Martha Dunagin Saunders is an American professor and academic official. A native of Mississippi, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Southern Mississippi; her Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Georgia; and her Doctor of Philosophy in communication theory and research from Florida State University. Saunders has served as the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the ninth president of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) where she replaced embattled president Shelby F. Thames. She is currently serving as president of the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida.

During her tenure at USM, a research university with six teaching/research campuses, the university enjoyed record enrollment, all-time high fundraising and increased national recognition. She oversaw $250 million in building projects in five years.^[1] A massive golden eagle sculpture on the USM campus was dedicated in her honor in 2013.^[2]

In 2013, she agreed to serve as provost at the University of West Florida, where she had begun her academic career. 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.^[3]

Her training and experience in the field of communication led to numerous publications on crisis communication and public relations; widely anthologized published speeches; and two Silver Anvil awards,[1] the Public Relations Society of America’s highest national honor. She is a 2011 national winner of the Stevie Award for Women in Business.

Saunders is married to Joseph Bailey, who retired from the telecommunications industry in 2005.

• USM names Dr. Martha Dunagin Saunders as ninth president 4/5/2007
• Southern Miss Inauguration Video 4/28/2008