Valerie Patterson

Valerie L. Patterson is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Public Policy & Administration at Florida International University (FIU), where she also serves as Director of the African and African Diaspora Studies program. She holds affiliations with the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. Her academic career includes roles such as Assistant Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs and Associate Director of the School of Policy and Management. Nationally, she has led the Historical, Artistic, and Reflective Expression (SHARE) section of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).

Educated at FIU, she holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration (1995), an M.S. in Health Services Administration (1985), and a B.S. in Health Services Administration (1981). Her research focuses on government’s role in underserved communities, social equity, race/gender dynamics, and the intersection of hip-hop culture with public policy. She has presented at conferences globally and contributed to initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellows program.

Her publications span ethics, public-private partnerships, and hip-hop’s societal impact. Notable works include analyses of structural inequities and digital divides. Awards include recognition as a Top Black Educator (2016) and induction into FIU’s Order of the Torch (2016). She actively serves on boards such as the South Florida ASPA Chapter and has led community initiatives in Overtown, Miami.

Teaching specialties include ethics, human resource policy, and organizational behavior. She has advised students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, emphasizing leadership and social responsibility. Her service extends to ethics task forces, diversity committees, and leadership roles in academic governance at FIU.