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Rev. Dr. Craig S. Paterson and Mrs. Carole A. Paterson

Rev. Dr. Craig S. Paterson and Mrs. Carole A. Paterson

Craig and Carole Paterson have been small group facilitators and trainers in a variety of venues for over 25 years. Together they lead workshops using participatory and interactive group methods to increase the capacity of individuals and organizations to fulfill their non-profit missions.

Carole retired from the University of California Cooperative Extension in Solano County as department head. During her career, she focused mostly on community development research and education with an emphasis on children and youth. She currently serves as a board member of both the Solano Land Trust and the Solano County Fair.

Craig received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Claremont School of Theology in 1980. He is a retired United Methodist pastor, having served for 30 years in the California-Nevada Annual Conference. In addition to service as a local pastor, he worked in disaster response management for much of his professional life, focusing on the unique role of the local faith community in long-term disaster recovery. He is currently the treasurer for Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity.

The relationship that Craig and Carole have with Africa University is unique. Twenty years ago, a special partnership was created among the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the World Council of Churches, and Africa University to conduct a series of workshops in support of faith-based disaster response organizations across the African continent. Three six-week workshops were hosted by Africa University and staffed by UMCOR volunteers. Each workshop included 25 participants from many nations.

Carole and Craig were the volunteer UMCOR facilitators for the second workshop at Africa University. Craig had already worked with UMCOR disaster response staff for several years, and Carole was available through a timely sabbatical leave. Using feedback from the first session, they worked with Africa University faculty and staff to create a curricula and training materials that specifically addressed disaster response methods that could be sensitive to the African experience. Subsequently, the vision, mission, and commitment of Africa University have been dear to Craig and Carole’s hearts ever since.

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