Larry Peterson, professor of history, was named director for accreditation, assessment and academic advising in the Office of the Provost. He started his new duties April 2.

Among his responsibilities, Peterson will coordinate campus efforts to continuously evaluate and improve student learning at NDSU, chair the University Assessment Committee, serve as assessment representative on the General Education Committee and collaborate with the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis to further assessment of student learning outcomes.

He also will lead NDSU’s team preparing for accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.

In his letter of application, Peterson wrote, “I look forward to this opportunity to serve the NDSU campus in a new role. My style of leadership emphasizes collaboration and flexibility. I am strongly committed to improving all aspects of student learning and experience, but I am open and pragmatic about how we do it.”

Peterson joined the NDSU faculty in 1977 as a visiting assistant professor of English and lecturer of history. He was named a full professor of history in 1994. He was department chair from 1989 to 2006.

He has been active in many college and university committees, including most recently the Training Our Campuses Against Racism Collaborative; NDSU Anti-racism Team; the review team for the Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity and Community; Equity and Diversity Advisory Council; and Council on Improving Advising. He is co-chair of Core Undergraduate Learning Experiences.

Peterson earned his bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and his master’s degree and doctorate in American studies at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. 

NDSU is student focused and committed to its land-grant mission.