Patricia Anthony began her career 36-year career UT in the Andrew Johnson Papers Project. When the project closed, then Associate Dean John Zomchick hired her to become part of the College of Arts and Sciences administrative support team. She retired June 24 after working for several associate deans, including Chuck Collins, associate dean for academic affairs.
“When I took this job in 2015, the two most important things I heard were that Pat approved and she wasn’t planning on retiring soon,” Collins said. “She made my job much easier, managing all aspects of the curriculum from the sometimes vague, unclear departmental proposals through all the approvals and finally into the official catalog. Her depth of knowledge of the curriculum will be sorely missed.”
Anthony grew up in Blount County with her five siblings and graduated from Friendsville High School. During the years the followed, Anthony had several jobs, including a line cook in Waffle House restaurants and managing one in Chattanooga. Anthony, however, knew her calling was not “smothered & covered” forever, so she attended a clerical retraining class and got an internship at Legal Aid, which turned into a part time position. Within a short time, her trainer suggested Anthony apply for a position at UT. Armed with a letter of recommendation in-hand, Anthony left Legal Aid to pursue a career at UT.
“I worked full time, raised twins, and attended night school,” Anthony said. She received her degree in business administration as the top graduate with a 4.0 GPA. “I have enjoyed my years here very much.”
Anthony loves to travel and has been on several cruises, including one to Alaska.
“I took a helicopter ride over the Juneau ice field and landed on a glacier where I got to ride a dog sled,” Anthony said. “I also went on a week-long rafting trip down a river in Mexico, traveled to London several times, did a British Isles tour and two tours of Europe.”
She does not have a mantra for life other than being the best she can be, which for those who know Patricia Anthony, results in a hard worker, good listener, and all-around great human.
“I have greatly appreciated Pat’s steadfast control in setting the curriculum, times, and locations for classes every semester,” said Dean Theresa Lee. “She has quietly gone about her job without fanfare, but this is a job that if not done well creates chaos!”
The first thing Anthony did after retiring was take a trip to Martha’s Vineyard with her daughter. After that, she plans to travel as much as possible.
“I also look forward to relaxing and watching my backyard birds, spending time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as doing some volunteer work.”
Patricia Anthony is truly a unique individual who leaves some big shoes to fill in the College of Arts and Sciences.