A Passion for Positive Impact

Jazzmyn Martin makes the trek each day from Elm Creek, NE to the UNK campus to come to a job she loves. Completing her own Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Student Affairs, she knew she wanted to work at UNK and help other students pursue their educational goals. As a full-time employee, mom of two, and wife, Martin keeps herself busy.

Drawing from the inspiration of her own experience as a student at UNK, Martin wants to positively impact students the same way her professors and advisors have done. Martin now serves at the Spanish Education and Art Education Online Program Coordinator. In this role, she seeks to help students navigate from shopping for schools to enrolling for classes, all while being their best advocate and maintaining her own busy schedule. Filling the position at UNK in 2018, she shares her passion and drive to connect students with the right program that fits their educational goals.

How did you become interested in the online Spanish and Art Education programs?

The Online MAE in Spanish Education and Online MAE in Art Education interested me because I have a passion for education. I’ve had so many professors and advisors that encouraged me while completing my Master’s in Student Affairs, and I wanted to turn around and be that encourager for someone else along their educational journey.  

What is your role in UNK’s online Spanish and Art Education programs?

My role as Online Program Coordinator for the Spanish Education and Art Education programs is to be a support system for the students. When students have questions surrounding application requirements, program requirements, curriculum, advising, etc., I am the one they can ask and we can work together to help them decide what fits best with their academic and career goals.  

What approach do you take in helping students?

I focus on the student as whole person, not just as a student in the program or potential student in the program.  Many of our students have many outside commitments (full time work, family, etc.) that they are balancing while pursuing their Master’s. I try to keep this in mind when working with students and deciding which program fits best with their professional and personal life. When advising I keep in mind all the outside commitments the student is balancing while helping them plan out their academic schedules.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

The most gratifying part of my job is seeing how passionate the MAE Art Education and MAE Spanish Education students are. Almost every student I speak with wants to improve their education, so they can turn around and pour knowledge into their students and it is beautiful to see the cycle. I love being a part of this process and helping students pursue the right program that will enhance their own education and their current or future students’ education.

What is the most interesting thing in your office?

My desk drum-set. I used to play the drums for leisure and decided it would be a great distraction for those who are stepping into my office. It’s always fun to watch people’s reactions when they see it. Some shyly stare at it and eventually ask me if they can play with it and some don’t hold back and automatically starting drumming away with the little drum sticks.

Learn more about the online M.A.E. in Spanish Education or the M.A.E. in Art Education at UNK, or contact us at ecampus@unk.edu or 1.800.865.6388.