Dr. Roy Patton Named Athletic Director at Plattsburgh State

Dr. Roy Patton, from Burlington, Vt., is currently the director of coaching, marketing and development at the Nordic Spirit Soccer Club in Vermont. He had been the men's soccer head coach at UVM from 1996 to 2003. He was named the America East Coach of the Year in 1998 and 2000. He is ranked nationally in the top 20 among Division 1 soccer coaches for career wins.

Prior to his coaching in Vermont, he was the director of men's and women's soccer programs at the University of South Alabama, where he was also the head men's soccer coach. As head coach, he had 14 consecutive NCAA Division 1 winning seasons and the team won the Sun Belt conference five seasons during his tenure.

Patton began his career in education as a high school science teacher in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He came to the United States in the summers of 1979 and 1980 to play and coach soccer in the Annandale, Va. area. He was then offered a job at the University of South Alabama.

"I'm very pleased with the outcome of the search for a new athletic director and would like to thank the members of the search committee for their hard work and service to the College," said Dr. John Ettling, president of Plattsburgh State. "Dr. Patton has an excellent background in athletics and sport management, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to campus later this summer."

Patton received his bachelor's of physical education and biology from Queens University in Belfast.  He received his master's of education from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate of education in sports management from the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala.

"I'm delighted to be coming to Plattsburgh State," said Patton. "When I left after my interview, I felt very positive, and to be honest, had no negative feelings. I had plenty of time to think about it, and the more I thought, the more I knew this was right for me. When I received the offer, I realized it was a good fit for me and for the College. I've always had a yearning to go into sports administration, and I'm ready to role up my sleeves and do my best for athletics at Plattsburgh State."

Patton is married to Dr. Katherine Habeeb, who works at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt. They have two children, Liam, 9 and Sophia, 2.

Cheryl Cole, head women's basketball coach at Plattsburgh State, has been filling the role of interim athletic director since Peter Luguri stepped down April 1 to assume duties in his continuing role as assistant vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. Cole will continue as head women's coach after Patton takes over as athletic director prior to the beginning of the academic year.

-- 30 --