Patricia earned a bachelor's degree in geology/earth science from Brown University; a master's degree in oceanography, marine geology and geophysics; and a PhD in marine biology and biological oceanography. Patricia lives in Athens, Georgia.

Patricia is a professor of marine science at the University of Georgia. She previously served on the Cedar Shoals Local School Governance Team.

Patricia L Yager is a County Board of Education Member in Clarke County School Board District 4. She was elected in 2020 and has served one term. She serves on the governmental relations committee, policy committee, property committee, and the community oversight committee for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax projects.