Home
About the Center
People
Resources
Academics
Events
Releases

Barbara Patterson

Dr. Barbara (Bobbi) Patterson is a Senior Lecturer in the Religion Department and has served the Emory community as the Associate University Chaplain, Director of the Emory Scholars Program, founder of the Theory-Practice-Learning (TPL) Program and a faculty Associate of the Office of Sustainability Initiatives.  Bobbi received her B.A. from Smith College, M.Div. from Harvard, and her Ph.D. in Religion from Emory. Her current research focuses on the intersections of place, contemplative practices, and the ethics of sustainability. 
      

Bobbi’s leadership in the classroom has earned her a Curriculum Award in Teaching Excellence from The Center for Teaching and she has published numerous articles on the scholarship of teaching.  She has also helped lead the University’s efforts to increase and improve upon Emory’s work with the greater Atlanta community and beyond through her leadership in Emory’s TPL program. Bobbi encourages students to engage directly with community members and programs within the Emory community and the surrounding area, often facilitating internships and class site visits to local organizations like the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and the Oakhurst Community Garden.
    

Through the Emory as Place Initiative, Bobbi has directed a number of service projects and programs that educate Emory students, staff, and faculty about the breadth and diversity of histories, ecologies, and communities of the University and the surrounding area.  Her work and dedication to the Emory as Place Initiative is only a further demonstration of her overall commitment to helping create a community of mindful, creative and dedicated servant leaders.