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Biography

Rubin Patterson, Ph.D., was appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) at Howard University in July 2019; he previously served as the chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology for five years. Throughout his career, Dr. Patterson has established himself as a distinguished scholar, researcher, and educator as well as advocate for environmental justice in underserved communities.  

Dr. Patterson’s expertise is wide-ranging, including race and the future of American democracy, environmental inequity, sustainable development, diversification of environmental leadership, clean technology, social change, and environmentally sustainable socioeconomic development in Southern Africa. Dr. Patterson has authored, edited and co-edited multiple books, and is the recipient of externally funded projects supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Park Service.  

Dr. Patterson’s extensive international experience aligns with several programs within COAS: he served as a research associate at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, and as a visiting professor at the University of Ghana. At the University of Toledo, Dr. Patterson held various positions, including chair of Sociology and Anthropology, director of Africana Studies, director of the Institute for the Study and Economic Engagement of Southern Africa, and professor of sociology. He has served as a visiting fellow at Morehouse College and at the University of Maryland. 

Dr. Patterson earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary physics and electrical engineering from Florida State University; a Master of Science in engineering management from George Washington University; and a doctorate in sociology from Howard University.