Dr. Howard Patterson has been named the interim vice president for student affairs and external relations at The University of Texas at Tyler, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.
           
Effective June 9, Patterson will replace Dr. Dale Lunsford who in March was appointed president of LeTourneau University.
           
“The position is extremely important to the university, and I am very pleased that someone as capable and experienced as Dr. Patterson is willing to continue the strong stewardship and advocacy for students that have marked this position over the past several years,” said President Mabry.
           
“In addition, Dr. Patterson has a wealth of experience from his long tenures at both private and public universities in the past.”

The university will conduct a nationwide search to find a permanent replacement.

Patterson will oversee student affairs, enrollment management, athletics, academic advising, student success, residence life, news and information and governmental relations.

A member of the university administration since 2001, he currently serves as assistant vice president for student affairs. He came to UT Tyler as the assistant dean of student affairs and director of athletics with the primary goal of enhancing student life on campus by building a competitive NCAA Division III athletic program.
           
During his tenure, he has established a successful NCAA Division III athletics program featuring 13 men’s and women’s sports. Several of the teams hold American Southwest Conference championship titles.
           
Patterson also has managed the construction of almost $25 million in athletics facilities for the university.
           
Construction is underway on the new $15 million addition to the University Center. This 38,000 square-foot addition will house expanded dining facilities, sports café and meeting rooms.
           
Other projects include the upcoming renovation to the existing University Center designed to enhance student services.
           
Patterson holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas and has served at Midwestern University and the University of Incarnate Word prior to coming to UT Tyler.
           
One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of nearly 6,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.