College of Engineering Welcomes Experienced JEDI Leader

Photo Submitted

Patrice Sims

Patrice Sims was selected as the inaugural assistant director of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for the College of Engineering. Sims is responsible for developing, implementing and advancing JEDI programs for engineering faculty, staff and students.

Sims brings to the College of Engineering an extensive university background. Most recently, she served eight years in the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, where she successfully implemented several 3+1 transfer degree programs. She has served as the DEI liaison for poultry science, served on the Bumpers College DEI committee and as a co-adviser for the Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. Before her move to the U of A, she worked at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in similar capacities.

"While Patrice has been on campus for eight years, we are thrilled to welcome her to the engineering family. Her dedication and boundless enthusiasm make her the perfect fit for this new role. I look forward to Patrice taking our JEDI efforts to new heights," said Bryan Hill, associate dean for student success.

Sims is excited and looking forward to making the Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion a welcoming resource center for faculty, staff and students. She plans to implement new programs that will assist in creating a sense of belonging. Several new projects and collaborations are underway, including a monthly JEDI hour, Black History Month recognitions and celebrations, and various student-based luncheons.

"I'm service oriented and this is an excellent service opportunity to enhance engineering programs for faculty, staff and students," she said. "I see it as a great professional and personal growth opportunity to build a strong JEDI program in engineering."

Sims is a higher education Ph.D. student in the College of Education and Health Professions. She holds a Master of Science in higher education from Purdue University Global and a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

A native of Pine Bluff, she is the mother of two Fayetteville High School students, Collin and Carrington. She is a member of the Historic St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir, serves in the women's ministry and the social media team. She is a member of the Lambda Phi Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.