Sometimes opportunity begins with the courage to take a step forward. For Rick Martinez, that courage has carried him from a small West Texas community to the superintendent’s office and eventually to Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program.
Martinez has accomplished what many people only dream of: educator, researcher, published author, and advocate for helping young people recognize their own potential. Yet, Martinez still struggled to picture himself earning a doctorate.
“I never considered myself for a doctoral program because I come from a humble background,” he shared. “I did this for my parents and my children.”
Today, Martinez is approaching the final stage of his doctoral journey, drawing on everything he has experienced to become a more thoughtful leader and researcher, encouraging others to pursue their goals.
From Humble Beginnings
While earning his degree, Martinez began coaching his younger brother’s team and discovered that he enjoyed working with students and athletes. He also had the opportunity to work alongside a former football coach, giving him an early look at how effective leaders influence the people around them.
“It was like a free leadership course every day,” Martinez said.
After earning his master’s in Educational Leadership in 2007, Martinez began working in
and started taking on greater leadership responsibilities. He became assistant principal at Denver City High School and then transitioned into the role of principal in 2015. After that, Martinez would go on to become the assistant superintendent of district maintenance and operations and then interim superintendent in 2023.
In October of 2023, Martinez officially became the superintendent of Denver City Independent School District and still holds the position today.
Finding the Courage to Become Immeasurably More
“I think I need ACU more than it needs me.”
Before becoming a Wildcat in the fall of 2024, Martinez struggled with self-doubt. He knew he needed a program that aligned with his personal beliefs and professional goals, but the idea of becoming a doctoral student also made him nervous.
“It was something that I always wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure about the program,” Martinez said. “But I took a leap of faith and applied to ACU, and they accepted me.”
Since then, the experience has transformed how Martinez thinks about the work he already does every day.
“I had experience in leadership, but the leadership program with ACU has allowed me to explore that deeper, understand why and how to lead and what is the best way to navigate those challenges and move forward,” he said.
For Martinez, that growth has come through more than coursework. The faculty members and fellow students he has met have created a community where he feels challenged, encouraged and supported. “I am surrounded by great leaders and faculty in this program,” he said. “I have made so many friends, not just classmates, but friends.”
His relationships with faculty have also opened doors to research and publication. Martinez has collaborated with Dr. Butcher and Dr. Breaux, published an article about leading schools while under digital pressure and has contributed practitioner commentary connecting academic research with the everyday realities educational leaders face.
“The biggest thing is contributing to the literature and working with colleagues,” Martinez said.
Taking His Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Some of Martinez’s most memorable ACU experiences have taken him beyond his online coursework.
Through the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program, Martinez studied abroad in Oxford, England. While exploring the historical city of Oxford, Martinez was also able to present his research to other educators at the Oxford Round Table Symposium, an academic gathering that brings together educators, researchers and leaders from around the world.
Martinez also participated in an educational experience focused on the Civil Rights Movement and one of the most prominent figures in the movement, Attorney Fred Gray. Being able to speak with Attorney Gray was an eye-opener for Martinez and helped him realize that he wanted to do something meaningful for others.
He launched Being Their Ship, a nonprofit focused on shaping leaders and encouraging young leaders to recognize their ability to make a difference. Martinez uses four dimensions: Caring-Ship, Loving-Ship, Load-Ship and Being-There-Ship to connect, uplift and support educators and other leaders. He also has a podcast called “Being Their Ship with Rick Martinez” where he dives deeper into Being Their Ship, detailing his leadership, the challenges he’s faced in educational settings and the importance of creating a supportive environment for students and educators.
His passion for young people has also found its way onto the page. Martinez is now a children’s book author, creating stories that help young readers explore lessons surrounding courage, relationships and personal growth. One of his books includes an activity encouraging children to consider what courage means to them. Through the character Grandpa Jack, young readers are encouraged to approach moments like the first day of school or making a new friend with confidence.
Moving Forward With Purpose
He is content serving as a superintendent and hopes to continue conducting research, publishing and collaborating with others in the field of education and leadership. His ACU experience has also reinforced a lesson that reaches far beyond earning a degree: meaningful growth often begins by being willing to move forward before you have every answer.
“Just move forward and look for the good in every situation,” Martinez said.
It is an idea reflected throughout his own story. A career plan changed. A hesitant doctoral applicant took a leap of faith. A superintendent became a researcher and children’s author. An educational experience inspired the creation of a nonprofit. And through each new opportunity, Martinez continues to discover ways to lead and encourage others.
If you’re interested in taking your career to the next level or furthering your education, ACU’s online programs might be right for you. For more information about the online programs, visit our website.