Dr. Erlend D. Peterson has held professional positions at BYU since 1964. He served as dean of Admissions and Records, where he administered all services relating to academic scheduling, admissions, advisement, credit evaluation, financial aid, graduation, records, registration, school and university relations, and student information.
In addition to his administrative work, Dr. Peterson served as an associate international vice president, assistant professor of educational leadership, an associate of the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies for Nordic countries, a member of the board of directors for the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, and a board member of the Norwegian-American Historical Association.
Professor Peterson served a mission to the eastern states and a second mission to Norway while his father was mission president. His association with Norway continued when he was called in 1988 to preside over that mission himself.
Dr. Peterson has been instrumental in bringing Norwegian scholars and dignitaries to America, particularly to Utah and to BYU. In recognition of this important work, the king of Norway honored Dr. Peterson with the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Knight First Class. Friends now often affectionately refer to him as “Sir Pete.”
Pete has made many professional presentations, conducted numerous workshops, has consulted extensively, and is widely published in his fields of expertise. He has fulfilled many Church and civic positions. He is married to Colleen Dawn Keith, and they are the parents of six children.
