an athletic frame, Dr. Martin has never had an issue standing out, but his uniqueness goes beyond his physical characteristics. “My toughness and resolve is what I believe separates me from the crowd,” says Dr. Martin. “My ability to succeed in spite of challenges and no road map in front of me is my distinction. I’m not afraid of the grind!”

The professional grind Dr. Martin exhibits has led him to great heights and many accomplishments, but for him, nothing is more prominent than fatherhood. “My greatest accomplishment is fatherhood,” Dr. Martin tells BE Modern Man. “Fatherhood has provided me with humility, patience, and a blessing unmatched by any professional accomplishment. I thank God for my children each day.”

As he continues to ascend to new levels and changes the face of intercollegiate athletics, Dr. Martin understands the importance of  men like himself , who are showing the world that success can come by way of utilizing your passion and living out your purpose. “It is imperative that black men from various backgrounds and professions are celebrated and acknowledged in this way,” says Dr. Martin. “It provides hope and encouragement to a younger generation of black men who are aspiring for excellence.”

Faith, passion, purpose and success are a few words that distinctly describe Dr. Martin, and now we can add BE Modern Man. He says, “To me a BE Modern Man means having an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence in every human endeavor while being a catalyst for change and advancement in my respective field. It means being a part of the solution; not the problem.”

It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.