Professor of Physics Dr. Russell Patrick retired on Aug. 1 after serving at Kennesaw State for 27 years.
Patrick began teaching for Southern Polytechnic State University in 1991 after he graduated with a bachelors, masters and doctorate in physics from from Drexel University in Philadelphia, according to KSU’s website.
“I have always been interested in science and engineering, and originally was going to major in chemical engineering,” Patrick said. “In my senior year in high school, however, I had a physics teacher that was truly inspiring which was the reason I switched to physics.”
Patrick has taught several upper-level physics courses such as quantum physics and solid state physics as well as courses in calculus and introductory physics. Phil Patterson, the former physics department chair, said Patrick was also “instrumental in putting together the physics major.”
Patrick takes pride in helping students prepare for their capstone course, a project that reflects a deep understanding of a topic, and is typically done during a student’s last year on campus.
“He is dedicated, competent and passionate,” Patterson said.
Dustin Del Rosario, one of Patrick’s former students, describes Patrick as patient and willing to help students truly understand the material in his courses.
“I am forever grateful for my experiences with Dr. Patrick and proud to say he was one of my favorite professors,” Del Rosario said. “My time with him was completely constructive.”
Patrick said the most rewarding parts of being at KSU have been meeting his wife and seeing the success of the graduates.
“Several of our physics alumni have pursued employment with prominent companies or have obtained advanced degrees at schools such as Georgia Tech, Berkeley, Syracuse and the London School of Economics,” Patrick said.
Post-retirement, Patrick plans to spend time with his family and possibly travel to Europe and Germany, where his wife was born.
