Polly Peterson, PhD

President

Department

Cabinet

President's Office

Education

PhD, North Dakota State University
MBA, Regis University
BA, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

President Polly Peterson stands in front of Taber Hall.

Contact Information

701-252-3467 ext. 5619

Biography

Dr. Polly Peterson is the President of the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, a distinguished leader in higher education and a dedicated member of the Jamestown community. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth, and community engagement.

Professional Background and Achievements

Dr. Peterson earned her Bachelor of Arts from the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in 1989, graduating summa cum laude with dual degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. She was also named a College Fellow in both areas of study. In 2000, she completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Regis University. Polly began her professional career in public accounting with EideBailly, before joining the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ as Controller and later as a Professor of Accounting. Her leadership trajectory at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ includes serving as Vice President for Institutional Advancement (2006), overseeing development and alumni relations, and then as Executive Vice President (2014), where she managed both Business Affairs and Institutional Advancement.

In 2017, Polly Peterson was named the 14th President of the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½â€”the first woman to hold this role in the University’s history. Under her presidency, Dr. Peterson has led initiatives that expanded academic programs, enhanced campus facilities, increased student enrollment, and strengthened the university’s financial foundation.