Jacob Patrick comes to UT Permian Basin from Oklahoma. He’s serving the campus as the new Assistant Director of Student Life. We had the chance to chat with Jacob recently and found his job is much more than throwing pizza parties. Here’s what we learned:
Q1: Tell us about your educational and professional background.
I am a first generation college student from Elizabeth, Colorado. I earned by B.A. in History with a double minor in Communication and Entrepreneurship at McPherson College in Kansas. While at McPherson, I was an active undergrad who worked in multiple offices on campus, revamped the college’s orientation with a faculty member, and served two consecutive terms as student body president. After graduating in 2014, I moved onto Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS where I earned my M.S. Ed. with a specialization in Higher Education Student Affairs. After graduating in 2016, I moved on to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to serve as the Coordinator of Orientation and Community Engagement.
Q2: What will you be doing at UT Permian Basin?
I’m the Assistant Director of Student Life. I’m in charge of events like Welcome Week, Homecoming, Falconpalooza, and Club Days. Aside from that, I’ll work on orientation programs and advising the Campus Activities Board.
Q3: What do you love most about the role you play with students/staff/faculty?
I love working with students during their transition in and out of the university. My major focuses in my work are to help students discover their passions, gain new skills, and make connections that benefit them in both their college and lifetime careers. When it comes to working with faculty and staff, my favorite thing is bringing theory into practice to accomplish student success.
Q4: How can students, faculty and staff take advantage of your expertise?
I would love for people to know that while on the surface, our programs are fun, they do serve a much deeper purpose. That means I’m not just the ‘pizza party guy.’ I also have expertise in training and facilitation techniques, communication approaches, conflict and relationship management, and creativity and innovation practices. I’m helping students navigate their way into the real world and be successful at it. I’m a first generation college student. My door is always open to anyone who may be having a hard time navigating through higher education and life. My training helps you through college while having the time of your life.
