The office of Student Affairs works to create an engaging, diverse and inclusive community that positively influences student learning, development, and success. As of June, Cameron Patterson '10 has been the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs since Dr. Pierson's retirement at the end of the spring semester.
A Lynchburg native and Longwood graduate Patterson has been a part of the Lancer family for over a decade. He credits his love for Longwood to the sense of community and family fostered on Longwood's campus.
Since starting at Longwood as a student in 2006, Patterson has been an active member of the Longwood community. Patterson was a member of multiple organizations, including Longwood's Programing Board Lancer Productions, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and Theta Chi Fraternity. He also served as the Student Government Association (SGA) President.
After graduating from Longwood in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Patterson didn't take long to return to Longwood. He returned the same year to work in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), where he helped in the reorganization process of the OMA. He then transitioned to the Office of Disability Resources, now the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO), where he worked to help better campus life as the Program Coordinator. Before starting his new position as Vice President of Student Affairs, Patterson's last position was as the Executive Director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum. During the same time, Patterson earned his Master's Degree in Counselor Education.
Patterson's ties to the community don't stop at the end of Brock Commons. Patterson is an involved member of the Farmville community as well. He helped plan a Prince Edward Board of Supervisors debate as a student. Patterson now serves on the Centra Southside Community Hospital Board of Directors. On a state level, Patterson is a member of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Board of Directors.
When asked how he would fill the shoes Dr. Pierson left, Patterson said, " I hope to give my energy, give my all and do this job the very best that I can." Patterson said that even though this is now his office to run, he is grateful that Dr. Pierson is still on campus to give his advice.
When asked about the legacy left by Dr. Pierson, Patterson said, "I think what Dr. Pierson leaves us is a legacy of valuing the input of our student leaders in a really strong way." Patterson went on to say that during his time as a student, he had the opportunity to work under Dr. Pierson and gained skills that he hopes will help him as he steps into the shoes left by Dr. Pierson.
When asked what he thinks the Office of Student Affairs embodies, Patterson said, " As you look at Student Affairs at Longwood, it is a collection of offices and initiatives and programs that support the development of students outside of the classroom." He also said that the Office of Student Affairs could not function without the other offices that affect campus life like Residential & Commuter Life (RCL), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and many more.
Patterson said, "supporting our students in this post covid reengagement within campus is something that I think about often." when asked what goals he has as the new co-advisor to SGA. He also talked about how mental health for students and faculty is another initiative he plans to tackle.
For information about the Office of Student Affairs, visit the office's web page at http://www.longwood.edu/studentaffairs/
Cam Patterson: VP of Student Affairs
