Two East Texas A&M Alums Lead Major State Agencies

Both Martin and Kidd graduated from competency-based degree programs at East Texas A&M that are designed to help working professionals advance their careers.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced its selection of Freeman F. Martin, an East Texas A&M University alum, as the 14th director of DPS. He is the second East Texas A&M alum tapped to lead a major agency in Texas. Alum W. Nim Kidd continues to serve as chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and vice chancellor of Disaster and Emergency Management for The Texas A&M University System.

Martin: 34 years of law enforcement experience

Martin, a native of New Deal, Texas, will take the helm of DPS on Dec. 1. The first Texas Ranger in history to become director, he began his career with DPS in 1990 as a Highway Patrol Trooper. Over 34 years, he ascended the ranks, serving as Texas Ranger Captain, Homeland Security Operations Deputy Director, and most recently, Senior Deputy Director.

Professional headshot of ETAMU alum Freeman Martin against a splotched blue and brown background.
East Texas A&M University alum Freeman F. Martin. Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Martin’s leadership experience spans crisis management, border security and violent crime prevention. He played pivotal roles in high-profile cases, including investigations into the Sutherland Springs mass shooting and Hurricane Harvey response.

“With a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a strong commitment to uphold the rule of law, Freeman Martin is the right choice to lead the Texas Department of Public Safety and will be instrumental to ensure the safety and security of Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott.

ETAMU alum Freeman Martin is flanked by two men on his right and a woman and a man on his left. All are wearing formal suits standing side by side for a photo. Behind them are steps leading to a short stage with the American and Texas flags in the background.
East Texas A&M University alum Freeman F. Martin (center). Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Martin leveraged his extensive law enforcement background to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on law enforcement leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M). The competency-based program provides up to 30 credit hours for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement certifications and training to help officers accelerate their time to graduation. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.

Jimmy Womack, an instructor and program coordinator for the College of Innovation and Design at East Texas A&M, said he and Martin have a long history. The two were on competing boxing teams in Lubbock, Texas, during the 1970s-80s. He said Martin's competitive spirit and determination were evident even then.

“Freeman Martin is a proud graduate of our criminal justice program and a valued friend,” Womack said. “His unwavering dedication to public safety and remarkable leadership have been evident throughout his career. As executive director, Freeman will continue to serve Texas with integrity, vision and a steadfast commitment to excellence.”

Kidd: A leader in emergency management

Kidd has overseen Texas' emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts since he was appointed TDEM chief in 2010. In 2019, he added the role of vice chancellor of Disaster and Emergency Management after the agency moved from DPS to the A&M System. Before joining TDEM, Kidd served in the San Antonio Fire Department, where he held leadership roles in technical rescue and hazardous materials response teams.

Professional headshot of ETAMU alum W. Nim Kidd against a blue-toned background.
East Texas A&M University alum W. Nim Kidd. Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

As TDEM chief, Kidd has managed more than a dozen presidential disaster declarations. His emergency management expertise also includes coordinating disaster responses for events such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2001 World Trade Center attacks. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from East Texas A&M and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University. He also maintains certifications as a master firefighter, hazardous materials technician and emergency medical technician.

East Texas A&M's commitment to career advancement

Martin and Kidd’s leadership highlights the success of East Texas A&M's flexible, competency-based degree programs, designed to help working professionals advance their careers. Learn more about how these programs prepare graduates for impactful careers in law enforcement, emergency management, and more at tamuc.edu/CID.