The University of North Florida named Karen Patterson as interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs effective Oct. 1.
Patterson will lead UNF’s academic affairs and oversee the university’s full-time faculty members and six colleges, according to a news release from the university.
“She is an exceptional, collaborative leader with a strong track record of championing faculty, a dedication to underserved students and a passion for academic excellence,” said UNF President David Szymanski in the release.
Patterson has been at UNF since 1999, most recently serving as the associate vice president for faculty development responsible for leading the Office of Faculty Enhancement. She also serves as co-chair of UNF’s Commission on Diversity & Inclusion.
Her professional experience includes teaching students with emotional and behavior disorders and autism in the Cleveland Public Schools.
Patterson’s research focuses on improving practices for underserved students, college students with disabilities, partnerships and parental involvement for students at risk for failure.
Born and raised on the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica, Patterson received her doctorate from Kent State University.
She replaces Simon Rhodes who had been serving in the position before stepping down because of a nonCOVID-19 medical issue, the university said.