Charles Martinez

Charles Martinez is an American professor and higher education administrator. He has held positions at the University of Oregon and University of Texas Austin.

Early life and education Charles Martinez, Jr., was born and raised in southern California and identifies as a third-generation Mexican American. His parents divorced when he was young and he lived, at various times, with his father, mother, or extended family members. He graduated with honors from Pitzer College as a first-generation college student.

Administrator

Charles Martinez worked at the University of Oregon for nearly 20 years. He served as vice president for institutional equity and diversity from 2005 - 2011. He then founded The Center for Equity Promotion in 2012 and served as the director.

On May 20, 2022, Oregon State University Board of Trustees announced Charles Martinez as one of two candidates for the position of President of the university.

Honors Named Philip H. Knight Professor at the University of Oregon in 2017.