Building Character in Education with Polly Peterson

Dr. Polly Peterson is the President of the University of Jamestown, a distinguished leader in higher education, and a dedicated member of the Jamestown community. The University of Jamestown is an institution dedicated to academic excellence, institutional growth, and community engagement. Under her leadership, Dr. Peterson has led initiatives that have expanded academic programs, enhanced campus facilities, increased student enrollment, and strengthened the university’s financial foundation, marking her tenure as one of significant institutional transformation. Dr. Peterson is also the first woman to hold this role in the University’s history.Prior to being named the 14th President in 2017, her leadership trajectory included several key executive roles. She served as Executive Vice President (starting in 2014), where she managed both Business Affairs and Institutional Advancement. Before that, she was the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (starting in 2006), overseeing development, alumni relations and marketing. In her current role, Polly continues to enjoy teaching Auditing.During Polly’s tenure at the University, she has overseen three Capital Campaigns providing over $150 million in contributions to the University, allowing for the expansion of facilities, endowment, new programs, and unrestricted operations. Before joining the University of Jamestown, Polly began her professional career in Public Accounting with EideBailly. Polly's expertise spans academic leadership, institutional advancement, public relations, business affairs, and accounting.Dr. Peterson is an alumna of the University of Jamestown, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting and Business Administration in 1989. She completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Regis University in 2000 and her Ph.D from North Dakota State University in 2017. Polly is a member and past president of the Anne Carlsen Board of Trustees, and is the President-Elect of the Sanford Rural Health Network Board. She is a former VP of St. John’s Academy Board of Directors, former President of the Finance Board of St. James Basilica, and is a volunteer for several other Non-profit organizations in the community of Jamestown.