Patterson earns TJC appointment

Dr. Howard Patterson was recently appointed the next vice president for student affairs and external relations at The University of Texas at Tyler, President Rodney H. Mabr y announced.

Patterson, who has served as interim vice president since July 2007, succeeds Dr. Dale Lunsford who is the current president at LeTourneau University.

Patterson also serves on the Whitehouse ISD board of trusstees.

One of four finalists, Patterson was chosen from a pool of 73 applicants from across the nation.

"Dr. Patterson will be a great asset to our administration. The expertise and institutional knowledge that he brings to the position will help us remain on course as we continue to enhance student affairs through existing programs and the development of new ones," President Mabry said.

Patterson comes to the position after serving as assistant vice president for student affairs and external relations/athletic director since 2006. He has been with the university for seven years.

"I am excited that the process is over and that we can move forward and continue to enhance programs and services for our students. UT Tyler is a phenomenal place with outstanding students, faculty and staff, and it is my goal to work with all three groups to help insure the success of our students and to make UT Tyler a destination campus," said Patterson.

Under Patterson's leadership, student affairs established a nationally-recognized NCAA Division III athletic program, which consists of 15 men's and women's sports. The teams have captured 15 conference titles and one national title for having the best athletic service program nationwide in its division.

During his tenure at UT Tyler he oversaw and coordinated many of the current stu- dent affairs enhancements, including the design and construction of the 127,000 squarefoot Herrington Patriot Center and Citizens 1st Bank/Perkins Soccer Complex, as well as the Summers Tennis Center renovation.