TAMIU Professor Runs for LCC Board of Trustees

Laredo Community College (LCC) will be having elections on Nov. 6 for its Board of Trustees. Texas A&M International University will have one of its own professors, Gilberto 'Gil' Martinez, running for the sixth position. The Bridge was able to interview Martinez on the process of the election, and why he feels he can fulfill this position.

The LCC Board of Trustees serve as a governing body that advises on fiscal affairs. They oversee budgets and grant approvals. Martinez will be running against Alberto Torres, Jr., who is currently a student at LCC. Martinez has a doctoral degree of education in educational leadership, and has spent a combined number of 13 years participating in higher learning as a faculty member. His experience in teaching, along with his recent endeavours in his doctoral studies, are what he feels set him apart and make him an ideal candidate for the board. Martinez stressed that his goals are "to listen and advise, not create or change policy." Early voting began on Oct. 22, and will continue through Nov. 2.

Martinez was born and raised in Laredo, and graduated from J. W. Nixon High School. After attending LCC for two years, he transferred to Texas State University-San Marcos and earned both a bachelor of fine arts and a master of arts degree. It was not until after Martinez graduated and took a job as a substitute teacher that he realized his passion for teaching. While teaching at TAMIU, he found time to earn his doctorate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Martinez is an example of how far education can take you, as he says, "[h]igher education matters to me and if I can do anything to help my community with regards to being able to pursue a degree in higher education, I would like to serve in that capacity."  

As of June 21 of this year, LCC has allegedly been placed on academic probation. This is in part due to the lack of compliance with comprehensive standards and could threaten the accreditation of the campus in 2013. If elected, this pressing issue will be Martinez's main concern. Although he's always had an interest to run for a school board, this issue prompted him to run for this term. He added, "I feel I have all I could ever need but I love Laredo. This is my home, and I just wish to serve my community." Moreover, lending a helping hand will not stop Martinez from teaching. This board will only meet once or twice a month, so it won't interfere with his schedule in a negative way. When asked how a TAMIU professor can run for an LCC position, Martinez clarified that, "the Texas A&M University System allows any A&M employee to run for local races that have to do with school board elections, like that of LCC." The only two rules are that employees don't get compensated or distracted from current duties.

With the election day nearing, Martinez says this will be the one and only time he will run for an election, "I feel that I am running this time for a specific purpose, not simply because I want to serve in a public office," he stated. Martinez also emphasizes, "LCC has existed for 65 years [TAMIU began on their campus] and this is the first time the college has been placed on probation. This affects all of the Laredo community." No matter the outcome in the polls, Martinez assures he will strive to help LCC.

Martinez concluded the interview by acknowledging his supporters, saying that he's been overwhelmed with their support. "I thank the community for everything. No one can do this alone. It is truly an honor to live in a free country where ideas can be expressed freely. I'd like to end with a quote from my favorite educator of all time, John Dewey, who once wrote, 'Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.' It is important that we defend and protect [..] education in Laredo. La educación no se vende; se defiende!"TAMIU students can look for the "vote here" signs around the community to vote.

More information can be found on the "Dr. Gil Martinez, Jr. for LCC Board of Trustees Place 6" Facebook page.

(Michelle L. Muñoz and Michelle Rubio may be reached at michellemunoz@dusty.tamiu.edu & michellerubio@dusty.tamiu.edu)