Dr. Patricia Mackenzie was named the 2016 recipient of the Athena Leadership Award at the Women’s Networking Luncheon on April 15, 2016.
“This recipient is honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting other women in their attainment of their own professional excellence and leadership skills,” said Donna Bussler, Executive Director of The Mosaic Center and past recipient of the Athena Leadership Award.
“I take great joy in being a native of Lufkin,” she said. “I thank all of you for this award. I am truly humbled.”
The award is presented to women nominated for fulfilling eight distinct attributes, including authentic self, relationships, giving back, learning, collaboration, fierce advocacy, celebration, joy, and courageous acts.
“Our 2016 Athena Leadership Award recipient epitomizes all of these characteristics,”said Bussler. “Our recipient has an outgoing personality, a commitment to excellence and a generous, warm spirit. She displays a true commitment to future professional leaders and is staunchly loyal to the growth of educational system.”
Dr. Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Prairie View A&M and went on to receive her Doctorate in Nursing. She worked as a school nurse for grades nine through twelve in Wichita Falls and was a volunteer with the Peace Corp, teaching nursing and community development for improved health while in the Dominican Republic.
In 1969, Dr. Mackenzie returned to Lufkin and became a full-time nursing instructor at Angelina College. In 1976, she became the Associate Director of Health Careers and, in 1987, took on the position of Vice President and Dean of Instruction.
“As a Nursing Instructor and Associate Director of Health Careers for two decades, she educated and prepared scores of nurses for professional careers,” said Dr. Larry Phillips, past president of Angelina College. “The same commitment to excellence and quality which she instilled in her nursing graduates was carried into the next 28 years of her career as Vice President and dean of instruction at Angelina College.
“Under her instructional leadership, she has developed new programs for Angelina College in respiratory therapy, sonography, pharmacy technician, and surgical technician while continuing the tradition of excellence in the nursing program.”
Dr. Mackenize has served on board and committees for American Heart Assoc, Hospice in the Pines, Volunteer Services of Lufkin State Supported Living Center, Board of CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial, and the Mosaic Center. She is also a charter member and past president of Angelina Rotary Club, a Leadership Lufkin Graduate, recipient of Leadership Lufkin Silver Spike Award for Community Service and the Salute to Health Care Individual of Merit. She is also actively involved in her church, Long Chapel CME Church of Lufkin.
“She is a remarkable woman who has devoted her life to helping her community, her church, health careers education, and to making a difference in the lives and careers of people around her,” said Dr. Phillips.
