We are excited to announce that Jarred “JR” Martinez, was one of the eight recipients of the 2024 University of Utah Staff Excellence Awards (USEA)! USEA recognizes superior service and ongoing contributions by the University’s full-time and part-time employees. To be selected as a USEA recipient is a very high honor and is a sign that their commitment and contributions are valued by their colleagues, supervisors, and leadership of the university.
We are so fortunate to have JR on our UNP team! Here are some quotes to share a little bit about why he received this recognition:

“JR has been a community pillar for as long as I have been involved. He has an unshakable commitment to grassroots work focused on youth empowerment, something I got to experience firsthand as a former member of Mestizo Arts and Activism, a program JR helps coordinate. His commitment to serving is exemplified in his consistent ability to ‘show up’ since this is the way to build trust and relationships with community members and his insistent need to help, no matter how small or large the task may be.” -Jorge Jimenez, Education Pathways Coordinator, UNP

“I have had the privilege of working with Jarred since 2011. At that time, I was an assistant principal at Glendale Middle School and Jarred worked for the Office of Engagement at the University. He would come to Glendale Middle School two days a week to work with students in the Latinos in Action class. His commitment to the school and students is commendable. I observed the students thrive in the classroom as he and the teacher would provide culturally responsive spoken word instruction with the students. Jarred’s commitment to educate is clear. He created opportunities for students to begin to see themselves as a college student.”-Jennifer Mayer-Glenn, Director, UNP

“Jarred’s dependability, commitment to lead, to educate, to research and serve set him apart from his peers. Mr. Martinez’s commitments to our community are demonstrated through his commitment to make a difference at the University of Utah, support the learner and social identities of all youth in Salt Lake City and surrounding communities. As an individual, Mr. Martinez is humble, engaging, warm and is committed staff person who dedicates himself to lead, educate, research and serve.”-Dr. Leticia Alvarez Gutiérrez, Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Education, Culture & Society

“…this state is home to JR. His relationships that he has cultivated throughout his years of service, reflect a depth that can only come from years of trust and “showing up” for others. Whenever there is an issue that impacts the community, or a coworker that needs assistance, I know that JR will be there. JR is someone who grounds us in our mission at UNP, consistently reminding us that partnership work requires intentionality, pushing us when we waver from embracing community values, and motivating us to reflect upon how we can creatively engage with those around us.”-Dr. Miguel Trujillo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, Culture & Society, & Associate Director at UNP.
Please help us congratulate JR on this well-deserved award!