Speak Up. Speak Out. Inspire.
Speaking Truth to Shape Our Future
I’ve devoted my professional life to helping people develop skills to become independent thinkers and leaders—the true and most sacred role of higher education.
Today, I provide keynotes, workshops, and more about what it means to be a leader in higher ed, drawing from my decades of stories about successes and setbacks in academics and athletics. Whether that’s leading through challenges in our increasingly politicized climate, championing humanities as the foundation of leadership, advocating for academic freedom, or helping women forge a path in administration, I provide leadership lessons with a side of humor, humility, and deep understanding of what’s at stake.
“Pat Okker's decades of higher education leadership have given her a powerful story and the ability to offer candid insights to help guide today's leaders through the challenges of higher education.”
— Eric Mlyn, Director of the Kenan Institute for Ethics’ Democracy and Higher Education Project at Duke University
Higher Ed Needs You
Higher ed’s future depends on developing resilient leaders, an urgent embrace of the humanities and academic freedom, and empowering women administrations—plus, a healthy appreciation for what takes places in everyday English classes. Watch my remarks after receiving the 2023 ADE Francis Andrew March Award to hear more.