Today, Baylor University revealed a generous $1.5 million contribution from B. Todd and Amy Patterson, hailing from Richmond, Texas. This significant gift establishes The Todd and Amy Patterson Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity, aimed at propelling research within the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s cybersecurity domain. Additionally, the Pattersons have endowed The Patterson Family Dean’s Scholarship in Engineering and Computer Science to assist students enrolled in The Dean’s Scholars Program.
The Todd and Amy Patterson Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity represents a key element in Baylor’s strategic initiative, Illuminate, and qualifies for additional support through the Give Light Campaign’s Illuminate Chair Matching Program. This marks the fifth endowed chair introduced in the School of Engineering and Computer Science during the campaign.
Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., expressed deep appreciation: “We are profoundly grateful for Todd and Amy Patterson’s dedication to our Christian values and the broader Baylor community. Their commitment through The Todd and Amy Patterson Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity and the Patterson Family Dean’s Scholarship will expand Baylor’s influence in critical research areas and enhance educational accessibility. Their leadership in advancing our mission is deeply valued.”
The Patterson Family Dean’s Scholarship is designed to enhance access to Baylor’s engineering and computer science programs for high-achieving students who encounter financial challenges. This scholarship will provide renewable financial aid to deserving students, alleviating the financial burdens for them and their families.
Dean Daniel J. Pack, Ph.D., of Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, remarked, “We are thrilled to announce the creation of The Patterson Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity. This prestigious position will bolster our ability to attract top-tier talent nationally and significantly contribute to advancements in cybersecurity technologies and policies. We also deeply appreciate the Pattersons’ support for The Patterson Family Dean’s Scholarship, which will open new opportunities for countless students. Their forward-thinking contributions will make a lasting impact on our school’s pursuit of excellence in cybersecurity education and research.”
The Todd and Amy Patterson Chair in Cybersecurity will support a faculty member dedicated to pioneering research and teaching in cybersecurity. The School of Engineering and Computer Science has recognized cybersecurity as a vital growth area and is committed to expanding its research and academic offerings. The matching program is part of the University’s broader efforts to drive high-impact research across various academic fields, including Health, Data Sciences, Materials Science, Human Flourishing, Leadership and Ethics, and Baylor in Latin America.
The Pattersons have long been dedicated supporters of Baylor. Their philanthropy has extended to Baylor Athletics, including contributions to the Baylor Bear Foundation and the Billy W. Williams Golf Practice Facility. They have also supported scholarships at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing and the School of Education. Through Todd’s firm, Patterson + Sheridan LLP, they have funded the Capstone Design Project Endowed Fund, which equips engineering students with resources for their senior design projects.
Both Todd and Amy are Baylor alumni, with their family’s Baylor tradition continuing through their daughters, who are also Baylor graduates. Todd currently serves on Baylor’s Board of Regents and the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s Board of Advocates. He was also a member of the National Campaign Steering Committee for the Give Light campaign, Baylor’s most successful fundraising initiative.
Todd Patterson earned his B.S. in Biology from Baylor in 1990, later pursuing law at South Texas College of Law, where he graduated with honors. He is actively involved in various legal and community organizations. Amy Patterson holds a B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Houston Baptist University and has worked as an educator before retiring.
The Pattersons are active members of Second Baptist Church Houston, West Campus. Their daughter, Darian Schmeltekopf, B.S. ’13, has transitioned into the insurance sector, while Emily Conner, B.S. ’18, works as a pediatric nurse. The family resides in Texas, where they are involved in their communities and continue to support Baylor’s mission.
