Aldrich Patterson, Jr., PhD*

Counseling Center
1983–2014
Deceased: 2021

Aldrich “Pat” Patterson, Jr. was an inspiring, healing presence in the lives of innumerable students, colleagues, and community members over the course of his 31-year career at Chico State.

As one of the few licensed African American psychologists north of Sacramento and a valued African American counselor on campus, Patterson was indispensable for many students of color and others seeking help. Whether it was seeing students at the Counseling Center, leading a popular “Self-Esteem Group” for students, supervising prospective social workers or therapists, or offering crisis counseling after hours, he was the epitome of someone working behind the scenes to create a healthier, happier community.

But “Dr. P,” as students called him, left his imprint far beyond the confidential confines of a therapy session. For many years he led study skills workshops for the Student Learning Center and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), where he taught students about efficient note-taking and time management, as well as strategies for staying motivated and coping with stress. His gifts as a speaker were often called upon at the start of Freshmen Orientation and EOP’s Summer Bridge Program, where he would, with humor and straight talk, challenge the incoming students to take advantage of their opportunity to succeed.

“For 31 years, Dr. P served as a bridge over which countless students passed on their way to earning a college degree, sometimes becoming the first person in their family to do so,” said Tracy Butts, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. “Chico State is forever indebted to his unwavering service.”

In 2001, Patterson was also instrumental in the founding of the Men of Honor organization, now known as Men of Chico, which offers support and guidance to men of color on campus. He helped organize panel discussions and study sessions and wrote the Pledge of Honor that participating men learned. Earlier in his campus career he created the Afro-American Literary Prize, designed to encourage Black students to write stories and poetry as a vehicle for self-expression.

Patterson’s impactful mentoring and support extended to his colleagues as well. He was a longtime active member of Chico State’s Black Faculty and Staff Association and the national Association of Black Psychologists. After Patterson’s passing in 2021, the association created a scholarship for graduate students in his honor.