History

In the 1980's Mullet Bay Resort and Casino identified the need to upgrade the performance of its employees. Contact was made with Johnson & Wales University to provide professional staff to conduct custom designed hospitality training programs and courses. Credits earned for the courses completed were transferable to Johnson & Wales University. In 1986 this training program evolved into the Mullet Bay Institute, which also accepted person who were not employed at Mullet Bay Hotel.

The rapid growth and success of the Mullet Bay Institute led to the emergence of the University of St. Martin, an institution of higher learning that would benefit both the Dutch and French sides of the St. Martin as well as the neighboring Caribbean islands. In 1994 USM began offering an Associate Degree in General Liberal Arts. On June 17, 1995, the University celebrated its Inaugural Commencement Ceremony. Nineteen students received their Associate of Arts Degree. Continued expansion has resulted in the Associate of Arts Degree in Business, the Associate of Science Degree, and the Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree.

The University of St. Martin began its transformation into its current phase in 2000, with a renewed emphasis on business and liberal arts while also offering, in conjunction with the University of The Virgin Islands, a Masters Degree in Education. Under current USM President Josianne Fleming Artsen, the facilities (Phase I) were reconstructed after being destroyed by Hurricane Lenny in 1999, and USM's peach and white facilities overlooking the Great Salt Pond in picturesque Philipsburg now stands as a testament to the institution's re-commitment to education on the island.