Nooner and Patterson Named CSE Associate Deans

Kate Brody Nooner and Laurie J. Patterson have been named associate deans in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE).

Nooner serves as senior associate dean for faculty, policy, research and innovation in CSE. Professor and former chair of the UNCW Department of Psychology and past vice president of UNCW’s faculty senate, Nooner previously served as interim associate dean in the college.

As a CSE leadership team member, Nooner is responsible for faculty and staff affairs, college policy and space management. She established and currently leads the first research administration within the college, ensuring all members of the CSE community have the support and resources they need to succeed.

Nooner’s leadership is centered on her commitment to excellence, accessibility and community. Her extensive experience as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded researcher, focusing on childhood adversity, substance use and promoting equity for women faculty in STEM, informs her work in the CSE dean’s office.

Nooner holds a doctorate from the Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wellesley College.

Patterson serves as associate dean for academic affairs and curriculum in the college. Former chair of the UNCW Department of Computer Science and past program coordinator of the undergraduate information technology degree, Patterson previously served as interim associate dean in the college during its inaugural year.

Patterson oversees student-related matters, curriculum and enrollment management. To ensure all UNCW students with CSE majors receive critical support and guidance, she established the first professional advising division within the college.

Throughout her career, Patterson has worked to advance women and underrepresented voices in STEM areas, particularly in information technology-related fields. She has led numerous campus committees related to curriculum, student welfare and assessment.

Patterson holds a Doctor of Education in Computer Information Technology from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Education in Training and Development in technology, and a bachelor's in Biology from the University of Minnesota.

Dean Ron Vetter expressed his gratitude for Nooner and Patterson's appointments as associate deans, stating, “The College of Science and Engineering is privileged to have them in these roles. We eagerly anticipate the positive influence their leadership will continue to have on our campus and community.”