Dr. Anne Patterson Receives Legacy Award
Dr. Anne Patterson, Fairmont State University professor of music, has received the Ann Kathryn Flagg Artist or Art Supporter Award during the 2018 Legacy of Women Awards, presented by the West Virginia Women’s Commission.
“The eight women being recognized and honored by the West Virginia Women’s Commission with 2018 Legacy of Women Awards are well-deserving and accomplished women who freely gave of their time and talents and have become role models for their peers and our future leaders,” said Commission Executive Director Julie Palas. “Our state is filled with so many women doing so many wonderful things for themselves, their communities and their state, and I am thrilled the Women’s Commission has recognized them.”
The Legacy of Women Awards are named after women of accomplishment in West Virginia who personify the spirit of each award. Ann Kathryn Flagg was born in West Virginia and went to West Virginia State College. Through her plays and her other work, she transcended the barriers of racism and campaigned for black voter registration. The Ann Kathryn Flagg award is given for outstanding efforts in the arts as a playwright, teacher, and actress.
“I am so blessed to have spent my entire life working in music, a field I absolutely love,” said Patterson. “To be recognized for this work in my adopted state is an incredible honor.”
Patterson studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and is currently
the Department of Music Coordinator and Professor of Music at Fairmont State University. She
has held many academic leadership positions, was the founder of her own School of
Music in Canada and serves as the Education Liaison with the West Virginia Symphony
Orchestra. She is a tireless advocate for enriching her students’ lives through the
power of music. By integrating experiential learning opportunities, she has devised
a unique and forward-thinking curriculum at her school. Her students regularly comment
that those experiences have opened up ideas and possibilities never before imagined.
One student remarked that “[she] makes you believe you can do things you might think
you can’t.” She places a particular emphasis on weaving international students fully
into the Fairmont State community. Patterson’s advocacy for student access to the
arts is helping students see a bright, beautiful, and amazing future for themselves.
Fairmont State University is proud to highlight Dr. Anne Patterson as part of our
People of Excellence series. This series aims to highlight the impactful work being
done by our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
