Abbe D. Patton

An alumna has committed more than $1 million to benefit students and faculty at The University of Texas at Arlington.

Abbe D. Patton ('75 BS, Political Science) has created a $1 million bequest to benefit UTA's College of Liberal Arts. The funds will support faculty fellowships and scholarships for first-generation students.

Additionally, Patton has established a $100,000 endowed scholarship in support of the Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) program, bringing her cumulative giving to $1.1 million. The Abbe Doss Patton scholarship will be awarded to non-traditional or returning students, with preference given to single parents.

"I believe in education," Patton said. "It can open doors otherwise closed to you as you navigate a lifelong career. I want to support students who are attempting to gain the education needed for a life of success."

Patton's gifts will have a substantial impact at UTA for years to come, elevating faculty scholarship and making an education possible for talented students.

"The College of Liberal Arts is deeply grateful for the gifts that Mrs. Abbe Doss Patton has designated," said Elisabeth Cawthon, dean of UTA's College of Liberal Arts. "Abbe is leaving a legacy for first-generation college students, including single parents. And her generous provision for a faculty fellowship ensures the College will be able to recruit and support faculty in areas of strategic focus within the liberal arts."

In addition to her passion for education, Patton is dedicated to supporting causes that impact women. When she met Dustin Harp, director of the WGS program and associate professor in the Department of Communication, the two connected over their shared commitment to championing issues that affect women and belief in the importance of education.

"I am beyond excited about the new endowment and the impact it will have on UTA students through scholarships," Dr. Harp said. "Abbe Patton is such a wonderful person, and I am so grateful for her and her care for people who want an education."

Harp was moved by the idea that the scholarship would go toward benefiting non-traditional students, including single parents like her own mother, who never had the opportunity to attend college.

"I know my mother would have thrived in a college setting and would have had the opportunity to reach her full potential," Harp said. "Each year when I help find students to grant the Abbe Doss Patton Scholarship, I will think of Abbe and my mother."

You can also create a legacy at UTA and help shape future generations of leaders. To explore legacy giving options, please contact the Office of Gift and Estate Planning.