For Patricia (Patty) A.R. Martinez, joining Michigan State University as the associate vice president for the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) represents both an exciting professional milestone and a heartfelt return to her Midwestern roots.
“Honestly, what excites me most about being at MSU and joining RHS is the Spartan spirit that’s present among the team,” Martinez says. “We’ve got an amazing team filled with really dedicated individuals.”
With a career devoted to enhancing student and staff experiences within higher education, Martinez brings a wealth of leadership expertise and a people-centered approach to her work. She sees the RHS division not only as a cornerstone of campus life, but also as a vital contributor to the broader East Lansing and Lansing communities.
Inspiring Impact Through Leadership
Martinez’ career in higher education began with a passion for making a difference in students’ lives. Over the years, her focus has evolved from direct student engagement to shaping the environments and teams that serve them every day.
“My inspiration really was the ability to impact students’ lives as they were traveling through higher education,” says Martinez. “Now, that’s expanded to include the staff experience — so that they, in turn, can serve students well.”
That people-first philosophy continues to define her approach to leadership, emphasizing trust, empowerment and mutual respect.
“You hire good people, and you get out of their way and let them do their job,” says Martinez. “You also live by the golden rule — treat others the way that you want to be treated. When you establish a work environment like that, people genuinely enjoy coming to work. We all spend too much time at our jobs not to love what we do, who we do it for and who we do it with.”
Enhancing Spartan Spaces
As part of her vision for RHS, Martinez is committed to maintaining MSU’s reputation for excellence in housing, dining, recreation, and hospitality while ensuring that the division remains forward-thinking and fiscally responsible.
“We’re conducting a comprehensive study of housing, dining and our auxiliary sports group,” says Martinez. “That will help us identify where we can best use our financial resources to be good stewards of our investments and serve our constituents best in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.”
Recent projects, such as the renovation of Campbell Hall and upgrades to Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, reflect that commitment. Martinez notes these improvements not only enhance functionality but also strengthen the sense of community within Spartan living spaces.
“One of my favorite additions is the art piece in Campbell Hall’s common area created by one of our faculty members,” says Martinez. “It’s simply beautiful and represents the connection between our diverse academic and residential communities.”
Finding Balance and Joy Beyond Work
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Martinez finds renewal in nature and creativity. After recently returning to the Midwest from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she has been rediscovering her love for the outdoors.
“I absolutely love going on walks and seeing the leaves change colors,” says Martinez. “Right now, I’m also enjoying exploring the countryside and discovering everything Michigan has to offer. Being part of nature really rejuvenates me.”
“I have been married to my amazing husband, Dino, for 32 years. We met through the housing profession and have both enjoyed working in university settings for our entire careers.” Family is important, and Martinez enjoys traveling back to Wisconsin to spend time with her brothers and sisters as well as extended family. A passionate gardener and devoted dog owner, Martinez enjoys spending time with her German Shepherd-Collie mix, Bailey, an 85-pound “bundle of fluff.”
“Bailey definitely thinks he’s a child,” says Martinez. “Spending time with him is one of my favorite ways to unwind.”
Building a Lasting Legacy
For Martinez, leadership is not about personal recognition but about strengthening the foundation for those who will come next.
“As a leader and as a person, I just want to be able to leave it better than I found it,” says Martinez. “RHS is a strong division that not only serves the university but also has an economic impact within the East Lansing and Lansing area.”
With RHS recognized as the fifth-largest employer in the state of Michigan, Martinez takes pride in the division’s broad reach and influence.
“I feel honored to be sitting in this chair stewarding the division forward,” says Martinez. “For me, it’s not about leaving a legacy for Patty Martinez, but about being part of building something larger, for the greater good of the community and university."