The University of North Florida on April 13 named Karen B. Patterson as provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Patterson was named interim provost and vice president Sept. 20, UNF said in a news release. She will begin her new role April 17.
The university said Patterson is responsible for overseeing an integrated academic affairs, student affairs and enrollment management structure.
The position is part of UNF President David Szymanski’s senior leadership team.
“Dr. Patterson has proven her ability to be a highly collaborative and outstanding leader and the University is fortunate to have her as its provost,” Szymanski said in a news release.
“She has been extremely successful in her decisive leadership and dedicated commitment to diversity, access and equity within the campus community and continues to create a highly engaging environment for our Osprey faculty, staff and students.”
Patterson co-chairs UNF’s Commission on Diversity & Inclusion. She is a former chair of the Department of Exceptional, Deaf, and Interpreter Education, and is an Outstanding Teaching Award recipient.
Patterson started at UNF in 1999, serving in roles that include associate vice president for faculty development responsible for leading the Office of Faculty Enhancement and as dean of undergraduate studies and associate vice president for faculty resources.
Her research focuses on improving practices for underserved students, college students with disabilities, collaborative partnerships and parental involvement for students at risk for failure.
Patterson received her doctorate and bachelor’s from Kent State University.