Leadership Director Plans Ireland Study Abroad Trip

The pink line shows Dr. Patterson’s travels around Ireland.

(ABILENE, Texas)–Dr. Coleman Patterson, director of the leadership studies program and professor of management and leadership, traveled to Ireland this summer for sabbatical and to explore opportunities for study abroad trips. He plans to return next summer with a group of students for a Cross-Cultural Leadership course.

Exploring and Learning

From June 6-July 5, Patterson and his family explored Ireland and Northern Ireland. They began their trip on the inaugural American Airlines flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Dublin, where they spent a week visiting historical sights and museums. They took a rental car to Belfast where they learned about the conflicts between the Unionists and Republicans. They then visited the coast of Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the cities of Dingle and Waterford, the Rock of Cashel, Wexford, where “Saving Private Ryan” was filmed, and several other cities around the two countries.

Courtyard of Dublin Castle

During his trip, Patterson explored options for his study abroad course. He also made connections with universities which could provide summer housing for students, including the National University of Ireland in Galway and Queen’s University in Belfast.

“We had a wonderful experience, and I appreciate HSU sending me,” said Patterson. “I’m excited to return with a group of students.”

Plans for Summer 2020

National Botanic Gardens in Dublin

The trip, which Patterson is planning for this summer, will tentatively visit Dublin; Galway; Belfast; Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland; London, England; and Vienna, Austria. In this course, students will learn about the religion, education, government, art, music, and history of Ireland and the surrounding European countries.

Patterson took his first sabbatical to Vienna in 2007. That trip sparked six study abroad trips with the Leadership students. He is hopeful that this trip will result in just as many trips to Ireland. While the majority of students who participate in trips with Dr. Patterson are Leadership minors, he is planning to open up the trip to all students and even the Traveling Range Riders.

A shopping lane in Kilkenny, Ireland.

“I’m a big fan of study abroad,” Patterson says. “I think everyone should take advantage of it if they have the opportunity.”