Shannon Peterson

Biography

Dr. Shannon Peterson is Professor of Professional Practice in the School of Social Sciences and Director of Global Learning for the College of Arts and Sciences at Utah State University. She is also Director of the Leadership and Diplomacy Certificate Program, Executive Director of the annual Weaving Our Stories Conference, and a member of the Faculty Advisory Board for the Heravi Peace Institute.

Dr. Peterson's work bridges global learning, peacebuilding, leadership development, and civic engagement. Through teaching, administration, and community partnerships, she creates transformative learning experiences that connect students with policymakers, practitioners, nonprofit leaders, and communities around the world. Her courses include International Human Rights, International Negotiation, Public Policy and Community Leadership, and numerous study abroad programs focused on varied issues such as US foreign policy, sustainable development, transitional justice, reconciliation, and peace building.

A passionate advocate for experiential education, Dr. Peterson has developed and led international programs across multiple regions of the world, helping students engage directly with issues of conflict, reconciliation, sustainable development, human rights, and social change. Her approach emphasizes dialogue across differences, ethical leadership, intercultural competence, and active citizenship.

Throughout her career, Dr. Peterson has cultivated partnerships across higher education, government, nonprofit, and community sectors to expand access to high-impact learning opportunities. She also advises student organizations focused on diplomacy, civic engagement, and leadership. Previously, she served as Director of the Institute of Government and Politics, where she advanced civic education and public engagement initiatives throughout Utah.
As a faculty leader within the Heravi Peace Institute, Dr. Peterson contributes to interdisciplinary efforts that promote peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and global understanding. Her scholarship and professional interests explore the intersections of peacebuilding, experiential education, democratic engagement, leadership development, and community resilience.
Dr. Peterson is committed to helping students become thoughtful, compassionate, and effective leaders who can navigate complexity, build bridges across differences, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.