Patrick Brooks, a WVU College of Law graduate and Wyoming County native who was recently named the director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Division of Student Life, has been selected for the February Non-Classified Staff Salute.
In his role, Brooks oversees the adjudication process for Student Conduct Code, Board of Governors Rule 1.6 and Title IX cases while remaining dedicated to protecting the well-being, safety and rights of all members of the University community.
Brooks stresses his team’s priority is to foster a safe, respectful campus culture that encourages personal development and responsible decision making through an educational and transparent approach.
“Students often assume the process is purely punitive, but our goal is to provide a fair process where they feel supported and heard,” he said. “By emphasizing accountability and personal growth, we help students navigate difficult situations and move forward with a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities.”
Brooks replaced former Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Director Jill Gibson who left the University in January to join the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Prior to his current position, Brooks served as the managing attorney for Student Legal Services since October 2022. During that time, he also completed a stint as interim dean of students at WVU Institute of Technology from last August to December.
Brooks came to WVU in February 2021 as an internal investigator with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities — a transition into higher education that followed his work as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Raleigh County.
He notes that he sought a career shift to step away from the emotional toll of child abuse and neglect cases, compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While the internal investigator position aligned well with my interests and skill set, my decision to return to the University was ultimately driven by the feeling of hope and optimism on the WVU campuses, an environment you don’t find in many other places and one I knew I wanted to be a part of again as a leader in higher ed,” he said.
Brooks considers cross-departmental collaboration one of his greatest strengths and the key to student success. Some of these collaborations include working closely with the CARE Team, Housing and Residence Life and WVU Athletics, and he encourages others to reach out to explore opportunities for campuswide partnerships.
Brooks may have joined WVU five years ago, but his devotion began decades ago at his first Mountaineer football game during the 1993 undefeated season.
“Being a part of the immense pride that filled the stadium when we beat Miami that year sparked my lifelong connection to WVU,” he said. “At that moment, my passion for Mountaineer Athletics turned into a deep appreciation for the entire institution.”
“I love this University and I look forward to contributing to its future,” he added.
Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and traveling with his husband, Joe. He also has a passion for baking and jokingly notes that his colleagues are well aware of his confectionery skills, mostly because he has been feeding them for years.
Nominate a University employee for a future Non-Classified Staff Salute by sending an email to enews@mail.wvu.edu.