Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is thrilled to congratulate Robert Martin, SCC’s Exercise Science, Personal Training, and Nutrition Program Director, on being named the 2025 Arthur W. DeCabooter Outstanding Educator of the Year, at the 38th Annual Scottsdale Charros Education Banquet April 25! This special recognition celebrates his dedication to students, colleagues, and the entire SCC community, reflecting his genuine love for teaching and strong commitment to helping others.
Martin admits he was caught entirely off guard by receiving the award. "I was pretty shocked!" he says. "After the shock wore off, I felt very humbled and honored to have this recognition from my peers. This shows me that my peers see the work I'm doing to support our students and make our campus, as well as the community, a better place. What an honor to be recognized in this way!"
Martin’s classroom is known for its engaging blend of interactive lectures and hands-on activities. He brings energy and passion to his lessons, driven by his belief that what students learn can truly change their lives for the better. One of his signature classroom practices is learning every student's name early in the semester – and if he doesn't, students earn extra credit. He also makes a point to proactively support any students who find the coursework particularly challenging, highlighting his genuine care and commitment.
When asked to share some proud moments from his time at SCC, Martin couldn’t pick just one – he enthusiastically mentioned three impactful projects:
- Artie's FIT Market: Martin was instrumental in launching SCC’s student food pantry. This valuable resource tackles student hunger directly, ensuring students have access to nutritious food.
- Artie's Farmers Market: He helped establish this campus-wide partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank to provide fresh produce and healthier food options. The market has quickly become a cherished campus tradition.
- Forever Fit Program: Martin heads this innovative wellness initiative for seniors, created in partnership with HonorHealth, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and the Scottsdale Senior Center. Through this program, students gain real-world experience while helping seniors improve their health and quality of life. This project embodies Martin’s commitment to meaningful, community-focused education.
While he is proud of these projects, Martin says the most rewarding teaching experiences come when students trust him enough to mentor their personal and professional growth. Seeing former students move on to graduate studies or launch successful careers is deeply fulfilling for him.
So, what keeps Martin enthusiastic about teaching year after year? "I am motivated to teach because I love it!" he explains. "I really love getting to know the students and teaching them a topic that has relevance to every single student's life. For me, helping others is professional gold, and teaching is one way I can get that fulfillment."
Looking ahead, Martin is excited to continue growing projects like Forever Fit and Artie's Farmers Market. He’s also eager to explore new opportunities through his involvement with SCC’s Health & Wellness Committee and Blue Zones initiatives, hoping to involve even more SCC community members to expand their collective impact.
Martin offers heartfelt advice for students and fellow educators alike: "Follow your passion to find your purpose," he encourages. "I am truly blessed to find both together in an amazing working environment like SCC. I encourage students to follow this same path because you will have greater professional fulfillment and meaning in the end."
He also expressed his gratitude to his fellow faculty and staff, saying, “I wouldn't be receiving this honor without their support.”
Congratulations again to Robert Martin – SCC’s 2025 Faculty of the Year! Thank you for all that you do to make our community a happier and healthier place.
Learn more about SCC’s Exercise Science, Personal Training and Nutrition programs.