Jesus Martinez Marquez

After earning his Associate of Arts degree, Jesus’s path wasn’t exactly linear; it was shaped by years of blue-collar work, stacks of books, and a handful of moves. Born in the historic mountain town of Leadville, Colorado, he’s called places such as Colorado Springs, Cheyenne, and San Antonio home, but the lack of mountain views eventually drew him back home.

Over the years, Jesus worked as both an electrician and a miner, hands-on, demanding jobs that shaped his work ethic and perspective. Through persistence and a deep love of learning, he carved out a path that ultimately led him to CU Nursing.

His passion for reading started early, thanks to his grandmother, who never hesitated to encourage his curiosity, even when money was tight, there was always a new book in hand. That early spark grew into a lifelong commitment to learning

Jesus is an avid reader, dedicated gamer (he’s convinced he’s unbeatable at Mario Kart), and a huge Mac Miller fan. Ask him about his tattoos and he’ll gladly show you.

What began as a temporary role in higher education turned into a calling. Helping others and supporting students became more than just a job; it became a source of fulfillment and purpose. For Jesus, being part of someone else's journey is what keeps him inspired every day.