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Academic Scholar Award 2017

Christian Peterson

Christian PetersonChristian Peterson, Adjunct History Professor, is the recipient of the 2017 Academic Scholar Award, which recognizes a member of the academic community who has demonstrated excellence in research, inquiry and/or scholarship.

“Dr. Peterson has produced an exceptional body of original research and scholarly work around the issues of peace, human rights, and democracy and has disseminated his research through numerous book publications, book reviews, peer reviewed articles, conference presentations and panel discussions,” wrote the 2017 Academic Scholar Award Committee.

“He collaborates with colleagues across disciplines and teaching levels with the intent of sharing his research with diverse audiences and creating a deeper understanding of history and relevance to current global problems,” the committee further wrote. “Finally, Dr. Peterson uses his research and expertise to demonstrate the real-world applications of history to his students.”

Nominator Sarah Rescoe, professor in the Department of English, Literature, and World Languages, wrote that Peterson’s “application of knowledge is critical for the future well-being of students and the U.S., as a majority of the consequential changes occurring in modern society cannot be adequately understood without such uniquely faceted historical analysis as provided by Dr. Peterson.”

“I cannot imagine a more relevant scholar to teach history and share knowledge on other interdisciplinary topics such as democracy at Ferris State University. Learning from scholars like Dr. Peterson will provide invaluable, culturally relevant perspectives on teaching that will support Ferris’s efforts to integrate a pedagogy of global awareness and inclusion more deeply into current and future classes,” wrote Rescoe. “Dr. Peterson is an asset to the university; he holds his scholarship to high standards and requires and encourages the same in his students and colleagues.”

“My scholarship starts from the assumption that an active and engaged citizenry can shape government behavior and change the course of history,” wrote Peterson. “I enhance my ability to teach in ways that show students the "real world" relevance of historical knowledge and even inspire them to change the world.”

Peterson’s teacher/scholar model is making a difference at Ferris. “You taught me how to become a better writer and to think and analyze things more critically,” wrote student Jordan Horan. “You are one of the two most influential professors I had at Ferris and I greatly appreciate our time together over three courses.”

Peterson earned a doctoral degree in history from Ohio University, a master’s degree in history from Utah State University, and a bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University.

He and other recipients of the 2017 Academic Affairs Awards were recognized on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at the Employee Service Awards in the David L. Eisler Center.