Today, most Mississippians know Patricia Owens Fordice as Mississippi’s former First Lady—having served in that post from 1992 until January of 2000. But there is much, much more to this grand dame than that title.

During her tenure as Mississippi’s First Lady, speaking to children and youth was a favorite engagement for Mrs. Fordice. She would wholeheartedly share with young people her personal philosophy which was best was summed up by the legendary author Dr. Seuss in his work, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”

Before her life in the Governor’s Mansion, she served in many volunteer capacities and continued to champion volunteerism as First Lady. While her greatest personal achievement has been the rearing of a fine family, Mrs. Fordice’s most rewarding accomplishment in public life was her involvement with the Mississippi Commission for International and Cultural Exchange. This Commission was created in direct response to a volunteer effort organized by Mrs. Fordice to send medical supplies to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Her pace after her tenure as first lady has not slowed, and Mrs. Fordice’s career blossomed. She has been host of a weekly talk radio program for seven years and co-hosts a weekly television show on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, “Woman to Woman”. She also serves as spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation and frequently lobbies Congress for the expansion of Medicare coverage and for arthritis research.

In November of 2006, Pat was diagnosed with cancer. Today she is cancer-free which she attributes to a miracle from God, wonderful doctors and loving support from family and friends.