David Allen Patterson

David Allen Patterson (October 30, 1963 – May 14, 2021), also known as Silver Wolf was an American researcher, author, and Native American advocate. He was the first professor of Native American descent in the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. He is known for his research and active involvement in Native American health, retention of Native American college students, treatment retention for alcohol and drug addiction, and finding solutions to barriers to best practices adoption in community-based organizations.

Patterson wrote a blog on Native American wellness and published academic work on the subjects of education, mental health and addiction.

Early life and education

Patterson was born in Kentucky to Betty (née Allen) and Coleman Sidwell Patterson, the youngest of their three sons. Patterson was of Cherokee descent through his mother and Irish descent through his father, but did not connect with his Cherokee heritage until he was an adult. From a young age, he struggled with alcoholism, drug addiction, and depression; he dropped out of high school and attempted suicide at age 18. and a Native American living and learning community.

Patterson was then an assistant professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, where he worked closely with the Buder Center Scholars. He was the first professor of Native American descent at the school. He was also an IHART fellow.

Personal life and death Patterson was diagnosed with glioblastoma in late 2020, dying from the disease on May 15, 2021.

Publications

Patterson published articles in Research on Social Work Practice, The Journal of Higher Education, Journal of Social Service Research, Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, and Counselor, among others. He was also the author of the Native American Commitment to Wellness & Respect Blog.

Books

Articles

Monographs