Student Spotlight- Patricia Morrison

Patricia Morrison, known to most of her classmates as Ms. Pat, has left a memorable impression on everyone around her during her time at WPCC. She is currently getting her Associate of Applied Science in Teacher Preparation. She was in the Early Childhood Education program and graduated in May 2022 with an Associate Degree. She said it was her childhood dream to be a teacher, so she chose to come back to school to complete a degree in Early Childhood Education. Previously, Morrison was a student at Radford College (now University) in Elementary Education, so she had already completed some of the requirements needed.

Morrison is not a new face to the WPCC community. She started here in 2011 in the department of Fine Arts. Due to several illnesses and personal issues, she completed an Associate in Fine Arts degree a few years later in May 2016. During that time as a student, she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

She is not a Morganton native, but has lived here for 11 years and says she likes being a citizen of Burke County. “It is just large enough to meet my needs and not as big as Raleigh where I lived before,” says Morrison.  She previously worked as a teacher’s assistant and a substitute teacher in Wake County before moving to Morganton.

Kasey Gardner, Coordinator of the Early Childhood Education program at WPCC, talked very highly of Ms. Pat, both as an individual and a student. Gardner said she is always on time, never misses a class, and is detail-oriented. She always goes the extra mile. Gardner also said that more than just being a good student, Ms. Pat is a pleasure to be around and her classmates enjoy having her in class.

After getting her third degree, Morrison plans to go into the teaching field. “I miss being in a classroom with the students, especially the second grade students, which I had when I last was in the teaching profession,” says Morrison.

We are so happy to have you as part of our Pioneer community, Ms. Pat!

Do you know a WPCC student you would like to spotlight for something they’ve done? Contact Megan Abee at mabee2@wpcc.edu

Talk to you soon, Pioneers!

Megan Abee