Patricia A.R. Martinez has been named assistant vice president for Student Services in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Martinez has more than 26 years of experience in service to students; most recently serving as acting executive director of Housing & Residential Life at Northern Illinois University.
“Patty has proven that she will be a tremendous advocate for student services,” said John Jones, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs. “Her leadership experience and service to her previous institutions and professional associations are certain to strengthen the new Division of Student Affairs and student success at UAB.”
In her role, Martinez will supervise the leadership of the Hill Student Center, Student Housing and Residential Life and Campus Dining as well as serve as university liaison to the contract food service provider. She will be project owner for divisional renovation and construction projects; oversee capital investment planning for all student service facilities; and participate in departmental, divisional and institutional master planning efforts that impact the student experience. In addition, Martinez will also oversee divisional assessment efforts and information technology.
While serving as acting executive director at NIU, Martinez also was the university’s director of Residential Communities where she provided leadership for all aspects of residence life, facilities management, business services, human resources, residential technology, and educational functions. Additionally, she was the associate director of Residence Life and New Student Programs at Miami University and has held student services appointments at Ball State University, Albright College and Eastern Illinois University.
Martinez has a master’s degree in education with a concentration in educational psychology and guidance from Eastern Illinois University. She has served on several committees that promote the enhancement and development of campus life. Currently, she is co-director elect of the Roelf Visser South African Student Housing Training Institute for the Association of College & University Housing Officers-International. Martinez also served on the ACUHO-I executive board as president and finance and corporate records officer where she represented the association internationally through speaking engagements. Martinez has also had executive board affiliations with the Great Lakes Association of College & University Housing Officers as well as served as a faculty member for the American College Personnel Association Residential Curriculum Institute.
“UAB is happy to welcome Patty Martinez as an intricate part of Student Affairs,” said Jake Baggott, assistant vice president for UAB Student Development, Health & Wellness. “We look forward to the great work she will do in the future.”
Her official start date is July 25, 2016.