Brent Patton

(Photos by Jeff Garner)

June 22, 2011

Ten Questions with ... Brent Patton

Job on campus/department you work in: Director of Labor and Employee Relations

How long at SIUC: 27 years

Hometown: Carbondale, IL

When you were a youngster, what did you want to be when you grew up? Either an FBI agent or a teacher.

If you could choose another profession, what would it be and why? A psychiatrist – because I could probably make a fortune here in Carbondale…..

What is something you still want to accomplish in life? I have always wanted to travel to Australia.

People don’t know that you … Spent three years in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Who inspired you and how? My father. He taught me that:

Honesty is the most important quality in a man.

Family comes first.

Although life isn’t fair, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t treat others fairly.

No matter what your vocation, always give your best.

If you could pick an actor/actress to play you in a movie, who would you pick, and why? I would pick Kirk Cameron for my “youthful years” and Andy Griffith for the “more seasoned” period of my life. Both are men of integrity and both can make you laugh.

Cats or dogs? Why? Dogs. They are loyal, fun-loving, and obedient (most of the time).

What is your pet peeve? Why? My biggest pet peeve is people who don’t appreciate what they have and would rather gripe and complain instead of doing their job. If you have a job in these uncertain times, you are far ahead of many less fortunate people.

Favorite cartoon character? Why? Dilbert….because I suspect that Scott Adams must have worked at SIU sometime in the past….

What would you like your gravestone to say about you? A Faithful Christian, A Great Father, and A Loyal Friend.