As Vice President for Student Affairs, Patricia McKinley is responsible for the non-academic student experience at the University of St. Thomas.

Ms. McKinley came to the University in 1992 as the Associate Director of Counseling, Testing, and Career Services. In 1998, she was promoted to Director of the Career Services and Testing Center and, in 2006, became the Dean of Students. Prior to coming to St. Thomas, Ms. McKinley served as the counselor for the Women in Transition Program at Houston Community College providing career and personal counseling and academic advising to re-entry college women. She has also taught American and World History in public high schools.

Ms. McKinley earned a Master of Education degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston and has an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds public education certifications in counseling and social studies.