COEHS Mourns the Passing of Dr. Alfredo Martinez

The College of Education and Human Sciences is deeply saddened by the death of our former colleague Alfredo Martinez.

Dr. Martinez recently retired from the faculty of the Sport Administration Program in the Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences Department where he was a cheerful presence. Christina Perry, Associate Professor of Community Health Education, recalled that “He was a gentle giant who cared about others no matter their walk in life.”

Alfredo Martinez was a native New Mexican and a life-long educator. He earned bachelors and doctoral degrees from UNM through the HESS department and was a licensed public school teacher and administrator. He was a long-standing high school coach in football and track in Albuquerque. Sports Administration colleague John Barnes said, “His impact on high school athletics in Albuquerque is enormous.”

Glenn Hushman, HESS Department Chair, noted that “Alfredo was an integral part of the HESS department for many years prior to his retirement as both the Director of the Physical Education activity program and as a faculty member in the Sports Administration program. He was also a graduate of UNM and one of the most highly regarded and respected coaches and physical education teachers in the state of New Mexico.”

Professor of Exercise Science Ann Gibson noted that “If one can summarize a life's accomplishments based on the number of young lives touched and aided in times of need, then Alfredo Martinez is among the most accomplished of us all.”
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 in Albuquerque. Details can be found at https://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituary/Alfredo-Martinez.