Emily Patton: from athlete to academic leader

Emily Patton at the University of Mary Athletics

High school and early athletic career

Emily Patton’s journey into collegiate athletics began with a strong foundation built during her high school years. Hailing from Mauston, Wisconsin, she was a standout multi-sport athlete. Her dedication and versatility were evident in her earning of ten varsity letters across a range of sports. These included tennis, volleyball, hockey, and soccer. This broad athletic experience not only honed her physical skills but also instilled valuable teamwork and competitive spirit, preparing her for the demands of collegiate sports. Her early success suggested a promising future in athletics, a path she would soon explore at the university level.

Career statistics and personal data

During her freshman year in 2021, Emily Patton joined the University of Mary as a member of the women’s tennis team. While she was part of the roster, it’s noted that she did not compete during the 2021 season. This period likely served as an introduction to the collegiate athletic environment and team dynamics. As a student-athlete, Emily is pursuing a rigorous academic path, aiming for a double major in Accounting and Business Administration. Complementing her core studies, she is also minoring in Banking and Financial Services. This academic focus highlights her ambition and commitment to developing a strong professional foundation alongside her athletic pursuits. Her personal data indicates she is originally from Poland, Ohio.

Emily Patton at Virginia Tech: academic support for athletes

Role as Associate Director and responsibilities

At Virginia Tech, Emily Patton has transitioned into a pivotal role within the athletic department, serving as an Associate Director in Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS). In this capacity, her primary responsibility is the academic oversight of the football program. This demanding position requires her to guide and support football student-athletes in navigating their academic coursework, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements while balancing the rigorous demands of their sport. Her role involves developing academic plans, monitoring progress, and providing resources to help these athletes succeed both in the classroom and on the field. She is also responsible for fostering a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement and personal growth for the student-athletes under her care.

Previous roles in the academic field

Before her impactful tenure at Virginia Tech, Emily Patton gained extensive experience in academic support roles for student-athletes across several prominent collegiate institutions. Her career path has included valuable stints at the University of Toledo, West Virginia University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of Missouri. These diverse experiences provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by student-athletes at different levels and within various athletic programs. Each position allowed her to refine her skills in academic advising, program development, and student mentorship, building a robust foundation for her current leadership role.

Education and background

Emily Patton’s academic credentials underscore her commitment to higher education and her preparedness for a career in student-athlete support. She holds a BA in Political Science, with a minor in Spanish, from Bethany College. This liberal arts background likely equipped her with strong analytical and communication skills. Further advancing her expertise, she earned an ME in Educational Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. This advanced degree provided her with specialized knowledge in educational psychology and counseling, directly applicable to understanding and supporting the academic and personal development of student-athletes. Her educational journey reflects a dedication to both academic rigor and the specific needs of students navigating the dual demands of sports and studies.

Sports in focus: football, tennis, and more

While Emily Patton’s collegiate athletic experience began with women’s tennis at the University of Mary, her professional career at Virginia Tech has seen her focus shift significantly towards supporting other sports. Currently, her primary responsibility lies with the football program, where she oversees the academic success of its student-athletes. However, her background and understanding extend to a broader range of sports. Throughout her high school career, she excelled in volleyball, hockey, and soccer, demonstrating a comprehensive appreciation for various athletic disciplines. This diverse athletic involvement informs her holistic approach to supporting student-athletes, recognizing that the principles of dedication, discipline, and teamwork are transferable across all sports, from tennis to football and beyond. Her role at Virginia Tech also involves contributing to the academic support of other sports, reflecting a broad engagement with the university’s athletic endeavors. She resides in Christiansburg, Virginia.

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