By Marlee Jackson

Dr. Paul Patterson has held countless conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni and stakeholders during his tenure at Auburn University (AU). As College of Agriculture dean and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES), he's not just heard their concerns.

He's listened.

Patterson has used feedback to improve AU's agricultural programs while strengthening trust with groups such as the Alabama Farmers Federation. For that impact, he received the Federation's Service to Agriculture Award Dec. 9 during the group's annual meeting in Montgomery.

"Auburn needed Paul Patterson," said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. "Dr. Patterson has not shied away from resolving real challenges at Auburn and in agriculture. We are proud of the changes he has made to help farmers in this state. Because of his leadership, I am convinced Auburn agriculture is better today than it was a decade ago."

Patterson has long called Auburn's Ag Hill home. He spent much of his childhood in Comer Hall visiting his father, faculty member R.M. Patterson. As an undergraduate studying agricultural business and economics, Patterson formed friendships with fellow students, including current Federation leaders, that have lasted decades.

"I have always felt supported by those from the Farmers Federation," Patterson said. "What's valuable is honesty."

He paused. Following his trademark contemplation, Patterson added, "That's invaluable."

Dr. Paul Patterson

Patterson, who has a master's degree and doctorate from Purdue University, returned to AU as associate dean for instruction in 2009. He became dean and director in 2016.

He has since balanced the land-grant university mission of preparing students for successful careers while prioritizing research critical to farmers' success.

Patterson said his work has been gratifying, particularly as interactions with students have transcended their transition to alumni. Many former students mentor undergraduates, serve on the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club board and recruit current students at career fairs.

Alumni have also helped Patterson tackle daunting projects to elevate agriculture across the university. Major victories include constructing the Charles C. Miller Poultry Research and Education Center; creating new academic programs such as an agriscience degree to meet evolving industry needs; and breaking ground on AU's largest and most high-tech academic and research facility, the STEM + Ag Sciences Complex.

Patterson has used a quiet confidence, refreshing humility and Auburn Creed-worthy "spirit that is not afraid" to create a healthy faculty culture. Following retirements, he's hired energetic employees who are building thriving programs and breaking records for research funding and graduate student enrollment.

He's also raised the visibility of the College of Agriculture and AAES with administration, legislators and industry leaders. Recent successes include selling unused AAES properties to fund the first new experiment station in decades and revitalize older stations.

Patterson's chapter as dean closes in December as he and wife Louisa move closer to their adult children and grandchildren.

Till then, a wall in his Comer Hall office will continue to display a feed sack bearing the orange and blue AAES logo. The wall hanging was his late father's - a tangible reminder of life lessons learned from the elder Patterson.

"I think about things my father taught me, like 'You always want to leave a place better than you found it,'" Patterson said. "If this award recognizes that, I really am honored."

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