Andy Patterson '11

Hometown:  Pleasant Grove, Ala.

Majors:  Cell Biology and Athletic Training

After Huntingdon:  Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Mercer University

Andy, named Birmingham New Male Scholar-Athlete of the Week and captain of his high school football team, chose Huntingdon because of the calibre of the athletic training program.  "After visiting the campus, I knew Huntingdon was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life," he says.  But four years can feel like four days when you're standing on The Green accepting your diploma, and all of the memories start flashing back.

"I will always remember the time spent with friends, family, and professors at all of the sporting events; and the small class sizes and personal relationships I built with my fellow students and professors," says Andy.  "The faculty at Huntingdon went above and beyond anything I ever expected from them. They were always there for me—whether to answer questions about school or just to sit down and talk for awhile. Since the day Dr. (Roxanne) St. Martin became the head of the Athletic Training department, she has been much more than just a professor to me. She really was like my best friend and my mother when I needed her to be. She and I still maintain a close personal relationship and talk often. It is because of her that I chose to become a physical therapist."

Andy's hard work inside and outside  the classroom earned him induction into the Omicron Delta Kappa, Beta Beta Beta, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Beta, and Iota Tau Alpha honor societies.  In addition to the rigorous academic schedule and practicum experiences involved with the athletic training major, Andy served on the Judicial Board, as a Huntingdon Ambassador, and was involved in Habitat for Humanity. 

"I believe that the experiences and knowledge gained at Huntingdon are not like anywhere else," he says.  "You get to be part of much more than a regular college campus—you're part of a family.  Huntingdon has challenged me, but also rewarded me.  It is a special place that has helped me prepare for my professional future and grow into the man I am today."