Patsy Zettler

Returning Learners  |  Student  |  Transferred To Four-Year Institution

Patsy Zettler had no intention of completing a college degree when she registered for a film history class at SCC. 

“I just took the class because I was interested in history,” Patsy said. “I already had a career going so college didn’t seem necessary at the time.”

She ended up loving her class and decided to pursue a degree.

“During my time at SCC I was working and had four kids,” Patsy said. “I really enjoyed school, because it was something I was doing for myself. I took pride in that.”

She graduated from SCC with an Associate of Arts transfer degree. Thanks to her active role in Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Patsy used a transfer scholarship to go on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications at Webster University.

Her growing passion for higher education eventually landed her a job at Ranken Technical College. “I started as a teacher.”

Patsy was at Ranken for more than 8 years, starting as an adjunct instructor. She ended up becoming the department chair for general education.

“I love working in higher education because I feel like I’m doing something important,” she said. “I teach students skills they need to be successful in life.”

After Ranken, Patsy has made several career moves as she continued her journey in writing and education. She worked as a writing program leader and tutor coordinator at YourWords STL, helping disadvantaged youths express themselves in writing. Later, she became the administrative coordinator to the campus president at Chamberlain College of Nursing and an adjunct instructor for the John E. Simon School of Business at Maryville University. 

“I can’t believe how lucky I am getting to do what I love, helping others achieve their career goals,” she said. “And when I think back to where I started, I think about that first class at SCC. I tell students, ‘You can do it.’”

Last updated: May 8, 2019