Childhood Born in 1916 in Williamsburg, Ohio, Dr. Patton grew up surrounded by educators. Throughout her childhood, her father, David Patton, worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent in school systems across the state. “In my family, we were three educators, demonstrators, writers, researchers and speakers. It’s hard to sort of separate us,” Dr. Patton said during an interview with The Patton College Dean Renée Middleton in late November 2010. The family lived in many areas across the state, including Toledo, Bellevue and Sandusky. Dr. Patton grew up following in her parent’s footsteps with an interest in education, but also a vibrant passion for art. While Dr. Patton did not have any formal art training growing up, she had a knack for crafting and the arts from the beginning. To perfect her craft, she took odd jobs and made belts for herself.
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“Dr. Patton has always been an independent and forwardthinking person. Her lifelong commitment to education continues to inspire us daily ...” — Dr. Renée A. Middleton