Ralph Patterson returns to Erskine as Vice President for Athletics
Erskine College is pleased to welcome Ralph E.G. Patterson, a former coach, staff member, and administrator at Erskine, as Vice President for Athletics. Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson announced Patterson’s appointment, which begins July 10.
“Ralph Patterson has a long history with Erskine,” says Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Peeler. “He understands us and sees the needs of Fleet Athletics as we move forward.”
“I am thrilled to work alongside dedicated coaches and a staff led by Mark Peeler, and I am excited to work with President Adamson and his team. There is something special happening at Erskine, and I am blessed to have this opportunity,” Patterson says.
Patterson’s experience in higher education, which spans 36 years, includes service at Erskine as Director of Alumni Affairs and as Vice President for Advancement (2003-2009). His 24 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics includes seven years as Erskine’s Head Basketball Coach (1992-1999).
As Vice President for Advancement, Patterson was a member of the administrative team during Erskine’s Gold Campaign, which raised funds for the completion of the Moss Mathematics and Music Educational Facility as well as for several other renovation projects and initiatives.
Patterson recently retired as Director of Athletics at Newberry College and was praised by the school’s president, Dr. Maurice William Scherrens. “During his tenure here, we won championships, added sports, added student-athlete participation opportunities, built new athletic facilities, and saw our student-athletes excel in the classroom. It was a ‘good run’ for our athletic department under his leadership.”
Peeler, who has served at Erskine for more than 20 years, looks ahead with hope. “We have seen remarkable growth in Athletics over the last six years. Now we are at a critical point where we need facilities and scholarships to help us compete at the NCAA Division II level,” he says. “Ralph has a challenging task as the division’s VP for Athletics and lead fundraiser, but we are confident he is the right person at the right time for Fleet Athletics.”
Patterson is enthusiastic about his new leadership role. “We will build a championship culture and live by the mantra ‘influencing society for God’s glory,’” he says, quoting a phrase from Erskine’s vision statement.
Combined with his extensive experience in higher education and athletics, Patterson’s history of community involvement could prove an important asset as he begins his new work at Erskine.
Mayor of Due West from 2007 to 2009 and a town council member for two years prior to that, Patterson was a Rotary board member in Greenwood and a member of the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce. He dedicated many hours of his time to the Upper Abbeville County Recreation Association and served as president of its board of directors. He served the surrounding region as a board member for the Lakelands chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“I am grateful for alumni and friends who support, or have supported Erskine College and Flying Fleet Athletics,” Patterson says. “I cannot wait to reconnect with alumni and friends who will make a difference for Erskine.”
In addition to his work in higher education, intercollegiate athletics, and community service, Patterson has been a television sports announcer since 1999, working as a color analyst for college basketball and football and as a play-by-play announcer for college baseball and softball. His work as an announcer has aired on Fox Sports South, Comcast Sports Southeast, and ESPN PLUS. He also worked for the Clemson Football Radio Network from 2004-2009 and hosted a sports radio show on WCCP-FM Clemson and WCSZ-AM Greenville.
Patterson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford University.
Ralph Patterson lives with his wife Lynn in Due West. They are the parents of two adult sons.
