Patricia A Owens, Ph.D.
Patricia A. Owens is a seasoned public policy and higher education professional with more than three decades of experience in educational leadership, nonprofit management, organizational development, and student engagement. Driven by a lifelong commitment to service and advocacy, she earned her doctorate in public policy in 2022 after recognizing the growing need for thoughtful leadership and meaningful change within higher education and public systems. Shortly after completing her doctoral studies, she joined Governors State University as Executive Director of Process and Procedures, where she leads policy development and strategic operational improvements designed to align the university with federal, state, and institutional standards while supporting a diverse student population.
In her current role, Dr. Owens oversees the development of policies, procedures, and onboarding systems that strengthen accountability, communication, and student-centered service across the university. She is especially passionate about ensuring that all students feel represented and supported, including international students, Asian students, Black students, and other historically underserved populations. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she regularly engages with students to discuss their aspirations, encourage persistence, and help them navigate their educational journeys. One of her most notable accomplishments was designing and implementing the university’s first comprehensive onboarding manual after an institutional audit identified a critical gap in employee training and retention practices. Drawing from successful models across higher education and nonprofit organizations, she spent six months researching, developing, and refining the system to improve employee support and organizational effectiveness.
Beyond her university leadership, Dr. Owens has built an impressive legacy of service through her longtime involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she served in leadership roles for more than 30 years, including Director of Membership Intake Process and Assistant Director of Membership. Her work included collaborating with universities nationwide, mentoring thousands of students, facilitating leadership workshops, and overseeing large-scale operational initiatives that significantly improved organizational efficiency and growth. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and later completed doctoral studies focused on public policy and nonprofit leadership through Walden University. A proud member of organizations including Sigma Tau Delta, the Association Forum of Chicago, and the North Carolina A&T Chicago Alumni Chapter, Dr. Owens remains deeply committed to mentorship, lifelong learning, equity in education, and empowering future generations to pursue their goals regardless of age or circumstance.
• Walden University
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Public Policy
• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, English/Journalism
• Iowa State University
Master of Arts - MA, Journalism and Mass Communication
• Walden University
Master of Philosophy - MPhil, Public Policy: Nonprofit Management and Leadership
• Campus Advisor of the Year nomination for chartering Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter
• Regional Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Corporate Office Staff Award
• Leadership Award for Ministry from Trinity United Church of Christ
• Association Forum of Chicago
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (life member
• Golden member)
• Public Administration Association
• Sigma Tau Delta (charter member)
• North Carolina A&T State University Chicago Alumni Chapter
• Obama Foundation (volunteer and donor)
• Scholarship reviewer for Governors State University
• Walden University
• And North Carolina A&T State University
• Obama Foundation volunteer and donor
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority projects
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having the confidence to believe I can try anything. Recently, I completed an audiobook romance project on Pocket FM because I kept seeing ads encouraging people to become writers, and I thought, “Why not me?” That mindset has carried me throughout my life and career. I also believe strongly in encouraging others, especially my nieces and nephews, to pursue their goals, whether through higher education or developing a skill they can truly excel in. Most importantly, I believe learning never stops. I continue to grow through reading, writing, life experiences, and working with an incredible health coach who constantly inspires me to keep learning about both wellness and life itself.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice and guidance I received came from Patricia Holden, who was both a teacher and an important mentor in my life. She exposed me to experiences beyond my immediate surroundings by taking me to plays and introducing me to new perspectives and possibilities. More than anything, she instilled confidence in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals without fear. Her influence taught me to believe in myself and to never limit what I thought I could accomplish.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to never let your age, background, or current situation stop you from pursuing your goals. Too often, people place limitations on themselves and assume opportunities have passed them by, but I truly believe it is never too late to achieve something meaningful. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own family. My sister decided to return to school after her daughter completed her master’s degree, and she went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees later in life. That experience reinforced my belief that growth and achievement are possible at any stage. If you are willing to learn, work hard, and believe in yourself, there is always an opportunity to succeed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see today is that too many young people give up on themselves too early. Some begin to believe that school or personal growth no longer matters, and I make it a point to encourage them whenever I can. When I’m out running near my home, I often stop to talk with young people and remind them that there is still room for them to grow, succeed, and become whatever they want to be. On the health side, I also see adults accepting limitations after receiving difficult diagnoses. After being diagnosed with heart failure myself, I refused to let that diagnosis define me. With support from my doctors and health coach, I was able to improve my heart function from 25 percent back to normal levels in less than a year. That experience strengthened my passion for helping others understand that they do not have to become their diagnosis.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are perseverance, continuous learning, health, and encouraging others. I believe in pushing beyond limitations and refusing to let circumstances define what is possible. My own health journey taught me the importance of resilience and self-advocacy, and it deepened my passion for helping others improve their lives. I also value curiosity and creativity, which is why I enjoy reading, writing, and even collecting vintage items. Whether I’m mentoring young people, pursuing a new creative project, or advocating for better health, I strive to live by the belief that growth never stops and that everyone has the potential to achieve more than they realize.