With over 24 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Peterson brings a wealth of academic expertise, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in both teaching and administration. Dr. Peterson most recently served as Associate Professor of English at Stillman College, where she was widely recognized for her exemplary record in teaching, scholarship, and student advisement. A Stillman College alumna, she personified her
personal motto—“Excellence without Excuses”—in all facets of her work, from student engagement to collaborative partnerships across campus and beyond.
At Stillman, Dr. Peterson led key initiatives under the institution’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), emphasizing intergenerational communication and 21st-century workplace readiness. She also played a pivotal role in faculty development, online teaching
certification, undergraduate research, and governance, having been elected by her peers to serve on the Board of Trustees and as chair of the faculty organization. In 2025, TownSquare Media named her a “Black History Maker of Alabama” for her outstanding contributions to higher education. Prior to her tenure at Stillman, Dr. Peterson spent more than 19 years at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where she served in numerous academic and administrative roles,
including Director of Graduate Programs, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies, and Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies. During her time at CAU, she implemented strategic initiatives that improved graduate research, compliance, and student success—most notably launching the university’s first official Three Minute Thesis
(3MT) Competition.
