Dr. Deana Patterson Sheppard, Nacogdoches High School Class of 1988, is living proof of how the influence of one caring, observant teacher can change the trajectory of a student’s future. As a student at NHS, Sheppard sang soprano in the choir, earning a place in the Texas All-State choir, and was active in the Future Homemakers of America and Business Professions of America clubs.
Sheppard will be recognized before kickoff Friday at Dragon Stadium.
She credits her NHS business instructor Kathryn Scott not only for igniting her passion for a career in education but also persuading a quiet Deana Patterson to break out of her shell and take center stage.
“Mrs. Scott totally brought me out of my introverted self,” Sheppard said. “She had that way of gently encouraging me that let me know I could get up and speak in front of people. She gave me opportunities and ideas that I had never thought about.”
Those early experiences spurred Sheppard to success at Stephen F. Austin State University, which further cemented her desire to teach and influence others. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SFA in 1992. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Training and Development from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate in Education in Higher Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University.
After a few years of teaching business courses at the high school level, Sheppard began her higher education career at Brazosport College, where she rose through the ranks from faculty member to the Director of Employee Development.
Firmly committed to the community college mission, Sheppard joined Lone Star College at CyFair in 2002, serving in leadership roles including dean/executive director, vice president of college centers, vice president of instruction and interim president. In 2019, she was named provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Tyler Junior College.
Sheppard values culture and investing in those she leads, and she is passionate about facilitating student success and working with individuals who share that same passion. She is also active in her community, serving on a variety of local and national boards.
Despite her success in higher education, Sheppard’s true purpose in life comes from her family, which includes her husband and best friend of 31 years, Drew; their daughter and son-in-law, Kaylin and Colby Moore; and their 11 year-old son, Liam.
Congratulations to this most deserving alum on her selection. To join Dr. Sheppard as a member of the NHS Alumni Association visit nhs-alumni.org.