A native of Rhode Island, Patricia Marlow settled in the Myrtle Beach area after retiring from a 27-year career in the U.S. Army that allowed her to travel the world.
She was the eighth of nine kids raised by her mother and grandparents after her father, who served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, was killed when she was just two years old. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island and arrived in this country with nothing, unable to even speak English.
"They became very productive, learned the language, and gave me a love of learning and travel," Marlow said. "My mom was a superhero, raising nine kids alone after she lost her husband. She made certain we were all educated and are good people."
While attending high school in Rhode Island, Marlow was active, playing soccer and competing in track and field while also being active in the student government and in various community projects.
During her military service, Marlow took classes at any nearby college. She attended Campbell University in North Carolina, Austin Peay State in Tennessee, the University of Texas and the University of Maryland. She earned an Associate's Degree in History and a Bachelor's Degree in Education.Â
It was her passion for learning that led her to being a teacher in the Army.
"I was a soldier and was ordered to teach," Marlow said. "I enjoyed it and taught many classes to our troops and in the school system."
She also coached while serving, including coaching youth soccer for more than 40 years. In addition to teaching and coaching, she also served non-profits all over the world as a director, operations manager and as a volunteer.
"I specialized in community organization," Marlow said. "I am a very strong advocate, I hold myself to high standards and I believe do it right the first time to the best of my ability. If I don't understand or need help, I ask before completing the task."
A mother of two and a grandmother of three, spending time with her grand kids is her greatest passion, which is what attracted her to get active on the ACA Board.
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