Patricia Hammock
“Of course, I have fear but my faith is stronger. I believe my professional experiences can serve as a light along the path of others. My motivation is pure. My goal is to serve others. I believe that will be rewarded.”
Major: Communication Arts and Journalism
Involvement: Produced Public Affairs talk show for WAPX-FM, Assistant Executive Editor for The
All State student newspaper, Assistant News Director for WHOP Radio in Hopkinsville,
KY
Austin Peay is proud of all our students who fully embrace “Lead,” and Patricia Hammock does exactly that. Using her experiences at Austin Peay, she recently launched a website to help people in their respective career fields.
Hammock is an Austin Peay alumna who received her Bachelor of Science in Communications Arts and Journalism, magna cum laude, and was guided by Dr. David von Palko.
“Doc V was the first person to demonstrate faith in my professional abilities,” she said. “He shoved a microphone in my hand and turned me loose one AP Day before I could object. He pushed me to serve as the news director for WAPX-FM where I produced a public affairs talk show and into serving as assistant executive editor of The All State.”
Hammock produced WAPX-FM's Public Affairs talk show when she was a student in the late '80s.
This propelled her into the assistant news director position at WHOP Radio in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. After some time, she left to work in the economic sector. From there, she recounts another event where the wise words of Dr. von Palko came in handy.
“There was a whole press conference announcing my role as executive director of the Minority Economic Development Initiative,” Hammock said. “Doc V Called me right before I took the mic and gave me some of the best professional advice I’ve ever received: ‘If you ever have to eat crow, eat it all and eat it while it’s hot.’ My career is a tribute to his legacy.”
Eventually, Hammock realized that she wanted to do more, to discontinue the “employer/employee relationship” that she was used to having. With her determination, experience, and Dr. von Palko’s advice, Hammock started the process to launching her website.
In the fall of 2019, she bought her business license. On May 11, 2020, the website Launching Pad was founded. It was designed to teach clients how to get hired for the job they want and how to advance in their careers. Although it was not made in response to COVID-19, it is a helpful resource that anyone can use for these times.
Hammock is hopeful for the future, that Launching Pad can help the next generations with their careers.
“Of course, I have fear but my faith is stronger. I believe my professional experiences can serve as a light along the path of others,” Hammock said. “My motivation is pure. My goal is to serve others. I believe that will be rewarded.”
