Dr. Patterson Appointed to CPASS Foundation Board

Midwestern University congratulates Coretta C. Patterson, D.V.M., DACVIM-SA, PG Cert Vet Med, on her appointment to the board of The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success™ (CPASS) Foundation, an organization dedicated to attracting, encouraging, educating, and guiding promising Illinois students toward careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM). She will be serving a three-year term that began January 1, 2026. As the first veterinarian and professional health dean named to the board, she adds a distinctive voice to the CPASS leadership.

Dr. Patterson currently serves as the founding dean for the proposed Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University’s Downers Grove Campus. The College is in the final phases of its accreditation process and will welcome its first class of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) candidates in August 2028.

In her role on the CPASS board, Dr. Patterson hopes to widen pathways for the next generation of students and has already launched an annual one-day immersive exploratory experience for STEMM Scholars at Midwestern University.

“It’s exciting, especially to be from Chicago and to be a part of this,” she said. “As a board member at CPASS, I hope to be a bridge to my university and the organization. I want to broaden the reach and access to opportunity through this institution’s work with students from all backgrounds, including those from historically under-resourced communities. It’s important for me to give back and make sure that I’m paving the way for other young people.”

Read more about Dr. Patterson’s appointment