Nancy Jean (Conrad) Martinez

Dr. Nancy Jean Conrad Martinez (March 25, 1944 - May 1, 2021), who was born in Corvallis, OR and grew up in in Ashland, OR- recently passed away.

Her passing marks the surest example- for those who knew her- of a true Christian who finished the course; who fought the good fight; who lived as Jesus Christ lived- by His example.

As a career academic, treading the halls of academe from her elementary-school years which began in 1949, through high-school, through completing a Ph.D in literature- Nancy was the only straight -A student I've ever known. Primarily selecting a rigorous double- major in mathematics and physics- hoping to work as a nuclear physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory after completing a doctorate in nuclear physics- her aspirations were cut short by professors who frowned on her accidental blowing up part of a Chem. Lab. They were so touchy about such things. She then switched her major to literature.

Nancy devoted her academic work across three co-related academic areas; teaching, administrative work, and research/writing.

Her college-teaching formally began at UNM in 1972- extending to 2020- covering 48 years. Her administrative work began in 1977 when she became a part-time instructor at the University of Albuquerque. A rising star as an administrator, Nancy became the Director of the Developmental Academic Program (DAP) in 1980; then she was promoted to the position of Dean of the College of General Studies (where she was my boss and she cut me no slack). She was soon named Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Unofficially, she became Interim-President when the University of Albuquerque was experiencing a radical shift in leadership from the out-going Dr. Frank Welch, a Methodist Minister, to the in-coming Norbertine Catholic priest, Father Alfred McBride. Her six months of transition keeping the university from falling apart became a nightmare- but she, with the assistance of resilient faculty, was successful.

Nancy's work output in research and writing was staggering (I know; I staggered through 40 years of nearly non-stop work which accommodated our teaching and administrative- work scheduled). Together, our 300+ publications over several different academic fields cover around 20 pages of vita.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Dr. Joseph G.R. Martinez; her cousin, Jeanette Benson (Brett); and her cousin, Dr. Jack Elder (Dr. Charlene Elder).

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bonnie Lewis Conrad; her father, 1st Lieutenant (and Acting Captain), Warren G. Conrad- a hero in World War II - in the Battle of the Bulge. Honored for bravery in battle, Captain Conrad was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor, and was nominated for the Medal of Honor; her grandfather, Chester Leon Lewis, and grandmother, Ella Mae Bryant Lewis; and uncle, Lowell and aunt, Mildred Ager, uncle, Gilbert and aunt, Ellen Elder.

Given the scourge of the pandemic and the social restrictions necessary to counter its spread, there will be no funeral; interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery will be scheduled. Being a life-long animal-rights activist, Nancy hopes that- in lieu of flowers, people will send any donations to ASPCA, NWF, or Guiding Eyes for the Blind, or any animal-rescue organization. Any and all messages concerning Dr. Martinez can be sent to her husband, Dr. Joseph G.R. Martinez, at josephgrm@msn.com, or at jomart@unm.edu.