Patterson named interim VP

Dr. Howard Patterson has been named the interim vice president for student affairs and external relations at The University of Texas at Tyler, President Rodney H. Mabr y announced.

Effective June 9, Patterson will replace Dr. Dale Lunsford who in March was appointed president of LeTourneau University.

"The position is extremely important to the university, and I am very pleased that someone as capable and experienced as Dr. Patterson is willing to continue the strong stewardship and advocacy for students that have marked this position over the past several years," said President Mabry.

The university will conduct a nationwide search to find a permanent replacement.

Patterson has been a resident of Whitehouse for almost six years and is currently serving his first term on the Whitehouse ISD school board.

As interim VP, Patterson will oversee student affairs, enrollment management, athletics, academic advising, student success, residence life, news and information and governmental relations.

A member of the university administration since 2001, he currently serves as assistant vice president for student affairs. He came to UT Tyler as the assistant dean of student affairs and director of athletics with the primary goal of enhancing student life on campus by building a competitive NCAA Division III athletic program.