Dana Thorp-Patterson is the Executive Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning

Institute at Boise State University. She has served in senior administrative roles in

higher education for nearly 30 years in Missouri, Alaska, Oregon, and Idaho.

Dana is from Whale Pass, Alaska, a rural village where she completed high school by

correspondence. A first-generation college student, she traveled outside to a work-

study liberal arts college where she graduated at age 19, Summa Cum Laude, with a

bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice and sociology. She also earned a private

pilot’s license while in college.

Dana served as a law enforcement officer for several years, last posted as a criminal

investigator. She earned a master’s degree in clinical counseling and later was recruited

from law enforcement to serve as a senior hospital administrator operating and

overseeing several inpatient and outpatient units on various campuses. During this

time, Dana also worked in off hours in a private counseling clinic to earn licensure

while also teaching evening classes of criminal justice, psychology and sociology at

area colleges as adjunct faculty.

Dana’s commitment to teach and train ultimately resulted in an offer to become a

Dean of Continuing Education, hired to create and develop sustainable programs in

workforce and professional development, community enrichment and classes for all

ages. During her tenure, she participated in a pilot program for senior college

administrators to earn an educational doctorate in higher education administration.

Working at several colleges and universities around the country, she has served as

Acting Vice President and Acting Vice Chancellor several times and created award-

winning programs to meet needs of the institutions and the communities she served.

Dana’s volunteer work includes City Club of Boise as Secretary on the Board of

Directors. She has volunteered for the American Red Cross and has donated blood,

plasma and platelets for 45 years. Dana takes pride in her civic commitments and has

served as a Chief Election Supervisor in every state of residency. Her passion includes

support of rural education in Alaska, providing materials and resources to elementary

schools particularly in the rural communities where she attended school. Dana is an

advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights and of fair treatment and equal

pay for women in the workplace.