In December 2023, ENS Luis Martinez, USN crossed the stage as a proud Texas Tech University graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences. A few short years later, he is working toward trading his cap and gown for a flight suit, as he embarks on the rigorous path to becoming a U.S. Navy fighter jet pilot, a journey fueled by Red Raider spirit, resilience, and a passion for service. 
Growing up in a military household, Luis spent his early years overseas in Japan before completing high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a high school student, Luis would often visit his sister, who was a student at Texas Tech and graduated in 2016.  

“I saw my sister enjoying campus life at Texas Tech,” Luis said. “I always thought about how I could see myself there, too."

Luis’s Red Raider journey began in 2019 when he enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences as a biology major with a minor in psychology, and the college quickly became his academic anchor.  

“I’ve always loved science, especially biology and physics,” Luis said. “My professors within Arts and Sciences really pushed me to grow.”

Luis noted that one of his most memorable mentors was Jorge Iber, PhD, Professor and Interim Vice President of Campus Access & Engagement in the department of History. Luis said he shares Hispanic heritage and passion for learning with Dr. Iber, which gave him a foundation of support during his transition into college.  

“He made me realize that asking for help was okay and solidified the fact that professors really do want us to succeed,” Luis said. “Dr. Iber truly made me feel so confident in my ability to speak up for myself.”

Dr. Iber became part of the Texas Tech family in the fall of 1997. Nearly three decades later, he continues to emphasize one key message for students: the importance of striving to be responsible, productive citizens who contribute meaningfully to both society and the economy, while working diligently to achieve their career goals.

“I’m especially passionate about working with first-generation students, because I am one myself,” Dr. Iber expressed. “Earning a degree has the power to transform not only a student’s future, but also the social and economic trajectory of their family and, in many cases, their broader community. Whether it’s serving in the military, like Mr. Martinez, contributing to our nation’s defense, starting or strengthening a business, or teaching the next generation, success in higher education creates ripples of impact far beyond the individual. That’s really what this work is all about.”

Like many students, Luis’s college journey was shaped by the unexpected disruption of COVID-19. His freshman spring semester shifted online, forcing him to adapt to virtual learning. That resilience carried him through to graduation in December 2023, when he proudly earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology.

Today, Luis is serving as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Navy, currently training in Pensacola, Florida.  

“Right now, I’m in the academic phase of flight school, learning about aerodynamics, engines, fuels, and weather before moving into the flying portion,” Luis said. “After I complete the flying portion, I will earn my flight suit.”

Luis said that his future career goals will require hard work, grit, and perseverance, which are just a few of the things he says he learned as an Arts and Sciences student.

“At Tech, I learned to be truthful, to work hard, and to strive for honor,” Luis said “Those same values are the foundation of my military life. I hope to one day fly an F18 Horn Super Hornet fighter jet or an E18 Growler, and to do that I will have to be at the top of my class.” 
Luis also carries on a family legacy: his father, a lieutenant commander, is currently serving aboard the USS Nimitz.  

“He went the enlisted route, and I went the officer route,” Luis said. “Hopefully one day, we’ll cross paths out in the fleet.”

Whether flying jets, serving in aviation physiology, or mentoring future recruits, Luis plans to continue growing as both a leader and a learner. He even hopes to return to school for a doctorate someday.

For him, Arts and Sciences wasn’t just his home while at Texas Tech, it was the launchpad for a life of service.  

“The College of Arts and Sciences prepared me for more than a career,” Luis said. “It prepared me to be the best version of myself, and I’ll always carry Raiderland with me, wherever I go.”