ATHENS, Ohio -- Two dedications at Ohio University March 27 recognized a gift commitment of $150,000 by educator Patricia Ackerman of Cleveland to her alma mater. Her gift will support performing arts and student programs in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium and cultural, arts and educational programs in Lindley Cultural Center.
A dedication was held in the east lobby of Memorial Auditorium and a ceremony was held in Lindley Cultural Center. The east lobby of Memorial Auditorium will be named the Patricia A. Ackerman Lobby and the computer lab at Lindley will be named the Patricia A. Ackerman Computer Lab.
Ackerman is a member and past chair of the Ohio University Board of Trustees and a member of the Ohio University Foundation Board. She is a veteran public school educator who has served as teacher, principal and district level administrator. Ackerman is the former executive director of curriculum/instruction for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School in Cleveland.
"It is appropriate to name these spaces after Dr. Ackerman, who has dedicated her career to helping people achieve their goals through education. She is a long-time strong supporter of education and Ohio University students, in particular," Ohio University President Robert Glidden said.
She is president and CEO of CHALKDUST, Inc. Ackerman earned a bachelor's degree in English from Ohio University, a master's degree in education from Cleveland State University and a doctorate from Kent State University.
A champion of education for underachievers, and an expert on alternative programs for students at risk of failure and dropping out of school, Dr. Ackerman is well-versed in the economic, social and educational factors that impact adolescent learners and their families. She has designed several innovative programs to address their unique needs, including Taylor Academy in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in Ohio.
Her career has provided numerous opportunities to propose, develop, implement and assess the effectiveness of policies and programs targeted to maximizing life chances. She is a past president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and represents the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators on Ohio's BEST Board of Directors. Ackerman chairs the Education Braintrust of the International Women's Aviation and Space Museum.
She has been the keynote speaker at a number of Ohio University Black Alumni Reunion Weekends and provided the spark that conceived the African-American Alumni Heritage Wall at Memorial Auditorium.
