Amanda Patterson
As the newest instructor in the University of Mississippi’s Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Amanda Patterson (BSGE 01, MS 05) teaches mineralogy for majors, as well as nonmajor courses in physical, historical and environmental geology.
“I’m actually a graduate of this department and was already familiar with the great experience the program offers its students,” Patterson said. “Consequently, this is the first position I’ve ever accepted where I truly felt that I knew what I was getting into.”
Not only had she held a similar instructor position elsewhere, but Patterson also was familiar with Ole Miss, the town of Oxford and many UM faculty members.
“I realized that I was eager to welcome all of these back into my life, and I certainly wanted to continue teaching,” she said.
The alumna has been warmly received by her colleagues within the department.
“Amanda brings an incredible understanding of students and how to succeed as a teacher,” said Joel Kuszmaul, chair and professor of geology and geological engineering. “She does an unusually good job of mentoring and advising her students and remains an excellent geological engineer with practical knowledge gained from industry. Beyond all these attributes, she brings an active energy to her work, which benefits all of us within the department.”
Patterson’s career history includes geotechnical and environmental work as a consulting engineer and geologist for Golder Associates out of the firm’s Atlanta and Tampa offices. She also spent three years teaching at Radford University in Virginia and two years as a high school physics teacher in Clearwater, Fla., the latter of which she said was unexpectedly her most rewarding professional experience.
“I had no idea what it would entail. The time I put in was, admittedly, a bit ridiculous, and the pay cut was substantial, but the kids made it worth it,” she said. “I felt challenged, was motivated and developed relationships unique to that environment. I coerced 18 students into taking AP Physics my second year, resulting in an experience I will always cherish. Their exam scores far exceeded the district, state and national averages. I’m still proud of them and can’t wait to see where they land.”
Patterson and her husband, Joseph Lawhorne, are Mississippi natives, but have taken turns accepting jobs that have led them to other states. Lawhorne is assistant Title IX coordinator at UM.
“We weren’t really expecting this homecoming but have found it to be an easy transition,” Patterson said. “This is the second time we’ve ended up working on the same campus. People that know me well can appreciate how much I love both my husband and lunch, so having a job that lets me enjoy them together again is a huge perk!”
