05/20/2026
2026 Commencement Speaker Dr. Michael L. Patterson is a respected scholar, pastor, author, and community leader whose life’s work has been devoted to faith, leadership development, and community transformation. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Morehouse College, where he inspires students to engage history, culture, and leadership through the lens of faith, justice, and service.
With more than three decades of pastoral ministry and over 20 years of service as an elder at The Path Church, where he currently serves, Dr. Patterson has dedicated his life to discipleship and the cultivation of principled leadership, particularly among men. Throughout his ministry, he has mentored emerging leaders across a wide range of professions, including business, higher education, nonprofit leadership, public service, and the arts, encouraging them to integrate their faith into every sphere of influence and to carry the message of Christ into their communities and careers.
Dr. Patterson is also a sought-after speaker, educator, and author of Running With Lions: Mentoring Leaders for the Millennial Generation. Through his preaching, writing, and public presentations, he shares powerful lessons on resilience, servant leadership, spiritual growth, and the transformative power of faith. His work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening underserved communities, building bridges between the church and society, and equipping the next generation of leaders to live with courage, conviction, and purpose.
A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and meaningful relationships, Dr. Patterson enjoys reading, visiting the ocean, and spending quality time with his wife of more than 37 years, Shawn, their children Alexis and Joe, son-in-law Ramon, and their extended family. His enduring mission is to glorify God by serving others, developing leaders, and leaving a legacy of faith, wisdom, and hope for future generations.
