New Leader Charts Course for Porter-Billups Academy's Growing Impact

Ricardo Patton has spent decades shaping young lives through basketball, but his newest coaching assignment extends far beyond the court. 

As the new executive director of the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy at Regis University, Patton is working to expand an educational program that has quietly been transforming lives in Colorado's communities for years. 

The academy, founded by Coach Lonnie Porter and co-directed by former NBA player Chauncey Billups, focuses on cultivating character and preparing future leaders. Under Patton's leadership, the program is poised for significant growth. 

"We want to grow the academy and serve more families in our community, and to establish a model for growth to other states outside of Colorado," Patton said. 

The timing feels urgent to Patton, particularly as young people navigate an increasingly divided world. 

"It is not only my hope but also my prayer that our students continue to learn right from wrong," he said. "I hope this generation of future leaders grow in strength, sound reasoning, and love." 

His philosophy centers on a simple principle: "Where there is love, hate cannot dwell." 

The academy operates on core values that emphasize character development alongside academic preparation. Patton said he's been most impressed by watching graduating seniors demonstrate the lessons they've learned during their time at the academy. 

"I am most excited to see that PBLA operates true to its core values and its mission to cultivate character, educate and prepare young future leaders," Patton said. 

This summer brings new opportunities for students, including an expanded curriculum featuring career pathways in construction. The Colorado Construction Education Foundation will teach classes designed for students who may choose alternatives to traditional four-year college programs. 

The academy has also partnered with Google to provide seniors with visits to the company's Boulder facility, where they'll explore various career opportunities within the tech giant. 

For Patton, the academy's mission extends beyond career preparation to fundamental character building. He hopes students will learn to "respect the differences of others" and develop the courage to stand up for justice. 

"I hope that our students will stand up for justice, for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves," he said. 

The Porter-Billups Leadership Academy represents a growing trend of community-based educational programs that blend academic instruction with character development and real-world career preparation. 

Under Patton's leadership, the program aims to serve as a replicable model for other states while continuing to meet the needs of Colorado families seeking alternatives to traditional educational pathways. 

"I pray that our young future leaders, 'Let Love Win,'" Patton said.