Patricia Keck is the first Latina First Lady of Texas A&M University–Commerce as well as the wife of President Ray Keck. Previously, she was a Director at Health Services at Laredo ISD, but is happily settling into her new role.

“It is a wonderful thing. I am enjoying immensely,” Keck said.

There are different life choices for people, and Mrs. Keck decided to say yes not just to receiving a higher education, but also said yes to love.

“We fell in love immediately, and six months later we were married,” Keck said of her marriage to Dr. Keck. “We have had incredible life adventures characterized by the willing to say ‘yes’ to opportunities that come unexpected like the amazing opportunity to be here in Commerce.”

The First Lady is the oldest of 10 children, meaning Mrs. Keck had responsibilities on her shoulders and more pressure because she is the eldest daughter of her family.

Besides that, she went to Rice University where she received a B.A. in nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Mother, wife, student, friend and daughter are some of the roles that Mrs. Keck.

Sometimes, during their life journey, people have downs and ups, and for those reasons people do not try or do not take risks to pursue opportunities.

However, Mrs. Keck was different. She wanted to make a change. Choosing her own destiny, she wisely decided about her life, education career, marriage and especially the role of being a good mother to her daughters.

She, like many of us, has had (and has) dreams. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to define the “American Dream.”

“For me, the American Dream is defined by the ability to choose your life path and to have resources available to follow your journey,” Keck said. “I’ve been able to contribute to the well-being of others.”

Students sometimes need words of encouragement, and Patricia does not think twice to give students those words.

“Establish what your priority is for you at this period in your life. Study and succeed at everything that you can, volunteer in community effort, and engage in all these great things,” Keck said.