Meet the President

Dr. Steve Peterson, Bluefield University President

Biography

Dr. Peterson has an extensive and progressive thirty-year career in higher education. Before becoming the 10th president at Bluefield University, he served as the vice president for adult & graduate studies at Houston Christian University. He was the founding vice president of the Pampell Online Division, a new initiative at HCU to develop online undergraduate and graduate programs. Before his role at HCU, Dr. Peterson served as the vice president for admissions at Liberty University and was an instrumental part of the historic growth of the online program at the institution, reaching more than 100,000 enrollments. His higher education career started in the trenches, as his first role was in financial aid, helping students fund their education. He then assisted the chancellor’s staff for over a decade, serving in various capacities and roles. In 2007, Dr. Peterson transitioned to the executive director of University Advancement, where he led comprehensive marketing strategies for residential and online programs.

Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Peterson is the middle child of five siblings raised by his mother. After attending the World of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY, he relocated to Virginia in 1993, where he continued his studies at Liberty University. While enrolled at LU, Dr. Peterson put down roots when he married his wife, Faith. Together, they raised five children. He is a devoted husband and father who balances his professional commitments with a busy family life. Dr. Peterson and his wife are almost empty nesters, as their youngest daughter is a freshman at Bluefield University.

Dr. Peterson’s interests extend beyond his professional life. He is an avid golfer, hiker, and, most recently, pickleball player. His commitment to community service is evident in his participation in various projects. He also values lifelong learning, constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences.