Sherry Patrick (Staff/Alumna)

Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s (A&M-SA) assistive technology coordinator, Sherry L. Patrick ‘16, aspires to go above and beyond the duties detailed in her job description. She strives to perform her job while demonstrating immense care, respect and compassion for all university students—no matter their abilities. She also seeks to positively influence the lives of the university and community by looking for ways to enhance equality and inclusion—making her a shining light.

In the Office of Disability Support Services, Sherry provides access to students in need through assistive technologies. For example, if a student has a hearing impairment, Sherry works to provide communication technologies and/or interpreting services. In short, Sherry creates what she calls an equal playing field for all students.

She also works with faculty and staff by serving on the President’s Commission on Equity (PCOE), a newly formed team charged with building “a culture of excellence that values equity and inclusion.” Sherry was asked to serve on the commission by President Cynthia Teniente-Matson last year. Since joining, she has played an active role and finds the experience rewarding.

Sherry’s desire to help others stems from her upbringing and exemplar parents. “They taught me about respecting others,” she said. “They taught me about being kind to people and doing what’s right no matter what.”

Those invaluable life lessons have remained with her and were evident in her career path prior to working at A&M-SA. As a young adult, Sherry worked at H-E-B and helped develop a training program for employees with disabilities. She also invested four years as a case worker for Child Protective Services and got her first taste of the education field as a teacher in Monterrey, Mexico.

When Sherry was hired by A&M-SA in 2012, she didn’t realize she would be joining an extended family. After a few years of employment, she decided to explore another facet of the University by earning a master’s degree. She is now a proud alumna with a master’s degree in counseling and guidance.

Sherry’s life outside of A&M-SA mirrors the passion she exudes on campus. Her fiancée, four children and three dogs fill her heart. She spends ample time with them, traveling when time allows and exploring the outdoors. She considers herself an adrenaline junky and gets a rush from jumping out of planes, repelling down mountainsides and embracing life experiences.

Whether on campus or looking for her next big adventure, Sherry will always exemplify respect for all beings. She explained, “Respect can take you a long way in life. It may not always seem like the cool thing, but doing what’s right always wins.”