Anna C. Patchias received her B.A. in English literature magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University and her M.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She was awarded her Ph.D. in English literature in August 2005, also from the University, specializing in the rise of the woman of letters and the development of the English novel.

Dr. Patchias has an extensive background in college-level teaching. During her doctoral studies, she taught for six years in the English department at UVa, teaching various levels of composition—from remedial to advanced—as well as a wide range of literature courses for majors and non-majors. She continued to develop her teaching skills by participating in seminars at UVa’s award-winning Teaching Resource Center and won several teaching awards herself during the course of her career at the University. In addition, she has worked with UVa’s Department of Academic Affairs–Athletics to develop and teach study and organizational skills to University athletes.

Dr. Patchias joined Champion as a tutor and office manager in 1997, taking over as executive director in September 2002. She discovered the beauty of the Charlottesville-Albemarle area in 1993, when she began her graduate studies. In June 2004 she bought Champion from its founder, Audrey Menard. Dr. Patchias lives in Charlottesville with her husband Patrick and their son James.