Edna Martinez, associate vice president and administrator in charge of the Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus (PDC), has been selected by Excelencia in Education as one of nine distinguished higher education leaders for the 2025 Policy Fellowship.

The fellowship is designed to amplify the voices of Latino professionals in shaping national higher education policy, recognizing leaders working at institutions committed to Latino student success. They will draw from their campus-level expertise to explore national-level perspectives and engage with Excelencia’s policy agenda.

Their June kick-off event in Washington, D.C., involved meetings with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and Christopher McCaghren, U.S. Department of Education deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs, Office of Postsecondary Education. Fellows also took part in discussions about building their capacity to serve as advocates for intentionally serving Latino, and all, students in today’s environment, as policy at the national and state levels changes.

Martinez brings to this role a rich background in advancing access and equity. She has led PDC since Aug. 1, 2023, holding a tenured appointment in the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education.

In her role at PDC, Martinez has spearheaded efforts to deepen student support, oversee vital academic operations and guide strategic development – including the groundbreaking of a new Student Success Center aimed at expanding student support services in the Coachella Valley.

“This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to amplify the experiences of our students here in the Coachella Valley on a national stage,” said Martinez. “At the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive is at the heart of everything we do.”

About Excelencia in Education’s Policy Fellowship

Excelencia in Education is a national non-profit organization committed to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. The Policy Fellowship, part of their leadership and impact network, gathers leaders from institutions awarded the Seal of Excelencia to build a community of practice focused on influencing national policy through a Latino-centered lens.

About the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience in the Coachella Valley. With a focus on academic excellence and community engagement, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and the region.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Marketing and Communications at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.