Dr. Patterson is a high- profile innovator and thought leader across United Methodism, and in the community. She has preached in United Methodist pulpits nationally and internationally and pastored large, small, old and new congregations.
Dr. Patterson has infused innovation into the ministry of United Methodists across the nation as a prolific author of nine books, and countless articles. Her most recent book on self-leadership has been taught in leadership classes at the seminary level and in the training of hospital executives and law enforcement top brass.
Nationally she has served her denomination as a member of the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, and as a Communicator for the United Methodist Women (then in New York). Within the North Texas Annual Conference, she chaired the Local Church Concerns Committee, and served on the Dallas South district board of ordained ministry. For seven years she led digital innovation at the North Texas Annual Conference as Director of Communications for the North Texas Annual conference.
In the community Dr. Patterson served as a director on the board of Methodist Health Systems of Dallas and ensured that the lowest and the least were cared for. Currently she is Vice President of the Perkins School of Theology Executive Board, an Adjunct Professor at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and is Vice President of the Black Clergy of North Texas. Dr.Patterson is in her third term as the first African American clergywoman to serve as trustee of Southern Methodist University and Vice President of the Black Clergy of North Texas.
Dr. Patterson is a 13-year survivor of breast cancer. She turned her diagnosis into a Dallas-wide health education event. In partnership with Methodist Health systems she created “The Patterson Pledge” that encouraged women to take responsibility of their health. She raised thousands of dollars to provide free mammograms for low income women by gathering other breast cancer survivors and building Habitat for Humanity homes.
She holds degrees from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, TX. Dr. Patterson and her husband, Robert, have been married 35 years and are the parents of two adult children.