[May 31, 2018] Rocky Vista University (RVU) is proud to acknowledge Michael Martin, PhD, Associate Dean for Integrated Curriculum, as the recipient of the 2018 Presidential Award of Excellence. Dr. Martin, who passed away in May, was selected for the honor by his faculty peers.

The award is given to those educators who best exemplify professionalism and integrity in teaching.  Dr. Martin was recognized for his tireless dedication to students and staff alike. As one of RVU’s original faculty members, he placed a high priority on maintaining the lofty standards set by the school.

“Dr. Martin is, simply put, the embodiment of the Presidential Award of Excellence and all it represents,” said Clinton E. Adams, DO, FACHE, RVU President and CEO. “An inaugural member of the faculty at Rocky Vista University, Dr. Martin has been a source of wisdom, compassion and innovation from the beginning.”

A Colorado native, Dr. Martin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Texas Houston.

Prior to arriving at RVU, Dr. Martin worked as a Research Associate in Molecular Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and also spent time as the Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the University of North Texas.

“I love working here at Rocky Vista University. I was one of the founding members, original faculty, and I think [our faculty is] one of the key reasons we’ve been so successful,” Dr. Martin said in a pre-recorded message upon receiving his award.