Prior to assuming a faculty role, Dr. Patton was a student affairs professional in several functional areas including fraternity/sorority life and multicultural admissions. Her research agenda focuses on social justice efforts in higher education, college student development and issues related to intersectionality, and the influence of campus environments on student experiences. Dr. Patton is the most well-known researcher and scholar in the area of campus culture centers and editor of the book Campus Culture Centers in Higher Education. She also is co-author of the 2nd and 3rd edition of Student Development in College: Theory, Research, and Practice. Her forthcoming book is Critical Perspectives on Black Women and College Success.