Carl V. Patton became president of Georgia State University on July 1, 1992. With more than 40,000 students seeking degrees, Georgia State is one of the nation's largest urban research universities.
With his expertise as an academic leader and urban planner, Patton helped Georgia State become a vital part of the downtown Atlanta community. He launched a university-wide planning effort that produced the Main Street Master Plan. This innovative strategy continues to increase the university's footprint in the downtown community and shape the university's future growth. Key components of the plan include:
Patton's focus on recruitment of world-class faculty, strengthened academic programs and improved campus infrastructure continues to increase recognition for Georgia State through national rankings, peer journals and media reports. “The spirit of innovation thrives at Georgia State,” says Patton. “Through teaching, research, scholarly activities, and service, Georgia State is a source of limitless potential for individual development and the improvement of our society.”
The renovations and new construction completed since his appointment include the Rialto Theater, Haas-Howell and Standard Buildings, Robinson College in the former C&S bank headquarters, Commerce Building, North Metro Center, Helen M. Aderhold Learning Center, Student Center, Recreation Center, the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, the University Science Park and student housing at the University Commons and the Lofts.
He led the way for much of the downtown revitalization others are involved in now and serves as a board member and member of many organizations dedicated to strengthening the downtown community.
President Emeritus and Mrs. Patton are major contributors to the University. Their personal financial gifts have supported the construction of the Rialto Theater, the Aderhold Learning Center, The Science Teaching and Research Laboratory, the Childrens Book Collection in the University Library and the forthcoming new Business Building and new Humanities Building. Gretchen Patton also endowed the first Georgia State University football scholarship in memory of her father.
Dr. Patton and his wife, Gretchen, live in a downtown loft within walking distance of the university. They have two children and three grandchildren.
Vice president for academic affairs at the University of Toledo
Faculty and administrative positions at the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin
Ph.D. and master's degree in public policy from the University of California at Berkeley
Master's degrees in urban planning and public administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.S. degree in community planning from the University of Cincinnati