Patten, a native of Sewanee (SAS ‘99), holds a B.S. in physics from Davidson College, an M.A. in economics from Duke University, an M.S. in strategic management from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Virginia. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor at Centre College in Danville, KY, where she received the Kirk Award for Teaching Excellence. She has taught a variety of core and elective courses at all levels and introduced several new courses for majors and non-majors. Her research focuses on education policy, including identifying strategies for retaining effective teachers in high-need schools and addressing the root problems of “childcare deserts.” She also researches methods to enhance her teaching, such as exploring how individuals with diverse identities or values may struggle to relate to basic economic models. Patten involves students in her research, inviting them to give conference presentations and co-author articles. At Centre, she was involved in many service roles, including chairing the College Council, department chair, and leading strategic initiatives. She was active in the Danville community, engaging students in projects through community-based learning courses, serving on local and state boards, facilitating leadership and strategic planning workshops, and securing substantial funding to support early childhood care and education. Her husband, Joe, will teach physics and coach cross-country and track at SAS. They have two young children.
