Petersen: A Career in Comparative Literature and Mormon Studies
Petersen is a distinguished academic and editor whose work bridges the gap between comparative literature and the scholarly study of Mormonism. With a career spanning decades of teaching, government service, and editorial leadership, he has contributed significantly to the intellectual landscape of the Intermountain West.
Key Facts
- Academic Specialization: Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Utah.
- Editorial Leadership: Former editor of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (2016-2020).
- Notable Work: Author of the 2002 biography Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life.
- Current Role: Program coordinator for Mormon Studies at Utah Valley University.
- Government Experience: Former Senior Information Specialist for the Congressional Research Service.
Educational Foundation and Early Life
Born in Provo, Utah, Petersen was raised within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). His early commitment to his faith led him to serve as a proselyting missionary in Paris, France, from 1980 to 1981.
Following his mission, Petersen pursued a rigorous academic path. He earned a bachelor's degree in French and international relations from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1988. He later expanded his expertise in literary analysis, obtaining an M.A. in comparative literature—the study of literature across national and linguistic boundaries—from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1995. He culminated his formal education in 2007 with a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Utah's Department of Languages and Literature.
Professional Experience in Government and Academia
Beyond the classroom, Petersen gained significant experience in the United States government. His professional history includes an internship for the U.S. House of Representatives and a role on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. He also served as a Senior Information Specialist for the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress.
In the academic sphere, Petersen has shared his expertise as a lecturer in the honors program at BYU and within the English and Humanities Departments at Utah Valley University. His dedication to teaching was recognized in 2006 when he received a Faculty Excellence Award.
Contributions to Mormon Studies and Literature
Petersen has established himself as a prominent voice in Mormon Studies. Leveraging his familial connection to the scholar Hugh Nibley, he authored the 2002 biography Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life. His scholarly writing has appeared in various prestigious publications, including BYU Studies, Sunstone, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, and the Journal of Mormon History.
His leadership extends to several organizational boards. He has served on the boards of directors for the Association for Mormon Letters (AML), Mormon Scholars in the Humanities, and Segullah, a literary journal focused on Mormon themes. Notably, he served as the president of the AML from 2009 to 2010.
Currently, Petersen serves as the program coordinator for Mormon Studies at Utah Valley University. He also continues his editorial work as the book review editor for the Journal of Mormon History and previously served as the editor for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought from 2016 to 2020.
Summary of Professional Milestones
| Period/Year | Achievement/Role | Institution/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1980-1981 | Proselyting Missionary | Paris, France |
| 1988 | B.A. in French and International Relations | Brigham Young University |
| 1995 | M.A. in Comparative Literature | University of Maryland at College Park |
| 2002 | Published Biography of Hugh Nibley | N/A |
| 2006 | Faculty Excellence Award | Utah Valley University |
| 2007 | Ph.D. in Comparative Literature | University of Utah |
| 2009-2010 | President | Association for Mormon Letters |
| 2016-2020 | Editor | Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Petersen's primary academic focus?
Petersen specializes in comparative literature and Mormon Studies, holding a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Utah.
Which notable biography did Petersen write?
He authored the 2002 biography titled Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life, based on his familial relationship with the subject.
What editorial roles has Petersen held?
He served as the editor for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought from 2016 to 2020 and currently serves as the book review editor for the Journal of Mormon History.
Where has Petersen taught at the university level?
He has been a lecturer at Brigham Young University (in the honors program) and at Utah Valley University (in the English and Humanities Departments).
What government positions has Petersen held?
Petersen has worked as an intern for the U.S. House of Representatives, a staff member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and a Senior Information Specialist for the Congressional Research Service.