Kappa Alpha Psi’s Jeremy Patterson Named Director of Athletics at Lane College

Lane College has appointed Jeremy Patterson as its next Director of Athletics, effective February 1, 2026. A Lane alumnus and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Patterson returns to the institution with more than a decade of experience in athletics leadership, coaching, and resource development.

Patterson, a Spring 2017 initiate of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at Lane College, previously served in leadership roles at the institution that provided him with a deep understanding of its culture, the student-athlete experience, and strategic priorities. As an alumnus, he brings both personal investment and a clear appreciation for the role athletics plays in advancing enrollment, community engagement, and institutional visibility.

Most recently, Patterson was the Director of Athletics at Rust College. During his tenure, he led a series of facility upgrades aimed at improving both athletic performance and student-athlete welfare. These included enhancements to athletic venues, training environments, and game day infrastructure. He also demonstrated success in external relations, securing sponsorships, cultivating donor support, and aligning fundraising with institutional goals.

“Jeremy Patterson understands Lane College because he is Lane College,” said Donald W. Comer, Interim President of Lane College. “He brings institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and a results-driven approach to facilities, fundraising, and student-athlete success. His return represents both stability and momentum as we continue to elevate Lane Athletics.”

In his new role, Patterson will oversee all intercollegiate athletic programs, compliance with SIAC and NCAA regulations, facilities planning, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives. His leadership is expected to support Lane College’s broader priorities, including student success, financial vitality, and positioning the college as Jackson’s hometown team.

A former multi-sport collegiate athlete, Patterson has held coaching positions at several institutions, including Mississippi Valley State University, where he served as Assistant Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Linebacker Coach. Under his leadership, the special teams unit led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in kickoff return yards and ranked among the top programs nationally in multiple categories.

In 2023, Patterson was selected as one of 25 participants from a pool of 1,500 applicants for the inaugural Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. He was later chosen as one of five fellows to continue working with the Buccaneers’ coaching staff in preparation for the 2024 regular season.

Patterson also served as Special Teams Coordinator at Lane College in 2021, where his unit led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in kickoff return yards, touchdowns, and blocked punts. Several players from his unit received All-Conference and All-American honors.

Originally from Cleveland, Miss., Patterson noted the significance of returning to his home state and to a small college setting similar to his own undergraduate experience.