“I’ve worked with Pat for over 27 years. She’s an absolutely wonderful person—dedicated, supportive, and a true asset to the college. She’s devoted her career to serving our students and supporting everyone here. We call her ‘Mom.’”
 ~Allen Sinner, Director of Enterprise Technology Services and Deputy CIO

Before joining NOVA in May 1979, Pat Anderson was a stay-at-home mom raising four children. Seeking to reenter the workforce, she enrolled in a Career Development in Education course at NOVA, taught by Mary Ryan and her assistant, Jean Dugan. A month or two after the class ended, Dr. Ryan—then director of student activities—called Pat and encouraged her to apply for a secretary position.

With support from her husband, Emmett, and with their youngest daughter entering high school, the timing felt right. Pat interviewed at the Godwin Building in Annandale with Dr. Ryan, Liz Emhoff, and Ann Shelton. Although she initially failed the typing test, she returned the next day, passed, enrolled in a typing class, and secured the job.

Pat served as Secretary for Student Services for 10 years, working under five different coordinators: Dr. Ryan, Joyce Curry, Fred Billups, Mary Johnson, and Carl Diener. During transitions in leadership, she managed student clubs—including Phi Theta Kappa and student government—and oversaw the department’s budget.

She later joined the provost’s office as assistant to Executive Secretary Donna McCabe, supporting Provost Dr. Barbara Holmes and later Dr. Barbara Guthrie Morris. After four years, Vince Pizarro, then Director of Computing and Information Systems, invited her to serve as his administrative assistant.

For the past 31 years, Pat has held her current role as Administrative Assistant in College Computing, Information Technology, and Support Services. She has worked with several directors over the years, including Vince Pizarro, Lowell Ballard, Aaron Raffle, and Allen Sinner.

Beyond her formal roles, Pat and her husband have gone above and beyond to support NOVA students. Since the college doesn’t offer student housing, the Andersons have opened their home to students in need. One student, Sean, stayed with them for a semester to avoid a grueling commute from Gum Springs. Emmett drove him to work on Saturdays, Pat picked him up afterward, and they made sure he could visit his family before returning Sunday for classes at the Annandale Campus.

Another student, Diane from Dansville, Virginia, worked in Admissions and Records but had no place to stay. Pat welcomed her into their home, and they commuted together. Pat and Emmett treated her like family.

Over the years, Pat has witnessed dramatic changes at NOVA. When she started, Richard Ernst was president, the college was smaller, and the Fairfax MEC didn’t exist. She’s seen a shift away from face-to-face interaction, as students have become more attached to their phones. Campus attire has also grown more casual.

What’s kept Pat at NOVA for so long is the people. Colleagues became close friends, often sharing personal and private moments—some even asking her to pray with them. Many have said she would have made a wonderful counselor. Fittingly, her nickname is “Sunshine.”

One of her proudest moments came at this year’s service award banquet, where she received a standing ovation.

Her advice to those beginning their careers at NOVA or in higher education:
“Be yourself and enjoy the time that you're here. Make the best of it. Make every day count. Do the best you can do—but be yourself. When I leave, I want people to say they knew me and that I was a bright spot in their lives.”