Ed Martin remembered

by Sharon Shields

Ed Martin was a legend at this University and in this community. He was a person who devoted his life to serving others through his teaching, his coaching and his service to the community. I have appreciated his wisdom, his care for students and his advice.

One of the most important lessons I learned from him was how to frame everything in life from the vantage point of service. Ed served students, he served athletes, he served children in poverty, he served persons with disabilities, he served his family, he served several institutions of higher education, he served his community.

When Ed came to Vanderbilt, his first arena of service was in the Department of Athletics. It was not long, however, before his commitment to service was integrated into the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Peabody. Ed developed the "Values and Community Service" course which moved students into the community, providing thousands of hours of community service. His service influenced his teaching and his teaching created opportunities for students to become better citizens in their community through service to others.

Students loved Ed Martin because he took time to listen to them, he was genuine in his conversations with them, and they knew he loved and cared for them. And those relationships lasted long after students graduated. Ed was constantly on the phone with former players and students. He had a wonderful sense of humor and the biggest heart ever.

Ed lived a life of service and established a course that remains in our curriculum today. The course teaches students the values of being a citizen of compassion, the values of justice and the importance of civic engagement. The examples of his life and teachings have made a difference for all of us.

Sharon Shields is a professor of health promotions and education at Peabody College.