From Front Desk to Regional Leader: Patricie's Inspiring Decade at UEI

When Patricie Lopez first walked through the doors of UEI College in Fresno a decade ago, she wasn’t thinking about building a long-term career in higher education. She was simply looking for a stable job with benefits that could support her and her young daughter. But what began as a front desk role turned into something much more: a calling.

Patricie’s journey showcases the wide range of possibilities for staff at UEI, especially for those with drive and ambition. Shortly after taking the front desk role, she set her sights on a financial aid position, where she thrived for several years. Comfortable in her role and even promoted to senior positions, she initially resisted when asked to step into the registrar role.

“Financial aid had become my expertise, and I wasn’t sure if I would be as good as a registrar,” she said. But ultimately, Patricie made the move, recognizing that growth often comes from embracing challenges.

Her instincts proved right. Over the years, she navigated accreditation visits, staffing transitions, and new responsibilities until she was named Regional Registrar for the Pacific Region, now overseeing student records across nine UEI campuses. Today, she leads a team of ten, ensuring that every student’s academic journey is documented with precision and care.

To outsiders, registrar work might sound purely administrative. But Patricie sees it differently. “We’re the gatekeepers,” she said. “We touch a little bit of everything: education, financial aid, career services, even scheduling. Nothing gets done without accurate records.”

It’s a role that requires both order and adaptability, and Patricie has thrived. While the work is demanding, it’s also deeply fulfilling. “It’s never boring around here,” she said. “If I had a different job somewhere else, I think I’d be bored.”

Patricie’s passion for her work is inseparable from her empathy for students. Having faced her own share of life challenges, including health issues that required heart surgery in her mid-20s, she understands the resilience it takes for students to pursue their education. Despite the challenges, she earned an associate’s degree in human resources.

“I know what it’s like to struggle and to fight for something better,” she said. “That’s why I still go to graduations. Even if I don’t work directly with students anymore, I want to see them walk across that stage. Because in one way or another, we were part of their journey.”

What has kept Patricie at UEI for 10 years? It isn’t just the promotions or opportunities for career growth. It’s the people. “This place feels like home,” she said. “I’ve built relationships here that have carried me through leadership changes, challenges, even frustrations. At the end of the day, it’s the people I work with and the mission we serve that keep me going.”

She credits her team and leaders, especially her current supervisor Darcy Schnuth, Vice President of Student Finance & Records Management, for creating an environment where she feels both supported and inspired. “I couldn’t ask for a better boss,” Patricie said. “And my team… well, they’re everything. We’re in it together.”

"Patricie is one of those rare leaders who combines deep knowledge of her work with genuine care for people. Over the past 10 years, she’s proven herself not only as an expert in compliance and records but also as a mentor who lifts others up and inspires confidence,” Darcy said. “Her dedication, resilience, and passion for our students make her an invaluable part of the IEC / UEI family, and I’m so proud to celebrate this milestone with her."

One of her favorite things about life at IEC is the annual Pinnacle Awards and Leadership Conference. Patricie is a three-time honoree. “People notice when you make the effort. The recognition at Pinnacle is amazing,” she said. “At Pinnacle, you're reminded that you are part of something special and that your daily efforts matter. If you haven’t been before, it is an amazing experience.”

Patricie never forgets where she started, and she makes it a point to encourage others to pursue growth. “The sky’s the limit. It’s what you make of it,” she said. She often shares the story of how she recruited an assistant registrar from a check-cashing business, recognizing his customer service skills. “If you want it badly enough, you’ll do what it takes. People notice effort, and opportunities will come.”

Outside of work, Patricie embraces the simple joys of caring for her dogs and cat, enjoying the outdoors, supporting her mother’s business on weekends, and cheering for her beloved L.A. Dodgers and Miami Dolphins. Music, fitness, and family time round out a life that, while busy, is grounded in balance and love.

Ten years have gone by “in the blink of an eye,” she said. What began as a leap of faith has become a career filled with growth, impact, and purpose. While she once imagined becoming a correctional officer or even opening a doggy daycare, she now sees her role at UEI as more than just a job; it’s a place where her story and those of students intertwine.

“I love it. Everything about it. The work, the people, the mission. This is where I’m meant to be,” she said.