Patricia A. Denkler

UWF Degree / Year of Graduation:
BA, English 1976

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
After attending other colleges, I decided to return to Pensacola, which is where I grew up. UWF provided me the opportunity to achieve two primary goals: (1) live in Pensacola; (2) complete my college education.

What were your goals as a student?
Initially, I wanted to major in accounting; however, English had always been one of my passions. I was fortunate to have had Dr. Stanton Millet as an advisor, and he encouraged me to study what I enjoyed, since my professional goal was not yet clear. He emphasized that English – the ability to communicate in all aspects – would be vital regardless of what professional endeavor I would choose.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I recall having classes outside on the campus green and even on the nature trail. At that time, it was such a unique and relaxed educational experience.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
You can probably guess that it was Dr. Millet. He empowered students to believe in themselves and to achieve their dreams.

What do you do now and how did UWF help you progress to this point?
I am currently an International Captain with a major airline and have been with the airline for 20 years. While attending UWF, I met someone who introduced me to flying vintage aircraft, and my life would never be the same! I shared my new-found passion with Dr. Millet, and he was so supportive and encouraged me to seize any potential opportunity associated with flying. After graduation, I attended A & P School at Embry Riddle to enhance my knowledge, from the mechanical aspect, of flying. During my tenure at Embry Riddle, I would spend time in Jacksonville with Navy pilot friends who also shared my love of flying vintage aircraft. John McCain, who was then the Commanding Officer of VA-174, was among several who encouraged me to talk to a Navy Recruiter regarding applying to the Flight Program as they had recently started accepting women as aviators. I applied and was accepted – the rest is history!

How do you stay connected to UWF?
It is my sincere belief that it is the responsibility for anyone who has achieved any measure of success, whether personally or professionally, to give back and to seek to empower others to do the same. This is one reason why I am so pleased to be involved at UWF as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors and as a member of the Argo Scholars Committee. I have also had the opportunity to participate in the “Profiles in Leadership” on campus.

I would love to find a way to do more --- and I am especially interested in working with students. I am aware of the role that UWF played in my life and wish to share this awareness with others so that they, too, can assist UWF in achieving their goal of empowering students to realize their dreams.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Even when you do not know what you want to do, stay in school until the “light-bulb” comes on! As I look back, it seems that doors just kept opening for me… but you also have to be ready to walk through those doors, and have the confidence to keep moving forward.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
As I look back, what I experienced at UWF as my “inspiration” seems to be today’s norm. The UWF educational experience is all about the students – empowering, valuing, inspiring, and encouraging the achievement of one’s dreams.

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