“I’m a Pathfinder”: Richard “Sonny” Martin
Published on Aug 20, 2024
Richard “Sonny” Martin, a fourth generation Ashlander, is rooted in this community.
So when he wanted to pursue postsecondary education, he knew the best choice for him was the Ashland Center of the University of Kentucky, which would later become Ashland Community College and eventually, Ashland Community & Technical College.
With a $300 scholarship from the Lions Club and the wages he was making as a bag boy at Kroger, Martin began taking courses in the fall of 1962.
“My time at the college was the best academic period of my educational experience,” said Martin. “The faculty was, and still is, of the highest quality, and was most concerned for my welfare of any of the schools that I attended.”
Martin transferred to the University of Kentucky following his graduation in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in history.
In the spring of 1966, took the LSAT and was admitted into law school that fall. He graduated from the UK College of Law in the spring of 1969.
During his third year of law school, Martin says he applied for a job as a Special Agent for the FBI. After taking and passing the bar exam, he became a part of the New Agents Class in 1969.
After training school at the Justice Department and the FBI Academy at Quantico, Martin spent over a year in Kansas City where he served on a criminal investigative squad. After that, he spent three years in Chicago with the organized crime squad.
During his tenure with the FBI, Martin received three commendations from three FBI Directors.
Martin and his wife, Francie, returned to Ashland with their family in August 1973 after he was contacted by two friends about opening a law firm with them. He has proudly practiced law in Ashland for over 50 years and has served the community in various capacities, including as City Attorney.
“At the most pivotal point in my life, ACTC provided me a path toward a successful career. It reinforced my efforts to continue toward achievable goals,” he said.
Martin says he believes ACTC is a great place to start and to work on a solid grade point foundation to transfer to complete the baccalaureate degree. He also says ACTC gives options to students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
“ACTC has designed programs to address the specific needs of local employers,” Martin said. “The community and technical college is, without debate, the best deal in higher education.”
Written by: Megan Smedley
