FIYou: Valerie Patterson ’81, MS ’85, Ph.D. ’95

Name: Valerie Patterson ’81, MS ’85, Ph.D. ’95

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Job Title/Department: Clinical Associate Professor, Public Administration

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I teach undergraduate and graduate students, serve on university committees and present at symposia and conferences. I also serve on local community boards, task forces and committees, as well as nationally in the editorial board for Public Voices, a unique journal that focuses on historical, artistic public administrators and the public service.

Number of years at FIU: Fifteen years as an employee, 12 as a student completing three degrees. I first became an FIU student in 1977, so there was an employee/doctoral student overlap from August 1994-August ’95.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The multiple opportunities and venues that exist for challenging prevailing orthodoxy. I also enjoy exposure to students and colleagues who are generating knowledge and new ideas in the classroom and the surrounding environment. What I enjoy the most is witnessing the graduation ceremonies of my students.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

That we educate students who are committed to public service and improving the performance of government organizations at the local, state, national and global levels.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The entrance on 107^th and 16^th because it always triggers myriad emotions – hope, excitement, dread, wonder, angst, nostalgia…and also because it is a portal to endless opportunities.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

That it serves as a catalyst for extraordinary events every day.

Family snapshot:

My spouse, A.J. Abdul-Hakeem. My daughters, Yaasmeen, Emahn ’05. My nephew Jairus ’13. My mother Shirley J. McLean. And my son-in-law Juan Sanchez ’09.

Word that best describes you: Eclectic.

First paying job: Pharmacy tech at Grand Drugs in Coconut Grove circa 1972.

Favorite TV show: Unsung.

What is playing on your iPod?

Well, I just received my first iPod as a birthday gift in October and I’m learning how to synchronize! I’m currently listening to Bootsy Collins, Dwele, Kardinal Offishall, Bahamadia, Raheem Davaughn, Mos Def, Bilal and Bob Dylan.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Being a dedicated spouse/mother/daughter/aunt/Panther.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I have been working with textiles and fibers since high school and most recently collectible beads. When I’m not teaching I enjoy spending time developing my skills as a multimedia artist. I also participate in several community revitalization initiatives.