KGI President Sheldon Schuster Introduces Cynthia Martinez as Dean of Students

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) President Sheldon Schuster announced this week the hiring of Dean of Students Cynthia Martinez.

Within the Dean of Students role at KGI, Martinez oversees Student Services, Disability Services, Career Services, and Residential Life. She is tasked with providing leadership, vision, and direction for activities and services that enhance students’ experiences and engagement, along with their internship and employment outcomes. She will also facilitate open communication and information sharing between the students and the administration.

Prior to arriving at KGI, Martinez worked 19 years at the University of Southern California, where she demonstrated a tremendous commitment to creating diverse and inclusive communities for students. Most recently at USC, she served in the role of interim assistant dean of student affairs for the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She oversaw coordination and collaborative efforts among Advisement and Academic Services, Career Development, International Programs, and Civic Engagement.

Before serving as interim assistant dean of student affairs, Martinez was the executive director of Advisement and Academic Services. She also had experience as a USC instructor, including 11 years within the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and two years at the Rossier School of Education.

Previously Martinez was a healthcare administrator managing resources and services for cancer patients and caregivers at City of Hope National Cancer Institute.

Martinez presents at state, regional, national, and international professional conferences. She is an active member in the International Leadership Association (ILA), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the Academy of Management (AOM).

Martinez earned a Doctor of Philosophy in leadership studies at the University of San Diego. Before that, she graduated from USC with a Master of Education degree in postsecondary administration and student affairs following a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Cal Poly Pomona.