Schools
CT Sun Recognizes Post University Educator with Prestigious Women of Inspiration Award
Post University's Patrice Farquharson, Ed.D., Named Connecticut Sun "Women of Inspiration" Recipient
Press release
Post University’s Patrice Farquharson, Ed.D., Named
Connecticut Sun “Women of Inspiration” Recipient
WATERBURY – Post University is proud to announce that Dr. Patrice Farquharson, associate professor of Early Childhood Education and executive director of the West Haven Child Development Center, has been named among the 2025 “Women of Inspiration” by the Connecticut Sun. Dr. Farquharson will be recognized during a special pregame reception and halftime ceremony at the August 30 game at 7 p.m. against the Minnesota Lynx.
The annual event and its awards recognize women whose achievements, leadership, and service have created meaningful change in their communities. Dr. Farquharson joins a distinguished group of honorees including Stephanie Wheeler, professor and chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina; Nadya Okamoto, author and social entrepreneur; Alisa Bowens-Mercado, brewery owner and community leader; and U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, whose work spans education, public service, advocacy, and more.
“I am grateful to be recognized among so many remarkable women by the Connecticut Sun,” said Farquharson. “Looking back, I could never have imagined the path my life would take, from cheering on the New England Patriots to building a career in early childhood education. Each opportunity has taught me resilience, joy, and the importance of lifting others as we rise. This recognition is not just mine; it reflects the community, colleagues, and students who have been part of my journey.”
Dr. Farquharson’s career in early childhood education spans more than 40 years. She has been with Post University since 1996, where she mentors future educators through the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education. Since 1982, she has also led the West Haven Child Development Center as executive director. In addition, she developed Post’s online Bachelor of Science in Child Studies program, secured state funding to expand professional development for childcare providers, and represented the field at national and international conferences, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Oxford Round Table in England.
In 2022, Post University became an official partner of the Connecticut Sun and Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. To learn more about the Connecticut Sun’s “Women of Inspiration” recognition, visit https://sun.wnba.com/. To learn more about the partnership between Post and the Connecticut Sun, visit www.post.edu/ctsun.
