A Chicano writer, theologian, and executive leader, Patrick Reyes is the bestselling and award-winning author of The Purpose Gap and Nobody Cries When We Die. Before joining Auburn, he worked in administration in higher education and the faith-based non-profit sector. Patrick provides leadership on several boards in theological and higher education, publishing, and the nonprofit world, supporting the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and Chicano spiritual and cultural leaders. He currently serves as a board director for the American Academy of Religion and as co-dean of the Freedom Seminary for Children’s Defense Fund. He is the former board president of the Religious Education Association.
His service and scholarship have been recognized by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Boston University, Drew University, Duke Leadership, Children’s Defense Fund, Hispanic Theological Initiative, Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy, and Raices Latinas, among others. Patrick was recently inducted into the Morehouse College MLK Jr. Collegium of Scholars. The Purpose Gap was selected as the Council of Independent Colleges NetVUE Big Read for 2022–2023. He holds a doctorate and master’s from Claremont School of Theology, an M.Div. from Boston University, and a B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. He lives on ancestral land in New Mexico, embracing the cultural and religious traditions and communities he and his family inherit and belong to.