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News | September 11, 2025
Following 38 years of service to TROY, Patterson is honored by Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, during a football game last fall.
Barbara Patterson spent more than 38 years mentoring and guiding student leaders at Troy University through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, and now that legacy of service will continue through a scholarship named in her honor.
After her retirement from the University in 2024, Patterson was honored by friends and colleagues through the establishment of the Barbara Patterson Endowed Scholarship for Student Involvement. The scholarship will assist student leaders on the Troy Campus who are members of the Student Government Association, the National Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council or the University Activities Council.
The scholarships will be awarded for the academic year beginning in the fall and will be for one year only, though the recipients may reapply the following year. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Services.
“Everything Barbara has done through her service to the University has been for the betterment of students,” said Herb Reeves, Dean of Student Services. “She has been dedicated to developing young leaders whether that was through her work with the Student Government Association, Greek Life or other student organizations. She gave so much to so many during her time with the University and still does in a variety of ways. We felt this scholarship was an excellent way to continue her legacy and help deserving students continue to develop the leadership skills they will need following graduation.”
For former TROY student leaders, Patterson’s impact is one they have carried with them after graduation.
“Ms. Patterson not only impacted Troy University, but also every student that crossed her path. She is one of the main reasons that I remained involved in the Student Government Association for all of my four years at TROY,” said Betsy Bennett, a 2025 graduate who served as SGA President during the 2024-2025 academic year. “Ms. Patterson’s many years at TROY allowed her to impart so much knowledge about the school and its organizations’ histories, as well as valuable life lessons. If we ever had any questions, she was always the first person to ask, and she always had the right answer. She also allowed us to grow in our leadership abilities but remained a source of constant support when we fell short. I will always be grateful for being able to experience Troy University while Ms. Patterson was there.”
Gus McKenzie, Senior Director of Enrollment Services at TROY, served as SGA President in 2018-2019 and was President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity from 2017-2018, as well as holding other leadership positions before his graduation in 2019. He earned his master’s in strategic communication from TROY in 2023.
“There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude for Barbara Patterson,” McKenzie said. “Throughout my time as an undergraduate student at TROY, ‘BPatt’ was a constant. She was always there to encourage, no matter the circumstance. She poured into so many students on this campus and was instrumental in crafting people who would become leaders in their field. I am thankful to know Ms. Patterson, as are the many Trojans she impacted.”
Patterson said she was honored to have a scholarship that will help students succeed named in her honor.
“For many years I worked with the students who received the Excellence in Leadership scholarship. I was so impressed with the dedication of these students, many of whom who honored the name of the scholarship by serving in leadership roles on campus,” Patterson said. “Most of these students also worked part time jobs to pay for their education. Your support of TROY scholarships is vital to our students’ success. I am honored to have one of those scholarships named after me. Please honor our students with your donation”
Andy Ellis is the Director of Communications at Troy University.
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