Recognized by
Michigan 4-H Youth Development

With support from
Michigan 4-H Foundation

Last updated: June 11, 2008

Senior Associate Dean of Academic Programs
School of Continuing Studies,
University of Richmond

“My 4-H experiences provided me with skills, knowledge, leadership abilities and public speaking abilities that form the core of who I am. I have tried to apply these qualities to all I do – including service to others and volunteering both locally and internationally.”

Patricia Johnson Brown has served as senior associate dean of academic programs for the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond since 2007. Previously she served as associate dean of academic programs for the School of Continuing Studies and the associate dean and director of the Office of Community and Professional Education at the University of Richmond. She has also served Virginia Commonwealth University as director of Continuing Education and Community Programs and assistant dean of the School of Community and Public Affairs. She graduated from MSU in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in human ecology, received her master’s degree in 1971 from Indiana University and her doctorate in 1988 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Brown has dedicated her life to her community in many ways. She was the founder of the Richmond Recreation and Park Foundation promoting parks and recreation in the city through citizen involvement, education and fundraising. She has also traveled to Santa Catarina, Brazil, through the Virginia Partnership of the Americas to work with children, teachers and administrators on the empowerment of people with disabilities. Brown served as president of the Virginia Partners of the Americas from 1994 to 1997, and currently is a member of the Brown vs. Board of Education Scholarship Award Commission and a member of the Partners of the Arts Governance Committee. She is member of the University of Richmond Dean’s Academic Council and has served on many additional university committees including the Community Learning Week, Committee on Concerns of Persons with Disabilities and the Partnership for People with Disabilities Training Committee. Additionally, she has served as coordinator of various programs including alumni receptions, open house and student orientations and has worked on all accreditation review and curriculum planning committees.