Mr. Patton attended UK from 1960-1966, gaining on-the-job experience through the College of Engineering’s co-op program. After graduating with a BS in Mining Engineering, Mr. Patton went to work for Island Creek Coal Company in Wheelwright, KY., as a division superintendent. There, he was responsible for two large modern underground mining operations that produced 2.5 million tons of met coal.
In 1972, Mr. Patton became the assistant to the VP at National Mines Corporation, Beaver Creek Division. He managed an underground mining operation covering five mines and two million tons of coal production annually. In 1976, Mr. Patton was promoted to VP of operations, where he oversaw production, environmental compliance, safety, quality, cost and labor relations, and negotiated three labor agreements with the United Mine Workers of America.
Mr. Patton’s hard work and reputation for getting results earned him additional responsibilities as VP of engineering in 1982, a position he held for ten years. During that time, he was responsible for all long-range planning and budgetary oversight at National Mines Corporation. In addition, Mr. Patton worked with government agencies when opening, operating, and closing coal mines and he controlled all permits, engineering, and capital expenditures for mines located in KY, WV, VA, PA, and AR.
After thirteen years at National Mines Corporation, Mr. Patton served as VP of operations and engineering at Mathies Coal Co. During his career in mining operations, Mr. Patton prided himself on taking strong stands with safety. In 47 years of working inside underground coal mines, Mr. Patton never once injured himself or others on the job.
He is a member of the Mining Engineering Foundation’s board of directors, a UK Fellow, and served as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church. He lives in Lexington, KY, with his wife Nancy.
