Aaron Jaffe
Advertising Manager

Born in Puerto Rico, this son of an enlisted father has lived in multiple countries, but now has the opportunity to call Lancaster, Pa and Millersville University his home.

Hiram Martinez, currently the Assistant Director for the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, has been working at Millersville University for 14 years and has held multiple positions during his tenure. Martinez came to MU in 2001 after graduating with his B.A. in Political Science from Bloomsburg University. He started here as a temporary front desk assistant for 9 months. Up until the summer of 2014, Martinez held the position of Assistant of the President for Social Equity before the position was dissolved shortly after the arrival of MU President, John Anderson.

Though Martinez is no stranger to the Lancaster area, he is not originally from here. He was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and was forced to move due to his father’s enlistment in the United States Military. He spent about 9 months in southern U.S. including Georgia and Texas before he moved to Bamburg, Germany at 2 ½ years old. Martinez lived in Germany until he was 6, then finally moved to Leola, Pa, less than 30 minutes from Millersville, where he stayed ever since with his wife and two children, Leana and Jovani.

While at MU, Martinez received his Masters in Public Administration from Penn State – Harrisburg. Because he was currently working part time at Millersville, this feat took Martinez over five years to complete. Martinez’s current role at the University includes coordinating multicultural and women’s empowerment events, advising the UAB, assisting in the oversight of student organizations and supporting the newly appointed Director of CSIL, Katherine Kealey.

Though he came to MU only in 2001, Martinez climbed the ladder quickly. He said, “there was an opportunity and I seized it.”

Through the years, MU gave Martinez the opportunities to continue his professional and personal growth. Outside of Millersville, Hiram is quite active in the local and global community where he advocates for diversity awareness and multicultural celebration. He is currently the President-elect of the Global Awareness Society International and will be attending the international conference in Budapest, Hungary. Martinez believes that Millersville has been a major support in his professional and personal growth. He stated that the most enjoyable part of his time here has been the people and the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.