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OXFORD, miss. – Christopher Patton, a graduate of the University of Mississippi, loves exploring the way people think and behave, and he can use his expertise to help Facebook create a better place to work.
Not many children dream of becoming an organizational psychologist, but Patton knew from a young age that he wanted to get into psychology. He learned how fascinating people can be from his mother, who taught psychology at local community colleges, and took an interest in understanding others.
“I sat in the back of the room during their lectures and just fell in love with the idea of psychology and people’s behavior,” Patton said. “We’re pretty complex people and trying to understand that is fascinating.”
He took part in a stock market competition at his alma mater South Panola High School. Patton didn’t win, but the experience added to his fascination with business and data-driven information.
Patton started out as a business major at the University of Mississippi, but undergraduate psychology reminded him of his mother’s lecture and he switched to psychology during his freshman year.
He writes to Dr. Kelly Wilson and Dr. Kate Kellum for holding his feet to the fire and developing him into the psychologist he is today. From scientific work to his work as a lab technician, Wilson and Kellum provided guidance and mentoring that changed his future.
Patton earned a Masters and Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. He knows his mouth is full, but the field connects Patton’s love of psychology and his love of numbers.
As an organizational psychologist and senior manager at Facebook, Patton helps his company create a better work environment with the aim of using people analytics to help companies create a better workplace for their employees.
“We use data analytics to get insights across the company,” said Patton. “We also use theories of human behavior, like the natural theories that make someone more motivated or have more job satisfaction. It’s basically the science behind HR. “
Patton’s specialty has taken him coast to coast to work for industry giants like PepsiCo. and Google in New York and California.
Patton is now based in Austin, Texas as the People Analytics Manager for Facebook. While the Lone Star State has a lot going for it, Patton said there is no place like Magnolia State. Born in Greenville and raised in Batesville, Patton has a special bond with Mississippi.
“One of the things that prepared me for all of the different roles is the community aspect of Mississippi and the friendliness of the people,” Patton said. “You meet people from all walks of life in Mississippi, which I really appreciate. I think the ability to interact with literally everyone on every spectrum and find something in common is such a valuable thing that a lot of Mississippi people have. Not everywhere I go outside of (Mississippi) has that. “
Patton said Mississippi has shaped his character and the state allows a person to be present in the moment, unlike big cities where you always have to be on the go.
“When I get to Mississippi it feels like you can breathe a little more and life isn’t that hectic,” Patton said. “I think that’s a nice thing.”
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