‘Excellence Reimagined’: Historic University Propels Toward ‘Best in Class’
[RICHMOND – July 8, 2022] — Virginia Union University is announcing new leaders in its academic and administrative teams.
“Accomplished people build top-tier universities,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO. “Virginia Union University is welcoming experienced new leaders who make great things happen and who will help propel us toward our goal of becoming Best in Class.”
Dr. Franklin Patterson serves as Vice President of Administrative Services and Infrastructure Management. Previously, he served as Vice President for General Services and Technology at Bethune-Cookman University.
Patterson has worked in higher education for more than 30 years as a systems operator, programmer, information technology director, and vice president. He has held leadership positions at Johnson C. Smith University, Mount Union College, Southern University and A&M College and Bethune-Cookman University. He has provided oversight for the University’s core operations, including information technology, residential life, facilities management, dining services, public safety, transportation, risk management, performing arts center, and bookstore operations.
Dr. Patterson’s community engagement and volunteerism includes being a member of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), EDUCAUSE, National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), American Association of Higher Education (AAHE), AACRAO, UNCF CIO/CFO Roundtable, Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), and Academy of Management (AOM), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masons, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Johnson C. Smith University, a Master of Business Administration from Queens University of Charlotte and a Juris Doctorate from the Concord Law School at Purdue Global University.
“I will push for our facilities and technologies to represent Virginia Union in a manner that is appealing to our current community and potential students and families,” Patterson says. “It is crucial that we position the University operations to meet the challenges facing higher education and emerge even stronger!”