Dr. Patricia Zahn is the Director of Community Engagement & Outreach at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). In this capacity, she provides oversight and coordination of campus community engagement efforts by developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, supporting the community engaged work of faculty and staff, and serving to connect people with other individuals and organizations both on campus and in the community to facilitate these efforts. She is proud that UMSL continues to be recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a community engaged university, most recently receiving reclassification in 2026.
Patricia has worked in cultural and educational focused fields in nonprofit organizations for over 30 years. In recognition of her work and accomplishments during her career, in 2025 she was selected as a member of the prestigious Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship.
Patricia earned her Doctorate in Education from UMSL and holds a Masters degree in Public Policy Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management & Leadership, and an undergraduate degree in American Studies. She is also a FOCUS Leadership St. Louis Class of 2012-2013 alumna. Patricia serves the community as well. She is a strong supporter of the United Way of Greater St. Louis having been a member of the United Way Women’s Leadership Society cabinet since 2013 and serving as Chair of the annual campaign at UMSL for over a decade. Patricia is a current member on the Giving is a Family Tradition (GiFT) board of directors. She is also a past-president and long-term member of the Affton School Board, serving from 2011 through 2023.
