Talladega College proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Tamalyn L. Peterson as Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts and Interim Director of Graduate Studies, effective August 1, 2025. 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.
In her new roles at Talladega College, Dr. Peterson will lead academic, training, and research initiatives within the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts and will provide oversight for the institution’s graduate programs.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Peterson to the Talladega College family,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., President of Talladega College. “Her proven leadership in both undergraduate and graduate education, combined with her passion for student success and academic excellence, make her the ideal leader to guide our humanities division and graduate studies programs into the future.”
Dr. Peterson is an active member of the College Language Association (CLA), Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society (Alumni Epsilon), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She earned her Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University, her M.A. in English from Clark Atlanta University, and her B.A. in English and Mass Communications from Stillman College.
“I am deeply honored to join Talladega College at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Dr. Tamalyn L. Peterson. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to advance academic innovation, enrich student experiences, and elevate the college’s legacy of excellence in the humanities and graduate education.”
Dr. Peterson is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and a product of Birmingham City Schools.
