"Patricia Garrett brings a wealth of exceptional experience to the university," says SPSU President Lisa A. Rossbacher. "She has served professionally in leadership roles in all areas of advancement in both academic and non-profit organizational settings. She has been consistently active in her communities in South Carolina and here in Georgia, successfully directing numerous efforts for civic, social and business organizations." Dr. Rossbacher adds, "Patricia’s experience in establishing partnerships with business and industry is a valuable resource to our university, which addresses the needs of business and industry in developing academic programs and activities in the areas of science, engineering and technology."

Prior to joining Southern Polytechnic, Garrett most recently served with the Communities In Schools of Georgia, Inc. where she helped secure more than $5 million from federal, state and private sources. She has been director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Columbia College of South Carolina, and the director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations for Charleston Southern University. Here in Georgia, she has served in senior advancement roles for Clayton State College and University and for Darton College.

Garrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Science in Business Education from Georgia State University.