Nancy Martinsen

Nancy Martinsen is the Associate Dean of Students. She leads the staff that powers the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center, Student Outreach and Engagement, and the Community Service Center. Additionally, her role supports shaping the strategic vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Student Affairs.  Prior to joining BU, Nancy spent 4.5 years at Cornell University in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as the Interim Senior Associate Dean of Students with oversight of the Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging. She has prior higher education experience in Admissions as well as Student Equity and Success. She has a strong commitment to social justice education, intersectional community building and student empowerment. 

Nancy is very proud to be from California. She received her B.A. in Human Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and Media Studies from California State University, Monterey Bay. She earned her M.A. in Education with a concentration in Counseling and Student Personnel at San Jose State University. In Fall 2017, she completed her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at San Francisco State University, her dissertation was titled “Supporting Pacific Islander Student Success in Higher Education through Culturally Sustaining Leadership.” Nancy loves embracing her Filipina culture, going on hikes during all seasons, and going to the Boston Library.