Seaver College Professor Diana Martínez Earns Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award from National Communication Association
Diana Martínez, an associate professor of communication at Seaver College, was recently honored with the Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award from the Latina/o Communication Studies Division and La Raza Caucus of the National Communication Association.
“It's incredibly exciting to be honored with this award,” says Martínez. “This accomplishment is especially meaningful because two alumni recommended me for it. It means a great deal to me that my love for teaching is reciprocated by the students.”
A communication specialist who teaches a variety of introductory and upper division courses, Martínez serves as an influential role model for Seaver College students. She designs each of her courses with the unique interests of undergraduates in mind, seeking to spark “lightbulb moments” of inspiration or curiosity. Martínez claims that her goal as an educator is to foster each student’s talents and interests, while uplifting and encouraging them to consider their vocational calling.
“I am absolutely a talent seeker in teaching, and when somebody is really excited about a particular topic, I want to give them the resources to pursue it,” she says. “My classroom needs to be a space where people can go and find their individual passions.”
Martínez was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award by five colleagues and two alumni, who wrote to the association in support of her candidacy. Beyond these testimonials, a selection committee and caucus reviewed her curricula vitae as well as her teaching philosophy statement prior to granting her the honor.
“[Professor Martínez] has been instrumental in helping me fulfill my dream of engaging in meaningful and impactful work,” says Catherine Reyes- Higueros (‘24), a former student of Martínez’s. “As the current communications and PR manager for a non-profit organization focused on providing equitable education opportunities, Professor Martinez has been incredibly supportive, providing guidance and opening doors for me. She embodies every virtue one could aspire to possess - kindness, empathy, intelligence, character, and poise.”
In earning this achievement, Martínez became just the second recipient of the Latina/o Communication Studies Division and La Raza Caucus of the National Communication Association’s Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award. This recognition commends the Seaver College professor’s “mastery of classroom instruction,” “commitment to equity among students,” “inclusive pedagogy,” and “impact upon mentees.”
“Throughout my career, many people have mentored me and provided feedback or advice for my pedagogy,” Martínez says. “That's part of what makes teaching so dynamic and so fun—that back and forth. I want to keep learning.”