Patricia Pratt-Cook

SVP, Human Resources, Equity & Inclusion at St Catherine University

Patricia Pratt-Cook serves as St. Catherine University's senior vice president for human resources, equity and inclusion. She provides vision, leadership, management, and strategic planning to operationalize Inclusive Excellence into every area of the University. To achieve that goal, Pratt-Cook develops and implements recruitment strategies and training to provide faculty and staff with the information and techniques needed to attract excellent and diverse applicant pools. She also focuses on improving the retention rate of the diverse faculty and staff through fair and equitable evaluations, and by providing more resources for ongoing professional development.

Prior to joining St. Kate’s, Pratt-Cook served as the vice president for human resources and chief diversity officer at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. In her role at St. Scholastica, Pratt-Cook led the human resources functions for 700 employees, specifically in the areas of workforce planning, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, health and wellness initiatives, workers compensation, and professional development. In addition to her role as vice president, she also served as the chief diversity officer wherein she established diversity, equity, and inclusion as hallmarks of academic excellence and institutional effectiveness.

Pratt-Cook has also served as chief human resources officer for the Minneapolis Public Schools, executive director of Human Resources for the Memphis City Schools in Memphis, and human resources director and chief EEO officer for the Osseo (Minn.) School District.

Pratt-Cook received a bachelor of arts degree in social work from Mankato State University, a master’s degree in management and human development from St. Mary’s University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration from the College of St. Scholastica.

Timeline

  • SVP, Human Resources, Equity & Inclusion

    Current role

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