UO College of Education professor named to Oregon State Board of Education

Charles Martinez, head of the Department of Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership in the UO College of Education, was confirmed to the Oregon State Board of Education by the state senate in a Nov. 21 vote. He will represent Oregon’s 4th Congressional District through June 2017.

“It’s a very important time for educational policy in Oregon,” he said. “The challenges run deep, but so do the opportunities for meaningful improvement and reform. I’m honored to serve and be a voice for these critical issues.”

Martinez says he’s especially looking forward to serving in a broader context than just Eugene. With 770,000 people, the 4th District comprises Oregon’s southern coastal counties, including Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Linn and most of Benton and Josephine counties.

Martinez’ credentials as an administrator and educator are extensive; he served on the Eugene 4J School District board from 2004-09, including two years as chair, and served as vice president for institutional equity and diversity at the university from 2005-11.

“There is no one who understands equity more than Charles Martinez,” said Nancy Golden, chief education officer for the State of Oregon and a COE alumna. “His years as a stellar researcher in the field and as vice president for equity at the University of Oregon make him uniquely suited to be an exemplary member of the board of education.”

In addition to his role as department head, Martinez directs the Center for Equity Promotion and has received numerous national, state and local awards for his work. His primary research focus is equity and cultural issues in prevention science, particularly for Latino communities and families.

- by Cody Pinkston, College of Education