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A close up of pink flowers on a tree blooming on Regent University's Virginia Beach campus.
Kathleen A. Patterson, Ph.D.
Director, Doctor of Strategic LeadershipProfessor

Kathleen A. Patterson, Ph.D.

Bio

Dr. Kathleen Patterson is a professor and doctoral program director at Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership, where she has been since 1999. She is noted as an expert on servant leadership and has coordinated three Global Servant Leadership Research Roundtables in the Netherlands, Australia, and Iceland with Dirk van Dierendonck. She has hosted the annual Servant Leadership Research Roundtables at Regent University for 21 years. She has spoken about servant leadership on every continent except Antarctica, but is willing to go!

Her research includes over 9,000 citations in Google Scholar. She has published over 20 articles in The Christian Post as a guest contributor, co-edited the second edition of Servant Leadership Theory and Practice (2025), which is considered the seminal text on servant leadership, and authored the dissertation Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model (2003) which has consistently ranked in the top five monthly dissertations globally in the ProQuest database for several years now. She sits on multiple editorial boards and has served as a content expert for the John Templeton Foundation.

Additionally, Dr. Patterson was a Beazley Scholar and PhD Fellow, was the 2016 Chancellor’s Award recipient at Regent University, and is currently the President of Regent University’s Faculty Senate (the first woman to hold this position). Dr. Patterson sits on the boards of the Larry C. Spears Servant Leadership Center, CareNet (serving as the Vice-Chair), and the MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) Leadership Center.

Credentials

  • Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, Regent University, School of Leadership Studies, 2003
  • M.A., Organizational Leadership in Business, Regent University, School of Leadership Studies, 2000
  • B.A., Sociology Major with Psychology and Biblical Studies Minors, Lee College, 1991

Publications

  • Stone, A.G., Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership: The Pandemic’s Impact on Workforce Trends and Gen Z in a Changing Workplace. In: Dhiman, S. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Leadership and Organizational Change. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51650-4_19-1
  • Van Dierendonck, D., & Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition. Palgrave Macmillan—Springer Nature Switzerland.
  • Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership and Love. In, Van Dierendonck, D., & Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition. Palgrave Macmillan—Springer Nature Switzerland.
  • Van Dierendonck, D., & Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership: An Introduction. In, Van Dierendonck, D., & Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition. Palgrave Macmillan—Springer Nature Switzerland.
  • Patterson, K., & Cruz, R.J. (2025). Servant Followership: The Nobility of Leading and Following as Servant. In, Van Dierendonck, D., & Patterson, K. (2025). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition. Palgrave Macmillan—Springer Nature Switzerland.
  • Patterson, K. (2024). Raising the Bar with Servant Followership: A Leader’s Influence Starts with Following Well. Outcomes (The Magazine of Christian Leadership Alliance). https://outcomesmagazine.com/servant-followership/
  • Ertel, S., Gomez, D., & Patterson, K. (2024). Ertel, S., Gomez, D., & Patterson, K. (2024). Women in Leadership: Biblical and Contemporary Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
  • Firestone, S., Gomez, D., & Patterson, K. (2024). Where are Women Today in Leadership. In, Ertel, S., Gomez, D., & Patterson, K. (2024). Women in Leadership: Biblical and Contemporary Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
  • Patterson, K., & Winston, B. (2023). The Nature of Biblical Followership: Components and Practice, Volume 1. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
  • Patterson, K., & Winston, B. (2023). The Nature of Biblical Followership: Organizational and Cultural Values. Volume 2. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
  • Cruz, R., & Patterson, K. (2023). Followership and Servant-Leadership: Companions in an Endless Relationship. In, Patterson, K, & Winston, B. (2023). The Nature of Biblical Followership: Components and Practice, Volume 1. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
  • Stone, A.G., & Patterson, K. (2022). The History of Leadership Focus: Servant Leadership’s Coming of Age. In, Dhiman, S., & Roberts, G. (2022) The Palgrave Handbook of Servant Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, NY.
  • Patterson, K. (2022). Servant Leadership and Love. In, Servant-Leadership, Feminism, and Gender Well-Being: How Leaders Transend Global Inequities through Hope, Unity, and Love. SUNY Press.
  • Carey, M., Patterson, K. & Spears, L. (2021). Head, Hands, and Heart: The Essential Tripod of Servant-Leadership Education. International Journal of Servant-Leadership. V15, i1, 57-66.
  • Patterson, K. (CP Guest Contributor). (October, 2021). Dear Friend: Be the Safe Space. https://www.christianpost.com/by/kathleen-patterson
  • Patterson, K. (CP Guest Contributor). (October, 2021). Dear Abuser: You can Heal. https://www.christianpost.com/by/kathleen-patterson
  • Patterson, K. (CP Guest Contributor). (October, 2021). Dear Abused: You are seen, heard, and known. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/voices/dear-abused-you-are-seen-heard-and-known.html
  • Patterson, K. (CP Guest Contributor). (October, 2021). Dear Church: Some of your Sheep are Suffering. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/voices/dear-church-some-of-your-sheep-are-suffering.html
  • Koshal, J. & Patterson, K. (2020). A Kenyan on Servant Leadership: Harambee and Service. In Matthew, P., Song, J., Ferch, S., & Spears, L. Global Servant Leadership: Wisdom, Love, and Legitimate Power in the Age of Chaos. Lexington Books, NY.
  • Firestone, S., Waddell, J., & Patterson, K. (2020). Grace vs. Grit: Reaching, Teaching and Preparing Today’s Christian Learner. Christian Business Academy Review (CBAR). V. 15.
  • Moore, A., Patterson, K., Winston, B, & Wood, A. (October, 2019). Computers, Cell Phones, and Social Media: How After-Hours Communication Impacts Work- life Balance and Job Satisfaction. Journal of Communication and Media Research (JCMR). Vol. 11: No. 2.
  • Mareus, R., Firestone, S., Patterson, K., & Winston, B. (2019). Exploring Servant Leadership in a Top-Down Environment. Servant Leadership: Theory & Practice. Vol. 6: Iss.1, 53—74. https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/sltp/vol6/iss1/4/
  • Murff, J., & Patterson, K. (Winter, 2018). Compulsive Comparing Disorder: Stop Comparing and Start Empowering. Outcomes Magazine, CLA (Christian Leadership Alliance). https://outcomesmagazine.com/compulsive-comparing-disorder/
  • Shaw, M., Firestone, S., Patterson, K., Winston, B. E. (2018) "Understanding How Transformational Servant Leadership Affects Student Leadership Development in a Higher Education Program in China," Servant Leadership: Theory & Practice: Vol. 5: Iss.2, 13—40. https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/sltp/vol5/iss2/2
  • Van Dierendonck, D. & Patterson, K. (June, 2018). Practicing Servant Leadership: Developments in Implementation. Palgrave Macmillan: London. ISBN-13: 978-3319756431, ISBN-10: 3319756435
  • Patterson, K. (June, 2018). Pro-Lifers: Supreme Court Protected our Freedom, Let’s Use It. The Christian Post. https//www.christianpost.com/voice/pro-life-supreme-court-protected-freedom-nifla-abortion.html
  • Patterson, K. (February, 2018). Who Are The Least Among You Today? The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/voice/who-are-the-least-among-you-today.html
  • Patterson, K. (January, 2018). A True March for Life: Every Baby Matters. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/voice/a-true-march-for-life-every-baby-matters.html
  • Patterson, K. (December, 2017). Finding Purpose: Focus More on the Eternal and Not the Temporal. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/voice/finding-purpose-focus-more-on-the-eternal-and-not-the-temporal.html
  • Patterson, K. (September, 2017). What if you share Jesus? The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/what-if-you-share-jesus-199925/
  • Patterson, K. (August, 2017). Extend Your Hand to the One Right in Front of You. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/extend-your-hand-to-the-one-right-in-front-of-you-195605/
  • Patterson, K. (August, 2017). Reflecting Christ in Racism. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/reflecting-christ-in-racism-195438/
  • Patterson, K. (July, 2017). Sex, Nudity Everywhere. What About the Mysterious Wonder of the Human Body? The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/sex-nudity-everywhere-what-about-the-mysterious-wonder-of-the-human-body-192934/
  • Patterson, K. (June, 2017). Why Words Are Necessary to Share the Gospel. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/why-words-are-necessary-to-share-the-gospel-187517//li>
  • Patterson, K. (June, 2017). No Joke, Planned Parenthood Was Founded By Racist Eugenicist. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/planned-parenthood-founded-racist-eugenicist-186501/
  • Patterson, K. (May, 2017). The Babylon Bee Exposes Planned Parenthood’s Satire of Choice. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-babylon-bee-exposes-planned-parenthoods-satire-of-choice-184068/
  • Brubaker, Timothy A.; Bocamea, Mihai C.; Patterson, Kathleen; and Winston, Bruce E. (2016) "Servant Leadership and Organizational Citizenship in Rwanda: A Moderated Mediation Model, "Servant Leadership: Theory & Practice: Vol.2: Iss.2, Article 3. https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/sltp/vol2/iss2/3
  • Patterson, K. (November, 2016). Giving Thanks for My Vegan Thanksgiving. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/giving-thanks-for-my-vegan-thanksgiving-171512/
  • Patterson, K. (October, 2016). Halloween Dilemma: Should Christian Parents Allow Trick-or-Treating? The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/halloween-dilemma-should-christian-parents-allow-trick-or-treating-171139/
  • Patterson, K. (October, 2016). Lingering Questions on Trump’s Abortion Position. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/lingering-questions-on-trumps-abortion-position-opinion-171025/
  • Patterson, K. (October, 2016). Babylon Bee Stings Planned Parenthood with all too Real Satire. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/babylon-bee-stings-planned-parenthood-with-all-too-real-satire-170974/
  • Patterson, K. & Winston, B. (2016). Leading an African Renaissance: Opportunities and Challenges. Palgrave Macmillan: New York, NY.
  • Winston, B. & Patterson, K. (2016). Ethics: The Old Testament, the New Testament, and Contemporary Application. Create Space.
  • Patterson, K. (2015). “You Can’t Take It with You”, March 2nd. Keeping the Faith: Christ over All. John Brown University Daily Devotional. Siloam Springs, AR.
  • Patterson, K. (2015). “Daily Do-Overs”, September 3rd. Keeping the Faith: Christ over All. John Brown University Daily Devotional. Siloam Springs, AR.
  • Patterson, K. (November 6, 2015). How Servant Leaders Do It. CLA (Christian Leadership Alliance). https://blog.christianleadershipalliance.org/2015/11/06/how-servant-leaders-do-it/
  • Patterson, K. (Fall, 2015). Excellent Things: How Servant Leaders Foster Excellence. Outcomes Magazine.
  • Patterson, K. Guest Contributor. (August 3, 2015). If we Remain Silent about Abortion, We are Choosing Death. The Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/if-we-remain-silent-about-abortion-we-are-choosing-death-142223/
  • Freeborough, R. & Patterson, K. (February, 2015). Exploring the Effect of Transformational Leadership on Nonprofit Leader Engagement. Servant Leadership: Theory and Practice. V2, i1, 49—70.
  • Patterson, K. (2015). Both Stranger and Friend Equally. In Slack, James, D. Editor. 2015. Devotions for the Christian Public Servant. Nashville, TN: Emeth Press.
  • Patterson, K. (2015). Seek to see the Lord at Work. In Slack, James, D. Editor. 2015. Devotions for the Christian Public Servant. Nashville, TN: Emeth Press.
  • Patterson, K. (2015). Despised Work Neighbor. In Slack, James, D. Editor. 2015. Devotions for the Christian Public Servant. Nashville, TN: Emeth Press.
  • Van Dierendonck, D. & Patterson, K. (2015). Compassionate Love as a Cornerstone of Servant Leadership: An Integration of Previous Theorizing and Research. Journal of Business Ethics. 128 (1):119-131.
  • Carroll, B. & Patterson, K. (August, 2014). Servant Leadership: A Cross-Cultural Study between India and the United States. Servant Leadership: Theory and Practice. V1, i1, 16-45. Inaugural Issue.
  • Buford, M., Gomez, D., Patterson, K., & Winston, B. (2014). The Controlled Discipline of Servant Leaders: A Qualitative Study. In Selladurai, R. & Carraher, S. Servant Leadership: Research and Practice. IGI Global.
  • Patterson, K. (December, 2013). Pastors and Suicide: Galatians 6:2. Christian i- Post.
  • Patterson, K. (December, 2013). 'Oh Holy Night': A poem, a song, promoted by an abolitionist and the first song ever on the radio! Christian i-Post.
  • Patterson, K. (November, 19, 2013). Adoption: How God Restores. The Christian Post. Feature Article. https://www.christianpost.com/news/adoption-how-god-restores-108962/
  • Patterson, K. (November, 2013). Staying above Scandal: Billy Graham. Christian i-Post.
  • Patterson, K. (November, 2013). Happy THANKS-giving. Christian i-Post.
  • Patterson, K. (November, 2013). The inner life of the leader---Pastor Teddy Parker, Jr. Christian i-Post.
  • Patterson, K. Christian Post Guest Contributor. (July 17, 2013). What The Zimmerman Verdict Says About Race In America. Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/what-the-zimmerman-verdict-says-about-race-in-america-100347/
  • Patterson, K. Christian Post Guest Contributor. (May 27, 2013). Do Women Lose Focus When They Have a Baby? Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/do-women-lose-focus-when-they-have-a-baby-96726/
  • Patterson, K. (September, 2012). The Power of Servant-Leadership. Servant Leadership Solutions. https://servantleadershipsolutions.com/the-power-of-servant-leadership
  • Patterson, K. (April, 2012). I recall the first time I heard the term Servant Leadership. Servant Leadership Solutions. https://servantleadershipsolutions.com/
  • Lane, M., Carr, P., & Patterson, K. (2011). Soccer Tactics and Leadership Complexities. In, BUILDING LEADERSHIP BRIDGES: Leading in Complex Worlds. International Leadership Association: College Park, Maryland.
  • Patterson, K. (2011). The Development of Leadership Theory: A Look into the Historical Progression. In, Gandolfi, F. (2011). Foundations of Contemporary Leadership: Contemporary Leadership Readings. Lambert Academic Publishing: Saarbrucken, Germany.
  • Patterson, K. (2011). Servant Leadership. In, Gandolfi, F. (2011). Foundations of Contemporary Leadership: Contemporary Leadership Readings. Lambert Academic Publishing: Saarbrucken, Germany.
  • Van Dierendonck, D. & Patterson, K. (2010). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Research. Palgrave Macmillan: London.
  • Van Dierendonck, D. & Patterson, K. (2010). Servant Leadership: An Introduction. In Van Dierendonck, D. & Patterson, K. (2010). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Research. Palgrave Macmillan: London.
  • Patterson, K. (2010). Servant Leadership and Love. In Van Dierendonck, D. & Patterson, K. (2010). Servant Leadership: Developments in Theory and Research. Palgrave Macmillan: London.
  • Patterson, K. A., & Gomez, D. (January, 2010). Tips for Success in the Workplace: A Human Resources Perspective on leading others with Love. Source Magazine, Women’s Initiative Network.
  • Parolini, J, Patterson, K. & Winston, B. (2009). Distinguishing between Transformational and Servant Leadership. Leadership & Organization Development Journal. 30, 3, 274-291.
  • Oster, G. & Patterson, K. Global Economic Meltdown: The Impact on Business Schools. MBA Review, 8(8), 26-29.
  • Patterson, K. (October, 2009). Empowerment: A Perspective on the Women of Today and Tomorrow. HRM Review. ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad, India.
  • Patterson, K. (August, 2009). If you want to change the world, serve the world. Akomuna. Net (German Leadership Blog). https://www.akomuna.net/wordpress/2009/08/17/if-you-want-to-change-the-world-serve-the-world/
  • Patterson, K. (March, 2009). Servant Leadership—A Timeless Style. Empowered Lives.Org.
  • Patterson, K. & Oster, G. (March, 2009). The Global Economic Meltdown: Impact on Corporate Human Resources. HRM Review. ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad, India.
  • Patterson, K. & Dingman, M. (February, 2009). Women as Leaders: Understanding God’s Call in our Lives. Engstrom Institute. https://www.engstrominstitute.com/executiveleadership/2007/womenasleaders.html
  • Patterson, K. (December, 2008). Servant Leadership: A timeless leadership style. Engstrom Institute. https://www.engstrominstitute.com/executiveleadership/2007/servantleadership.html?start=5
  • Patterson, K. (2008). Leadership and Humility: An old notion or a necessity? Christian Living Today Magazine. South Africa.
  • Carr, P., & Patterson, K. (October 2008). Attrition Management: Some Paramount Considerations for Strategy and Intervention. In A. J. Wagh (Ed.) Attrition Management. VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur (UP).
  • Patterson, K. & Carr, P. (September, 2008). Business Intelligence: Some Paramount Caveats Associated with an Elusive Construct. i-manager's Journal on Management. i-manager Publications, Technopark, Kerala, India.
  • Patterson, K. Dingman, M, & Robinson-Davis, M. (August, 2008). Women in the Workforce: Evidence of the Rise of Women Joining the Workforce from Around the World and Strategies for Home and Work Balance. HRM Review. Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA.
  • Patterson, K., Carr, P. & Dingman, M. (July 2008). Globalization and Women Executives: Breaking the Barriers? In Jegadeesan (Ed.). Working Women: A Paradigm Shift. ICFAI Business School Press, Chennai, India.
  • Dingman, M. E., Patterson, K., & Carr, P. (2008). “Managing Multicultural Teams.” ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad: India.
  • Koshal, J. & Patterson, K. (2008). “A Kenyan Perspective on Servant Leadership: Harambee and Service” International Journal of Servant Leadership. V4. I1. 245- 279.
  • Spears, L. & Patterson, K. (August, 2007). “Old Age: The Ultimate Test of Spirit—An Essay on Preparation: A look into Robert K. Greenleaf’s Final Essay.” Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Proceedings paper.
  • Patterson, K., Dannhauser, Z., & Stone, A.G. (August, 2007). “From Noble to Global: The Attributes of Global Leadership.” Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Proceedings paper.
  • Patterson, K., Dingman, M. & Carr, P. (2007). “Globalization and Women Executives: Breaking the Barriers?” in (Ed) The Gender Divide. ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad: India.
  • Carr, P., Patterson, K. & Dingman, M. (September, 2007). “Corporate Social Responsibility: The Role of Leadership.” Effective Executive. ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad: India.
  • Patterson, K., Dingman, M. & Carr, P. (July, 2007). “Globalization and Women Executives: Breaking the Barriers?” Effective Executive. ICFAI University Press, Hyderabad: India.
  • Patterson, K. (July, 2007). “The New Face of Leadership: A Global Emergence in the Marketplace.” SMGLI Journal. SM Global Leadership Institute, Sookmyung Women’s University, South Korea.
  • Patterson, K., Dingman, M. & Carr P. (2007). Corporate Entrepreneurship: The Role of Leadership and Top Management. Effective Executive.
  • Dingman, M. Patterson, K. & Carr, P. (2007). Multicultural Teams and Superior Performance: The Role of Leadership for The Effective Executive. Effective Executive.
  • Carr, P., Patterson, K. & Dingman, M. (2007). The Role of Leadership in Talent Management: Avenues for Consideration for the Effective Executive. Effective Executive.
  • Patterson, K. A. (2006) “Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model” in Kumar, K. B. S. (Ed) Servant Leadership – An Introduction. India - ICFAI University Press.
  • Winston, B. & Patterson, K. A. (2006). An Integrated Definition of Leadership. International Journal of Leadership Studies. 1, 2.
  • Stone, A. G. & Patterson, K. A. (2006). Presentations with Impact. e-NEWS, CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning), Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
  • Patterson, K. A. (2006). Servant leadership and love. International Journal of Servant Leadership, 2, 1, 287-296. Invited article.
  • Stone, A. G. & Patterson, K. A. (2006). The History of Leadership: An Historical Perspective. The Journal Business and Behavioral Sciences. Volume 14, Number 2, Fall.
  • Patterson, K. A. (2005). The History of Leadership Focus. Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Proceedings paper.
  • Patterson, K. A. (2005). Servant Leadership: As old as Time. Editor Stuart Allen. CALE HANDBOOK OF APPLIED LEADERSHIP. Centre for Applied Leadership Excellence, South Africa.
  • Patterson, K. A. (2005). Real World Servant Leadership. Editor, B. Winston. Servant Leadership: from Values to Practice. ISBN 0-9771493-0-7.
  • Stone, A. G. & Patterson, K. A. (2004). Servant Leadership: Examining the Virtues of Love and Humility. Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Proceedings paper.
  • Russell, R. F., Stone, A. G., & Patterson, K. A. (2004). Transformational versus Servant Leadership - A Difference in Leader Focus. Leadership & Organizational Development Journal, 25, 4.
  • Patterson, K. A. (2003). Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model. Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Proceedings paper.
  • Patterson, K. A., (2003). Servant Leadership Theory: A Theoretical Model, dissertation research title. Dissertations Abstract International. 64, 02, 570. (UMI number 3082719).
  • Patterson, K. A., & Stone, A.G. (March, 2003). The Seven Habits of Servant Leaders. Regent Business Review. Regent University. https://www.regent.edu/review/issue4/sevenhabits.html
  • Patterson, K. A. (Contributor). Ethical Work Behavior. In Fields, D. (2002). Taking the Measure of Work; a Guide to Validated Scales for Organizational Research and Diagnosis. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
  • Patterson, K. A. (Contributor). Work Values. In Fields, D. (2002). Taking the Measure of Work; a Guide to Validated Scales for Organizational Research and Diagnosis. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Awards

  • Chancellor’s Award. Regent University. May, 2016.
  • Faculty of the Year Award. School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship. Regent University. May, 2009.
  • Beazley Scholarship Recipient
  • Ph.D. Fellowship from Regent University’s School of Leadership Studies