Patricia S. Windham

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BA, Math 1976

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I came to UWF in 1968 knowing I was coming to a new, small school. I found individualized attention and a wonderful atmosphere. Scholarships were not as plentiful then as they are today, however the faculty in the Math department helped make my education a reality. I was hired as a student employee and lived with my aunt who was retired Navy. However, I got married and left in 1969 to move to North Carolina while my husband attended law school.

What were your goals as a student?
I returned to UWF in 1975 after helping put my husband through law school.  I wanted to finish my degree and my goal was to graduate!  It was time for me to complete by degree.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I recall spending time with friends in the Rattskellar. It was a great place to hang out between classes. I also was a member of the sailing club and really enjoyed the outings that were offered as a result of membership. After becoming an active alumna, another great memory and honor for me was in 1989 when I was named a Distinguished Alumna by the UWF Alumni Association.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
It is hard to list only one. I was a math major who really appreciated the time and personal attention provided by the faculty when students needed help. When I came into the math department, faculty and staff seemed to really care – helping with course transfers and making it “easy” for me to be successful. I sensed a very caring attitude toward students. I recall how Dr. Burkett and Dr. Sherry were always willing to help. My husband’s step-father, Captain John C. Haynie, Jr., was a UWF administrator while I was in school. He also had a great influence on me.

What do you do now and how did UWF help you progress to this point?
I am a Senior Vice President-Investments- for Windham Wealth Management Group at Wachovia Securities. As I said earlier, the Math department cared about their students. One of my favorite quotes is… “Knowledge is power, if and only if it is organized into definite plans of action and directed to a definite end.” I felt this is the sentiment that was delivered by the department and the university.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
Over the years I have served in a number of capacities – Chair of Festival on the Green, President of the National Alumni Association, a member of the Foundation Board, a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee and have been a long time donor to UWF. I am pleased to serve wherever I am asked.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Balance is the key. You must balance your spiritual, mental, physical and material life. Another quote I like is, “Life is like the stock market – always up and down. When leading a balanced life it will always be up.”

In addition to your studies, get involved with service organizations. Learn to share with others your time, talents and resources. Live by Romans 8:28,”And we know that everything works together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
It is the caliber of people. Faculty, staff and administrators show students that it is not just about education, it is about life. There is a great deal of integrity and caring on campus –people make the difference. It seems to me that the people at UWF exhibit an overall balance that exemplifies to students that they are important and cared about.

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