Dr. Patricia Cunningham was the creator of The Appalachian Project, Ohio at Ohio State University, which began as an initiative of the International Poverty Solutions Collaborative (IPSC). When IPSC disbanded in 2012, the Center for Folklore Studies became the respository for the collection.

Dr. Cunningham (lovingly known as "Dr. Patty," was the Director of Social Change at Ohio State University. She is a three-time graduate of The Ohio State University, having received her BA in Women's Studies (with a minor in Black Studies); a MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs; and, a doctoral degree in Cultural Foundations. She oversees a number of community outreach programs, including Buckeye Civic Engagement Connection that involves projects in different neighborhoods in Columbus that have a high poverty rate, and the Buckeye REACH program that connects students to mentors in youth prison facilities. She also teaches interdisciplinary courses on the subjects of poverty, race, gender, civic engagement and leadership.

Cunningham Patricia Frances Rene' Cunningham II, Ph.D. "Dr. Patty", age 37, transitioned February 2, 2017. She was the youngest born to Archie A. Sr. and Patricia A. Cunningham on March 17, 1979, both preceded her in death. A graduate of Springfield North High school and three time graduate of The Ohio State University: BA- Women's Studies (Minor Black Studies), MA- Higher Education and Student Affairs, and Doctorate- Cultural Foundations. She resided in Columbus, Ohio where she was a member of the Vineyard church. Dr. "Patty" was Director of Social Change and taught classes at The Ohio State University; a Performer, Activist, and Mentor. She leaves siblings, Kathryn Burns Sanders (Freddie), Cincinnati, OH., Sachiko Burns, Columbus, OH, and Archie A. Cunningham Jr. (Kristina), Milwaukee, MN; dearest sister-friend, Dr. Pamela (Willie) Cross Young; nephew, "Lil Willie" (Willie, Jr.); aunt, Kathryn Bronston (Mama Kate), Springfield, OH; uncles, Martin "Uncle" Burns (Jackie), Columbus, OH and Robert "Blood" Burns, N. Carolina; grandmother, Odessa Clayborne, Springfield, OH; and a host of cousins, friends and colleagues to continue her work. Memorial Celebration of Life 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2017 at The Ohio State University in the Ohio Student Union, 1739 N. High St. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. To express condolences to the Cunningham family, please visit her online memory book at www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dispatch/obituary.aspx?pid=184149315#sthash.YcxxlMjF.dpuf