Martha Dunagin Saunders

Martha Dunagin Saunders is an American professor and academic official. She served as the 14th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the ninth president of the University of Southern Mississippi. She was also the sixth president of the University of West Florida, from 2017 until her resignation in 2025.

Early life and education Saunders was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and earned Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969. She later completed a Master of Arts in journalism at the University of Georgia and a Doctor of Philosophy in communication theory and research at Florida State University in 1990.

Saunders was a professor of communication at the University of West Florida from 1984 to 2002. In 2013, she returned to the university as provost. In September 2016, the board of trustees voted for her to be the new president at the University of West Florida upon the retirement of Judith A. Bense.

Saunders was inaugurated as the sixth president of the University of West Florida on April 21, 2017. Prior to her appointment, she served as executive vice president, assuming the role of chief operating officer and chief academic officer, as well as vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs. On May 12, 2025, after eight years as president, Saunders announced her resignation. In 2024, it was named a "Great College to Work For" for the twelfth time. National Silver Anvil Award, Public Relations Society of America, 2011 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, 2011 Alumni Hall of Fame, University of Southern Mississippi, 2010 The Hub Award (City of Hattiesburg), 2010 Chi Omega Fraternity, Roselyn Dabbs Outstanding Alumna, 2008 Woman of Excellence Award, Diabetes Foundation of MS, Inc., 2008 National Silver Anvil Award, Public Relations Society of America, 1994 University of West Florida Distinguished Service Award, 1996 Florida Teaching Incentive Program (TIP) Award, 1994 Invited faculty, the Florida State University's London Study Center, fall semesters 1992 and 1993 Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching and Advising Award, University of West Florida, 1992. Distinguished Teaching Award, University of West Florida, 1992 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence, Escambia County Foundation for Excellence, 1991

Personal life Saunders is married to Joseph Bailey.