Mario Martinez appointed as Fort Lewis College’s new provost

“Dr. Martinez brings infectious energy, analytical skills, and humanity to the role of Provost,” said President Tom Stritikus. “We have accomplished a great deal and have even grander ambitions, and he will help us lean into that bright future."

"I want to bring a commitment to innovation. We will not only curate best practices but create them. I have the President's support, and we will explore new areas of student success together. The prospect of making a sizeable impact doing that is very motivating."

— Mario Martinez

Martinez has served as Vice Chancellor of Strategy and Innovation at the National University System in San Diego, California, as a Department Chair at the University of Texas at Arlington, as Dean of the School of Education at the University of Redlands, and has worked as a consultant for various organizations focused on enhancing higher education. All of Martinez’s work is mission-driven and strategic, things he hopes to bring to his new role at FLC.

“I am so excited to join the FLC family and an institution that is committed to the public good,” Martinez noted. “We’re all learning and growing, and that culture and mindset are evident at FLC.”

In his recent role at Redlands, Dr. Martinez worked on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, academic portfolio rebalancing, marketing, and recruitment strategy. He established a new advisory board—all crucial experiences he will leverage for FLC’s continued success.

“I love that FLC has been successful with its mission, serving a diverse body of students, even with all of the challenges in higher education today,” Martinez said. “There’s a commitment to the mission of this institution, and it’s impressive.”

Martinez earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University, his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, and his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University.

For 16 years, Martinez worked as a higher education professor. He sought input from various sources, including states, institutions, and major foundations. His consultations covered a wide range of topics, from providing strategic planning assistance to studying innovations that improve access and affordability in higher education. Martinez's contributions extend beyond consultations; he has authored numerous publications for both professional and academic audiences. His works include books, columns, policy reports, and articles exploring higher education policy, organizational design, governance, and finance. Through his research, Martinez provides valuable insights into the state of higher education policy and its implementation.

“As a leader, he will effectively communicate our mission and its alignment with the public good,” Stritikus reflected.

Martinez is excited about the opportunity to effect change at FLC and beyond.

“Being Provost of FLC allows me to affect systems in a way that helps serve students, partners, and community members,” Martinez observed. “I want to bring a commitment to innovation. We will not only curate best practices but create them. I have the President's support, and we will explore new areas of student success together. The prospect of making a sizeable impact doing that is very motivating.”

Martinez will start his new position as FLC’s provost on June 1.