Pat Powell Named Distinguished Alumni for 2008

The University of Tennessee’s School of Information Sciences Alumni Board recognized Pat Powell with the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2008.

Alumni Board President Chrissie Anderson Peters presented this honor to Powell, Senior Vice-President of Business Development at Information International Associates (IIa), at the school’s Alumni & Friends Day on March 8.

“The School of Information Sciences (SIS) is extremely pleased and proud to honor Pat Powell with this award,” said Dr. Ed Cortez, Director and Professor at SIS. “Pat is an accomplished information professional and manager whose stature is recognized nationwide.”

Powell is the Vice-President of Business Development at IIa where her skills as an Information Scientist help to develop and manage a variety of contracts, from open source research to information technology planning. She has also managed the company's Information Services Division and has been responsible for winning and managing libraries, information centers, and records programs.

Powell has managed contracts for numerous libraries and information centers, such as the libraries on nine Air Force bases, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and at the Department of Labor, and many of these contracts have lead to commendations for being exceptionally well managed. They have consistently received "exceptional" ratings in evaluations, with several receiving "Best in Command" awards from the Air Force.

Powell earned her master’s degree in Information Sciences in 1996 and she holds a bachelor's degree in English and Business Administration. She holds membership in numerous professional organizations. Powell serves on the School of Information Sciences Advisory Board and was previously president of the SIS Alumni Board.