Dr. Patrick Jefferson has served in several areas in the field of education serving students, families, and communities. He began his career in education as a high school Biology and Chemistry teacher and football coach. Since, he has worked in adult education, in community-based organizations and services, and as a leader and innovator in higher education. Currently, Dr. Jefferson serves as Director, Student Academic Support Services at Prairie View A&M University. In this position, he provides leadership for all academic and support services and programs in the department of Student Academic Support Services. Directly related to leadership and management, he has been a Program Director, Faculty Coordinator, Dean of Student Services, Academic Affairs Dean, Vice-president of Instruction, Vice President for Student Development (Affairs/Services), and Executive Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. In addition, he has taught at the post-secondary, K-12, and adult education levels. Dr. Jefferson is known for his "out of the box" thinking and is an advocate for innovation, and actively supports new approaches to serving students in-and-out of the classroom. Through his varied experiences, he has developed expertise in the areas of enrollment management, curriculum and instruction, budget management, faculty and staff development, community outreach, and student equity. As an adjunct faculty, Dr. Jefferson has experience in direct instruction, distance education, instructional design and course development; and teaches courses focusing on learning theory, student engagement, and management and leadership. Dr. Jefferson is very active in his community and speaks regularly about the benefits of education and service. His volunteer activities include serving on the boards of Elevate Collegiate Charter School and the 100 Black Men of Metro Houston. Dr. Jefferson completed his undergraduate education with a Bachelors degree in Biology at Xavier University of Louisiana and holds a Master's of Arts degree in Education Administration from Loyola Marymount University. He completed his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Jefferson’s many hobbies and interests include traveling, outdoor and adventure sports, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. His research interests include community college leadership, student engagement, and student equity and underrepresented student academic achievement.