Giving Back

UT Tyler Alumnus Pays Education Forward

MartinezOne of Roy Martinez’s passions is education. A leader by example, the UT Tyler alumnus made great strides in the banking and business logistics industries and credits his UT Tyler education for where he is today.

Martinez grew up in the small South Texas town of Sinton. He moved to the Rose City in 1995 and worked full-time to put himself through college. He ultimately graduated from UT Tyler with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and an MBA in 1999 and 2003, respectively.

Martinez gives back to the Tyler community in many ways. An executive in residence of the region’s banking world and adjunct professor in the Soules College of Business, Martinez also served as a UT Tyler Career Success Conference speaker, sharing his life and career experiences with students.

So why give back? Martinez said that “the more one can experience or learn the more they can provide value to others they cross paths with.”

“Giving back is extremely rewarding and means having the ability to provide value to others,” he said. “Adding value to UT Tyler and its students’ education is, in itself, an honor.”

Martinez spent 20 years in the banking industry, moving his way up the ranks from drive-through teller to executive vice president. But his successes didn’t come without revelations or frustrations. He found the solution to his plights – again, in an UT Tyler education.

“After my undergrad and still in the banking industry, I noticed most of my peers were older than I was and from time to time, I wished to accelerate my learning in efforts to add value to the company,” Martinez said. “I didn’t want to forego the experience I was obtaining, so I chose to attend night classes at UT Tyler to complete an MBA.”

His service on multiple boards and community organizations align with his other interests including educational leadership, children advocacy and economic development. He has served on the Soules College of Business Advisory Board since its inception, chaired the University’s Corporate Advisory Council and also served as president of the UT Tyler Alumni Association Board.

Martinez appreciates the community-based culture of the Soules College of Business, noting that the college strives to give back in their own way.

“UT Tyler realizes that it is part of the fabric of the Tyler community and greater East Texas region,” he said. “They strive to pay it forward by paying attention to others who can benefit from them.”

Martinez said UT Tyler prepared him for success through career connections and faculty mentorships. One such professor who greatly impacted Martinez was former finance professor Dr. Les C. Peacock, who served as faculty in the former UT Tyler College of Business and Technology. Martinez and his classmate-turned-friend Blake Thompson of Tyler befriended the professor, who regularly enjoyed their company and conversations at home.

“Dr. Peacock invested time in students and brought his life experiences in the classroom to reinforce or sometimes, caveat, academic tenants,” Martinez said.

Martinez and Thompson would later team up to establish the Les Peacock Memorial Endowed Scholarship for students.

So, what advice does Martinez have for current UT Tyler students? He reminds them that education is a “continuous journey.”

“Don’t overlook experiential learning opportunities,” he said. “An education journey is constant and comes in many forms throughout life. Your network of contacts is also a valuable resource that you can take with you anywhere.”

For the past five years, Martinez has served as president of Swan Transportation Services LTD, which helps grow businesses through efficient freight management, service and agent expertise. This fall, he will serve as the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce chair.

In his free time, Martinez enjoys outdoor activities, traveling and spending time with his wife, Anne, and their two children.

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