Patrice Kerner

Dr. Patrice Kerner is a seasoned professional in the University System of Georgia. She specializes in working with various university administrative offices within the system to troubleshoot antiquated processes and provide recommendations for improvements and efficiencies. Dr. Kerner has over 25 years of public safety experience and an extensive background in public safety leadership with various state agencies, including the Deputy Executive Director of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, the Director of Administration at the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and the Director of General Government and Public Safety Division at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. She has also held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director for all these agencies.

Over the years, Dr. Kerner has held many positions related to public safety, from US customs agent, correctional officer, deputy sheriff, local police officer, firefighter and EMT. She holds numerous instructor certifications in both the law enforcement and firefighting fields and has four years of experience at Georgia Southern University in the Criminal Justice Department, teaching a variety of courses, including Introduction to Corrections, Ethics in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Legal Process, Community‐Based Supervision and Treatment, Criminal Justice Administration, Special Topics – Death Penalty and First-Year Experience, Building Leadership Skills.

Dr. Kerner holds a Doctor of Public Administration from Valdosta State University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University, a Master of Public Administration from Kennesaw State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University.