"I am thrilled to have someone of Brenda Patterson's character, work ethic, and expertise leading our athletic program," said Boone. "Dr. Patterson is a graduate of Trevecca and has a distinguished career in Nazarene higher education. Her devotion to God will influence the next generation of Trevecca coaches and athletes."
 
The 1975 graduate of Trevecca received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health. She was member of both intercollegiate volleyball and tennis teams. She was also inducted into the Phi Delta Lambda Nazarene Honor Society.  Patterson has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education with an emphasis in Physical Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1977; an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Middle Tennessee State University in 1984; and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration from Tennessee State University in 1999.
 
The TNU alumnus has 28-years of experience at the collegiate level. She joins the Trojan staff after serving as Olivet Nazarene University's Chairperson for the Department of Exercise and Sports Science and Associate Athletic Director for the last 12 years. As a professor, Patterson primarily taught upper division teacher education courses for the physical education/health teaching major. She also served as a student teacher supervisor within the department, internship coordinator for both the exercise science and sports management majors, as well as ONU’s Athletic Training Education Program Accreditation Coordinator.
 
Patterson, was Olivet's volleyball and softball coach from 1978 through 1995. During her 17 years as coach the teams earned many honors including leading the volleyball program to a third place finish in the NCCAA National Tournament.

Following her coaching career Patterson began to focus her work in athletic administration through a number of different capacities. Patterson gained experience by serving as a member of the Olivet’s Intercollegiate Board and as Tournament Director for the 1997 and 1998 NAIA National Volleyball Championships that were hosted by Olivet Nazarene University. 
 
Patterson has obtained other administrative experience by being appointed to serve on various faculty committees including Teacher Education, Academic Standards, Academic Assessment, and the Honors Program.
As a member of College Church of the Nazarene, Patterson has been actively involved in several ministries of her local church. She has served as Church Board Secretary, Chairman of the Policy Committee, and has also been involved as a teacher in the children’s ministry.  
 
Patterson oversee's one of the most successful athletic programs in the TranSouth Athletic Conference and the NAIA. The Trojan athletic program finished second in the 2006-07 TranSouth All-Sports Trophy rankings. It is the second year in a row for Trevecca to finish second overall. Trevecca fields nine intercollegiate athletic programs, including men’s and women’s teams in soccer, basketball, and golf as well as women’s volleyball, and softball and a men’s baseball team.

Dr. Patterson is happy to return to Trevecca, “I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the new Director of Athletics at my alma mater. The athletic program here at TNU is a very integral and visible part of who Trevecca is. It is important that athletics reflects Trevecca's motto, esse quam videri, (meaning "to be rather than to seem”). Through the avenue of athletics we are given opportunities to be ambassadors for the university. As we begin this next chapter in TNU athletics I look forward to working with the administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to provide ministry through athletics. Under the leadership of Alan Smith, along with the dedication and commitment of a great coaching staff, Trevecca has become a premier program in the NAIA. The future looks bright as we all work together to strategize and find opportunities for TNU student athletes avenues to be successful in the athletic arena but more importantly, as we prepare them for their future calling in life.”

As a native of Columbia, Tenn., she welcomes the opportunity to spend time with her family and friends who resides in the Nashville area. Patterson played high school basketball at Columbia Central High School. Patterson taught seventh grade math and was a physical education instructor at Pioneer Christian Academy here in Nashville from 1975-1978.