USU Names New VP for Advancement

 

The announcement came Friday evening from USU President Stan L. Albrecht, who described Peterson’s appointment as pivotal to the university’s first comprehensive campaign – a fundraising effort with a goal of raising $200 million over the next three and a half years.

 

“Ross brings with him a wealth of knowledge, respect and connections that are absolutely essential to help us reach our $200 million campaign goal,” Albrecht said. “Equally important will be his efforts to create a new spirit and tradition of giving at Utah State University that I hope will outlive both of us.”

 

Peterson said he loves Utah State and the opportunity to be closer to his family and that is why he decided against renewing a three-year contract as president of Deep Springs and, instead, return to USU to end his career.

 

He said he did not realize when he first went to Deep Springs that it would primarily entail fundraising, but he saw first-hand how dollars generally flow as allegiance grows.

 

“The idea of loyalty to something is really important if people are going to care enough to help that institution move into another generation,” he said.

 

Building relationships that nurture loyalty is essential in creating a tradition of giving, he said.

 

Despite USU more than doubling in size since he was a student back in 1965 when he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history, people still count, he said.

 

“It really should be about what people do with and for each other,” he said. “I think that Utah State still has the capacity, academically, and in every other way, to maintain that type of attitude. So when students come here they have a sense that they are going to be dealing with people who care about them individually.”

 

Peterson’s own respect for Albrecht and his leadership style is a major reason for his return to USU.

 

“He’s the person for me to work with because we have such a level of trust that it’s just a natural thing to work together,” he said. “I don’t think most people realize this isn’t just something we are doing. The foundation has been building. It’s a gamble, but we are starting to reap the reward, in part, because Stan Albrecht speaks the language of all these potential donors.”

 

Peterson said that he is not interested in going elsewhere to finish his career.

 

“At my age, I am not doing this to get another job,” he said. “I am not doing this to prove I can do it so USU can get money. I am doing it because I love Utah State, pure and simple.”

 

Albrecht called Peterson a great colleague, “not only to me, but to so many here at our university. USU is fortunate to have a person of his experience and respect occupying this key position at this time in the history of our university.”

 

Peterson received a doctorate’s degree in American Studies from Washington State University. Prior to his position at Deep Springs College, he was a visiting professor at the University of Utah, a Fulbright Lecturer at Victoria University, New Zealand, and a professor at USU beginning in 1971.

 

The Montpelier, Idaho, native, who has authored several publications and books on history, was the Milton R. Merrill Chair in USU’s Department of Political Science; recipient of the Governor’s Award, Utah Humanist of the Year; and received a Lifetime Service Award, from the Utah State Multicultural Center.

 

He is married to Mary Kay Grimes, also a USU graduate. They are the parents of three sons.

 

Writer and contact: John DeVilbiss [john.devilbiss@usu.edu], 435-797-1358;