USU Vice President is Honored by Utah State Division of History

When he was named vice president for advancement at Utah State University, Ross Peterson brought a rich background to the position. He is a noted researcher, author, educator and administrator. And, as a noted historian, he was recently honored by the state’s Division of History.

Peterson received the Honorary Life Member Award from the Utah State Division of History Sept. 6 during the opening session of the 55th Annual Utah State History Conference. He was honored for his distinguished service to the state and to the Utah State Historical Society. Among the accomplishments noted in the award were Peterson’s service to the teachers of the state of Utah and his work with the Utah Humanities Council. He is credited with establishing the Utah History Fair and creating the Bennion Workshop for Teachers at Utah State University.

 

Peterson was previously named Utah’s Outstanding Humanist by the governor, served on the Board of State History and chaired the Utah Humanities Council. He is the author of the History of Cache County.

 

Peterson returned to Utah State University in 2007 to fill the advancement position, where he heads efforts in USU’s first comprehensive campaign — a fundraising effort with a goal of raising $200 million. He returned to USU from Deep Springs College in Big Pine, Calif., where he was president.

 

Peterson received his doctorate 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. He has authored several publications and books on history and was the Milton R. Merrill Chair in USU’s Department of Political Science.

 

A book published by Utah State University Press was also honored by the Utah State Division of History. “Recollections of Past Days: The Autobiography of Patience Loader Rozsa Archer,” edited by Sandra Ailey Petree, received the Smith-Pettit Foundation Best Documentary Book in Utah History. (see related story in Utah State Today.)

 

“This finely edited autobiography of Patience Loader Rozsa Archer is a treasure of insights into 19th century life,” the award citation said. “It recounts her joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her native England, the journey to Utah as a member of the 1856 Martin Handcard Company, her life at Camp Floyd as the wife of Sgt. John Rozsa, and subsequent work as a cook at a mining boarding house in American Fork Canyon.”