VUU Alumna Patricia Green Rodgers: From Sociology to Social Justice Through Art

February 25, 2025

Virginia Union University (VUU) 1974 alumna Patricia Green Rodgers credits her college days with shaping the leader she is today. Recently featured in Black Enterprise, Patricia’s story highlights her unique journey as the founder of The Patricia Green Group, based in Littlestown, PA. Her work weaves sociology, social work, and public relations into award-winning campaigns with a distinctive artistic flair. 

  

Though Patricia didn’t initially see her story as unique, she always knew she was different. Graduating from Armstrong High School in 1967, she dreamed of moving to Paris to study art. However, her parents, concerned for her safety, encouraged her to attend Virginia Union University instead. At the time, VUU didn’t offer an art major, leading Patricia to put aside her artistic aspirations and pursue sociology. She believed sociology would allow her imagination to make a meaningful social impact. 

  

“Though I grew up in Richmond’s segregated system, I saw the world as a cultural mosaic, where people and their differences deserved respect. My artist self never left me,' Green said. 

  

"Art is how I think and feel—it doesn’t have to match my couch. It’s a poster with a social message that strikes an emotional chord. Art is a catalyst for social change, and it lives in me, wherever I am." 

  

Art was Patricia’s solace as a child, helping her navigate the harsh realities of segregation. Her time at VUU despite lacking an art program, deepened her understanding of cultural storytelling and social justice. Two professors, Dr. John Marcus Ellison, VUU’s first African American president, and Nina Abady, played pivotal roles in her journey. They encouraged her to embrace opportunities beyond societal expectations, which helped her explore how art and social justice intersect. 

“Being different and coloring outside the lines can make people uncomfortable because it forces them to confront their own lack of authenticity,” Green said. 

  

Recognizing her uniqueness, Nina Abady selected Patricia for a one-month student delegation to study Navajo and Hopi cultures in Durango, Colorado.  

  

This experience, enriched by the art and history of Native American communities, led Patricia to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work, with a full scholarship, and specializing in community organization and social planning. 

Patricia took on challenging field placements, such as in Surry County, Virginia, where schools were still segregated despite federal Civil Rights legislation. The local Black high school lacked a gym, so Patricia wrote a recreation proposal advocating for all children in the county. It was approved, and the resulting recreation center stands today as a testament to her dedication and courage. 

“I do what I’m called to do by a higher power. It’s my reason for being here,” Green said. After earning her MSW, Patricia returned to VUU as Assistant Director of Urban Studies, later becoming Director. She also taught Urban Studies fieldwork, where a student’s question inspired her to pursue public relations. Frustrated by the biased narratives in Richmond’s mainstream media, the student asked how to highlight positive stories about Black communities. Patricia didn’t have an answer but committed to finding one. 

  

This determination led her to American University’s Public Relations program, where she discovered how to merge sociology, social work, and public relations into campaigns that inspire change. 

  

Green’s work spans sectors and audiences—from leading a juvenile justice program for the National Council of Negro Women to organizing trade missions to the UK for Black women entrepreneurs. She served as a publicist for Dr. Donda West, mother of Kanye West, and created unique experiences like weekend gatherings in Gettysburg for Black women and couples. Her mission remains steadfast: to build bridges across differences and promote goodwill outcomes to diverse audiences. 

However, today’s political climate fuels Patricia’s determination to do even more. 

  

“I’m concerned about the future of DEI initiatives, especially federal contracts, and their impact on Black businesses,” she shared. 

  

Still, she finds hope in the strength of sisterhood, crediting Melanie Campbell, President of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and LaTosha Brown, Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter, as two Black women she deeply admires. 

  

“I remain hopeful because I stood on the shoulders of greatness when I was young. That’s my hope for the new generation of VUU students. Alumni have the gifts to be role models and serve in ways that show God’s love,” Green said. “In hindsight, I’m grateful my parents said no to Paris and art school. God had another plan for me, and it began at Virginia Union University.”