New Chief Academic Officer hired at PSWS

Dr. W. Charles Patrick was named the new Chief Academic Officer and professor of engineering at Penn State Worthington Scranton (PSWS).

He came to PSWS from Morehead State University (MSU) in northeast Kentucky, where he was the Assistant Vice President of the University College. In that role, he managed general education, assessment, accreditation, testing, professional development, first year programs, academic advising and retention. He also directed the accreditation reaffirmation at MSU from 2008-2011.

He is a graduate of WV Institute of Technology, WV University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech, where he got his PhD in engineering. Prior to his position at MSU, Dr. Patrick spent three years on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh.

Before moving into administrative roles, Dr. Patrick was a university faculty member for 26 years. He taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including online courses. He received the MSU Distinguished Teacher Award in 2001 and was named the Outstanding Technology Professor in 2005 by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, as well as being recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2006.

Dr. Patrick is a graduate of the MSU President’s Leadership Academy in 2007, when he was also named a Kentucky Colonel. In 2008, he received the Exemplary Service Award from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. At MSU, he served in the Faculty Senate for 10 years, holding many leadership positions including Senate Chairperson in 1996-97.

In his professional career, Dr. Patrick has published 32 refereed articles in professional journals and proceedings. He also has over 50 presentations at professional conferences and meetings. In 2004, he authored a project management textbook, which was published by Prentice Hall. He helped write and administer several research grants from the National Science Foundation and the Eisenhower Math and Science project.

As a licensed professional engineer (PE), Dr. Patrick is an active engineering consultant, including many “not for profit” civic projects. He and his wife Martha have been married for more than 30 years and together, they’ve raised three children - Kyle, Evan, and Anne.