The ATHENA Award Program was established in 1982 to honor the achievements of exceptional women leaders and to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and business lives.  This year’s program held on March 28^th, marked the programs 29^th year, awarding and honoring more than 700 deserving women for their accomplishments over the years.  The UT Space Institute’s Human Resources Director and Equity & Diversity Officer; Patricia Burks – Jelks was nominated by Women in Higher Education in Tennessee (WHET) this year for the ATHENA Award.  Patricia is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Social Work and an MS in Professional Studies.  She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, Women in Higher Education in Tennessee, Franklin County Community Association, and Hope for a New Beginning which is a Franklin County Faith Based Recovery Coalition.  In her nomination video, she said, “I shall live authentically, I am true to myself, I believe in doing what’s right, not by words but by deeds.  Be yourself, be who you say you are, live authentically and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  The UTSI family is proud to have such a wonderful woman represent us and herself so well.