Cynthia Martinez (She/Her/Hers), PhD

Dr. Cynthia Martinez was named Dean of the School of Community Medicine and Professor of Practice on August 1, 2022.

She joined KGI in June 2018 as the Dean of Students and oversaw Student Affairs, Disability Services, Career Services, and Residential Life. She provided leadership, vision, and direction for activities and services that enhanced students’ experiences and engagement, along with their internship and employment outcomes. She also facilitated 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 educator 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.