Ouachita names Rachel Martinez Support Staff Member of the Year
April 25, 2025
- James TaylorRachel Martinez, office manager for Riley-Hickingbotham Library at Ouachita Baptist University, was honored as the university's 2025 Support Staff Member of the Year. Martinez received the award from Ouachita President Dr. Ben Sells during the annual Support Staff Outing held on April 16.
The award is presented each year to a member of the campus support staff who demonstrates excellence in work responsibilities, support for the university’s mission and positive engagement with students, coworkers and members of the public.
Martinez is in her 17th year serving at Ouachita and worked in Business Services for seven years before moving
to the library.
"Rachel is a vital member of the library team," said Dr. Anping Wu, professor and director of library services. "As her colleagues and student assistants will attest, Rachel's professionalism, dedication and integrity are apparent in all aspects of her work. She very capably handles a wide range of responsibilities, including acquiring library resources, fulfilling interlibrary loan requests, performing copy cataloging and managing the library's office."
"I'm extremely honored for the nomination from my coworkers and to be chosen for this award,” said Martinez. “I've been at Ouachita for almost 17 years and have loved every minute of it. I'm very grateful and blessed to be a part of the library and the Ouachita community."
Martinez is Ouachita’s 25th individual to receive the award, which began in 2001 to honor those who often serve behind the scenes. The winner receives a plaque, a reserved parking spot on campus and a cash prize.
“We’re grateful for Rachel’s positive contribution to the life of our academic community,” said Dr. Justin K. Hardin, vice president for academic affairs and professor of biblical studies. “She cheerfully and ably serves students and faculty in the Riley-Hickingbotham Library.”
For more information about Ouachita Baptist University, visit www.obu.edu or call (870) 245-5000.
Lead photo by Coleman Callan
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