Assistant Professor of Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics Jennifer Martinez-Medina has been named the recipient of the 2026 Renjen Prize for Faculty Excellence.
Established through a generous gift from Punit (MM’87) and Heather Renjen, the Renjen Prize recognizes the accomplishments of early career faculty members from Willamette College or the Atkinson Graduate School of Management, especially those whose work has been widely disseminated and garnered recognition in the public sphere. In addition to the recognition, recipients of the award are provided financial support for scholarly and creative projects.
Martinez-Medina arrived at Willamette University in 2023 after receiving her Ph.D. from Portland State University. Known for her commitment to experiential learning and community-based teaching and scholarship, Martinez-Medina has published her work in academic journals, news outlets, and policy publications. Her research engages public conversations around pressing issues such as immigration, environmental justice, and Latinx/o politics.
Students and faculty describe Martinez-Medina’s approach to teaching as authentic, innovative, and well-adapted to the needs of Willamette students. As a teacher, Martinez-Medina creates experiential, community-based learning opportunities for students — exemplifying Willamette’s commitment to preparing students to turn knowledge into action. She engages her students through inventive assignments, such as visual narratives, political poetry, and storytelling.
As a scholar, Martinez-Medina is “community-facing,” focusing on ways in which storytelling provides the connective tissue between education, community, and social change. She deploys a broad array of methodologies, analytic approaches, and modes of expression. From 2020-2023, Martinez-Medina served as a principal researcher on the Oregon COVID-19 Farmworker Study, a collaborative research project by a coalition of scholars, community organizations, and policy advocates.
Since joining Willamette’s faculty, Martinez-Medina has received a $20,000 Teaching Immigration Storytelling grant from the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs. She has also presented at major forums, including the Oregon Human Development Annual Farmworker Advocacy and Awards Luncheon and the La Raza NW Mental Health & Addictions Conference. Additionally, she organized a community discussion on farmworker health and environmental justice at Willamette University.
Punit Renjen presented the award to Martinez-Medina at an event on April 30, 2026.
About Punit Renjen MM'87
Born and raised in India, Punit Renjen is a 1987 graduate of the Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Through a career spanning more than 30 years, Renjen held numerous leadership roles within Deloitte. After serving as Deloitte’s Global CEO for 7 years, Renjen retired in 2022. In 2024, Renjen received the Lestle J. Sparks Medallion in recognition of his lifelong service to Willamette. He continues to bring his vision and leadership to Willamette University as a Life Trustee.
