Martin wins Chancellor award

Mr. Michael Martin, professor of communications and marketing and director of graphics, was announced as the 2013 recipient of ASU’s third annual Chancellor’s Colonel Rowan Award for Excellence in Execution on Tuesday morning, Feb. 26.


The Rowan Award signifies that the recipient is able to complete tasks efficiently and on time.


The name of the award comes from the story “A Message to Garcia” by Elbert Hubbard.

The story illustrates Col.  Andrew Rowan dedication when he was faced with delivering an urgent letter to General  Calixto Garcia, leader of an insurgent force against the Spanish in 1899 Cuba.


Rowan delivered the note successfully and capably.


That same precision and preparation is what  ASU has declared Martin to exhibit.


One of three candidates for the award, Martin was nominated by his office director, Preston Lewis. 

Martin said he was surprised with the  news. “Coming to work and doing the job is what it’s all about, and it’s very gratifying when that work is noticed,” said Martin.


Crystal Braden, chair staff of the senate, says that Martin has been operating his duties in seamless fashion for years. 

“The normal everyday duties and efficiencies are what’s important,” said Braden. “Since ASU underwent some changes recently, the way of doing things changed, and he went along with it. It takes quite a bit to do that.”


Candidates for the Rowan Award must demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

1) accomplish an objective quickly and efficiently with minimal oversight;

2) accept clearly communicated assignments with minimal instructions;

3) ask the right questions first, so they can seek precise answers;

4) prepare plans with goals, milestones and deadlines;

5) ask for resources or help when needed;

6) report back and show their work;

7) under-promise and over-deliver.


This was Martin’s first nomination for the Rowan Award.