For almost two decades, Josh Martino has been an integral part of Jacksonville University’s community, lending his vision and leadership to a campus he describes as “truly unique and special.” On May 1, Martino’s commitment to education and community throughout Northeast Florida will be recognized when he receives the prestigious OneJax Humanitarian Award.
Martino’s connection to Jacksonville University began in 2006 through an athletic sponsorship with Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, where he serves as president and CEO. Over time, his involvement deepened. “For the last 20-plus years, every time I’m on campus at JU, it’s the same. You see growth, you see potential, you see opportunity and then you just see happiness from the students who are getting so much of that out of their education,” he said. “JU has always had a profound sense of community and it’s impossible not to be inspired by it.”
That inspiration transformed into action when Martino spearheaded the creation of a scholarship program that reallocates athletic sponsorship funds to support underserved students from Jacksonville’s KIPP schools and Tiger Academy. His vision was clear. “We wanted to keep talented people from underserved communities here in Jacksonville and give them the opportunity to attend one of the city’s preeminent universities.”
The program has since grown into an endowment with the support of JU’s Davis College of Business & Technology, along with other partners, ensuring that financial barriers no longer prevent deserving students from accessing a life-changing education. “It started as a whimsical idea, but JU’s leadership was open-minded enough to bring it to life,” said Martino.
Martino’s passion for education extends to his role on the Cost Honors College Executive
Council, a position he assumed in early 2024. He cherishes opportunities to mentor
students, often speaking on panels and engaging directly with the campus community.
“The thank-you notes I receive from students are among my most treasured possessions,”
he shared. “Knowing that something I said resonated with them is incredibly rewarding.”
Receiving the OneJax Humanitarian Award is a testament to Martino’s impact both on
and off campus. “I was humbled to be recognized alongside civil rights leaders and
others I deeply admire,” he said. “This award isn’t about me — it’s about fulfilling
a duty to those who’ve given me opportunities to serve and paying it forward.”
For Martino, the recognition serves as motivation to continue his work. Whether it’s mentoring students, fostering scholarships or collaborating on innovative initiatives, his dedication to Jacksonville University remains steadfast. “JU has given me so much,” he said. “It’s an honor to contribute to a place that creates such lasting, positive change.”
