The Mentor, the DJ, the Leader: Meet Dr. Steven Martinez

If there’s one professor at Westcliff who has seen it all, it’s Steven Martinez, D.H.A., instructor in the College of Business. 

Dr. Martinez’s journey covers just about every chapter you can imagine. He is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran with 20 years of service. A real estate entrepreneur. A business owner. And a DJ (yes, you read that right). Now, he is bringing that experience into his new role as a CORE Faculty Team Lead, where he serves the university’s faculty in an impactful way.

At Westcliff, CORE Faculty Team Leads are more than academic all-stars. They are trusted mentors, creative problem solvers, and the go-to support network for faculty across all colleges. Their job is to coach, collaborate, encourage, and inspire. It is a role built not just on what you know, but how you lift others along the way.

“I didn’t think I’d get here,” he said. “But I kept showing up. That’s what I try to teach my students and now what I hope to pass on to other faculty.”

Dr. Martinez brings that exact energy to anything he touches in life. His leadership is rooted in humility and shaped by a belief that growth happens together. 

“I want to create a truly supportive environment where faculty feel empowered,” he said. “Leadership isn’t just about guiding others. It’s about learning, adapting, and evolving as a team.”

Stepping into the role means more than taking on a new title. For Dr. Martinez, it is a chance to shape the kind of faculty culture every strong institution should have.

Beyond the Syllabus

Long before he ever stepped into a university classroom, Dr. Martinez was already in the business of helping people grow. His background in personal and professional development gave him first-hand insight into what real transformation looks like — and what it takes to get there.

“The most rewarding part of helping people is seeing a shift happen,” Dr. Martinez said. “When a teacher tries something new and sees their students respond in a meaningful way, that moment of growth stays with you.”

Today, that belief sits at the center of his teaching. Dr. Martinez is not focused on how many facts students can repeat, but rather, when something clicks. When confidence takes root and a student starts to believe in what they can do.

He knows those moments are not always instant. “The lightbulb doesn’t always turn on right away,” he explained. “But when it happens, it makes everything worth it.”

As a CORE Faculty Team Lead, Dr. Martinez applies the same mindset to supporting his colleagues. His goal is not to tell others how to teach; it is to create a space where faculty feel supported enough to grow, experiment, and evolve in ways that propel Westcliff forward. Whether he is offering feedback on a lesson plan or encouraging someone to try a new strategy, he sees his role as a guide rather than a gatekeeper.

“Not all experiences will be positive, but that is when growth happens,” he said. “That is when you take the next step forward.”

Leadership, in his eyes, is not about having the perfect answer. It is about walking alongside others through a process. Just like in the classroom, progress starts when people are given the confidence to try.

The Beat Goes On

Dr. Steven Martinez is as unique a faculty member as you’ll find at Westcliff. His journey stretches from the military to music, from the business world to the classroom, and now into a leadership role that brings it all together.

Whether he is mentoring students, coaching faculty, or curating a playlist that could rival your favorite DJ, Dr. Martinez leads with humility, heart, and a strong sense of rhythm. He is a family man with a serious ear for a good time.

“I may not have the best vocals or the best dance moves, but I know how to set a mood,” he said. “Music helps me focus, reset, and just enjoy the moment. It is kind of my superpower.”

As a CORE Faculty Team Lead, Dr. Martinez is not here to take center stage; he is here to amplify others. The way he sees it, when faculty work comfortably together, everyone can rise.

And at Westcliff, that kind of leadership hits all the right notes.