About Us
Heather H. Martinez, Ph.D.
Associate Director
As the Associate Director of the Office of Community Engagement, Dr. Martinez is responsible for implementing new programs and advancing existing programs dedicated to serving communities and engaging Texas Tech faculty, staff and students in activities which improve communities. Prior to her current position, Dr. Martinez served as the Executive Director of the Elite Branding and Advocacy Group. Dr. Martinez has also held executive positions in the fields of economic development and medical outsourcing.
Dr. Martinez holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University, a Master of Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and obtained her Ph. D. in Higher Education at Texas Tech University. Her research interest focuses on the impact of culture on the college choice process and experience among minority female students.
Dr. Martinez is an alumna of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc, a member of the Hispanic Association of Women, and a member of the Texas Tech Latino Hispanic Faculty and Staff Association. She enjoys music, theatre, reading and vocal performance.
Sarah Shiver, M.Ed.
Section Coordinator, K-12 Outreach
As the section coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement, Sarah is responsible for coordinating outreach programs for grades K-12. These programs provide students an opportunity to access information and become active in the college process, in an effort to inspire students to desire higher education and view it as necessary and attainable.Before joining the Office of Community Engagement, Sarah worked as an elementary teacher in the Houston area for Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. Sarah taught second and fourth grade Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies.
Sarah lives with her husband, Scotty, their daughter and one dog. When not working, Sarah and her husband are actively involved in their daughter's extracurricular activities, outdoor sports and community events. Sarah holds a bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University and a Masters of Education in Technology Leadership from Lamar University.
Nicholas Cordes
Unit Coordinator, Special Event Planning and Programs
As the unit coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement, Nick is responsible for organizing and executing special events and programs for K-12 and Texas Tech University students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the local and surrounding communities. These programs help to support Texas Tech University's strategic commitment to outreach and engagement and create teaching and learning moments that inspire conversations about the value of higher education.Before joining the Office of Community Engagement, Nick was employed at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio where he served as a head coach for track and field. His experience in higher education provided him numerous opportunities to plan events, promote outreach and work with students on a regular basis.
Recently relocated to Lubbock, Nick and his wife Leigh have two dogs and a cat and are thrilled to be expecting their first child. Nick and Leigh enjoy swimming, biking and running and well as walking their dogs. Nick holds a Bachelor of Administration in Business Management from Ashland University and looks to begin work on his Master's degree this fall.