Patterson Named UT Tyler Interim Dean of Student Affairs

March 26, 2002

Dr. Howard Patterson will serve as the interim dean of student affairs and director of athletics at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Dale Lunsford, vice president for student affairs and external relations, has announced.

Dr. Lunsford was the previous dean of students until his appointment to vice president in October 2001. Dr. Patterson has been director of athletics and assistant dean of student affairs since August 2001.

"UT Tyler students will be well served by Dr. Patterson's education and experience in higher education administration. His commitment to excellence in all that he does is contagious. Student services, student life, the upcoming Patriot Center and intercollegiate athletics will benefit from his leadership. I enjoy working alongside Howard and am thankful to have him here at UT Tyler ," Dr. Lunsford said.

"No date has been set to begin a search for a dean of student affairs. The most prudent plan now is to ask Dr. Patterson to serve as interim dean and reconsider the timing of a search in a year or so," he added.

In addition to developing the university's new athletics program, Dr. Patterson will oversee student services, which include counseling, testing and career services, and student life, which includes student development, student activities and intramurals.

He also will be responsible for operating the Patriot Center, which is currently under construction. The 127,500 square-foot facility center will house classrooms, faculty offices, indoor jogging/walking track, exercise equipment, free weight area, gymnasium/convocation area with volleyball and basketball courts, raquetball courts and an outdoor pool.

Dr. Patterson came from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where he served as director of athletics for 11 years. As director there, he successfully restructured the Department of Athletics to develop staffing and budgeting improvements, directed all marketing and promotional fund-raising activities and managed 19 intercollegiate sports/clubs.

At Incarnate Word, Dr. Patterson also served as men's soccer coach and was inducted into the coach category of the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1996.

From 1973 to 1989, he was soccer coach at Midwestern State University and became acting director of athletics in 1982.

Dr. Patterson holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of North Texas, a master of science degree in education from Midwestern State University and a bachelor of science degree in physical eduation from Springfield College in Massachusetts.

For more information, contact Dr. Patterson at 566-7105.