Two universities and a college professor were chosen this year to share in the 2013 Academic Affairs Awards presented by The Washington Center. Monmouth University Professor Joseph Patten was among those honored and was presented with the Liaison of the Year Award during The Washington Center’s annual awards luncheon in Washington, D.C., at the National Press Club on Oct. 7, 2013.
“Congratulations to Professor Patten on this well-deserved award,” said Monmouth University Dr. President Paul R. Brown. “His passion for teaching, scholarship, and mentoring students in outstanding programs outside the classroom, like at The Washington Center, bring life to their classroom studies.”
The award recognizes the consistent and exceptional support of schools and their staff to experiential education through their dedicated partnership with The Washington Center. Further, Monmouth University Professor Patten is the very first alumnus from The Washington Center to receive this award. As a seasoned liaison, Patten has encouraged and nurtured countless students through the years. Through his energy and enthusiasm, he makes the D.C. internship experience a reality, and a memorable one at that.
“Professor Patten is a shining example of how universities are taking the traditional curriculum model and incorporating study-away internship experiences that teach self-awareness, community engagement, and life-long leadership skills,” said Mike Smith, President of The Washington Center. “Joe Patten is a true leader within the academic community and we congratulate him on this honor.”
Patten is Chair of the Department of Political Science and Sociology and Associate Professor of Political Science at Monmouth University, where he teaches courses in American Politics. In 2009, he received Monmouth University’s Distinguished Teacher Award. He also serves as the coach of Monmouth University’s Policy Debate Team and as the president of the New Jersey Political Science Association (2012-2013). He co-authored a textbook titled Why Politics Matter: An Introduction to Political Science (Wadsworth Cengage Publisher) with Professor Kevin Dooley in 2012.
