About • Academics • Admissions • Student Life • Campus Resources • News & Events
About the Director of the Coretta Scott King Center
PAST
“It is quite fitting that another small town Alabama girl with dreams of making a big difference would find herself at Antioch College 55 years later. Like Coretta Scott King, I was born in Alabama but we certainly lived in parallel universes. I am humbled and honored to serve as the Director of the Coretta Scott King Center for Cultural and Intellectual Freedom because I feel personally connected to the sacrifices that were made by Coretta Scott King and others so that I might have this opportunity. “
PRESENT
“This journey towards the true realization of “freedom” is like a relay race. I feel as though I have been handed the baton and it is now my time to run. My leg of the race is about more than just doing my best to advocate for equity and freedom across differences but also a chance to develop the next generation who will be charged with the awesome responsibility of continuing the journey. I have to teach with passion about those things that were taught to me so that the next generation will “feel” empowered and compelled to build on the foundation of cultural and intellectual freedom inspired by Coretta Scott King.”
VISION
“I envision a Coretta Scott King Center that will seek to help heal what is broken in this world. Diligence and Perseverance are the keys to progress in my opinion. I am an eternal optimist who has learned the art of practical thinking. My task in this role is great but greater still is need for those who believe in freedom. As I walked into the office this first day, I whispered a little prayer and welcomed the peaceful spirit of Coretta Scott King to walk with me.”
Dr. Dana Murray Patterson is originally from Tuskegee, Alabama and most recently from Pullman Washington where she completed her PhD in Higher Education Administration from Washington State University. During her tenure at WSU, Patterson served as the Director of the Talmadge Anderson Heritage House and a member of the Board of Directors for the Office of the Vice President for Equity and Diversity. With an extensive background in Student Affairs and Diversity Education from major Colleges and Universities across the country, Patterson brings ten years of combined professional experience in Higher Education including judicial affairs. Patterson completed her B.A. in Social Science at Berea College, in Berea Kentucky (1992) and her M.A. in Student Personnel Services in Higher Education at Eastern Kentucky University located in Richmond, Kentucky (1998). Dana Patterson considers it both an honor and a privilege to serve as the new Director of the Coretta Scott King Center.