When Holy Cross set out to restructure the Department of Student Affairs 20 years ago, it was Jacqueline Peterson who accepted the challenge. In doing so, she became the first female, first person of color and first lay person appointed to the president’s cabinet. But making history is only part of Peterson’s legacy.
As vice president for student affairs and dean of students, she impacted hundreds of young people who credit her and Student Affairs with the guidance and support they needed during a critical time of their development. She announced plans to retire at the end of this academic year, and HCM will feature a celebration of her career and accomplishments in the summer issue. For this issue, HCM invited Peterson to converse about her career with Antonio Willis-Berry ‘13, currently the assistant director of housing operations at Bentley University, where his goal is to make a difference for students in higher education – just as Peterson did for him.
Antonio Willis-Berry: Tell me about what drew you to Holy Cross. What most excited you about becoming vice president of student affairs?
Jackie Peterson: I knew the College had an outstanding academic reputation, and the Ignatian values and mission truly resonated with my own personal values. They were looking for someone who could build a student-focused, student-centered educational experience that went beyond the academics – because clearly the academics were stellar. So I said, ‘Well, that’s a good place to be.’ And I love a challenge.
Willis-Berry: I know you do. What was it like when you first arrived in Worcester?
Peterson: I remember being a bit overwhelmed. In my past experience [with a new job], you come in, you settle into your office, you start to meet people. But the College had planned a really large welcoming reception for me with members from the [Worcester] community, including city officials, clergy and representatives from the public schools. I didn’t expect that! But I was gratified to see it, because – I have to admit – I wasn’t really sure about Worcester. But that reception showed me there is a strong community here. It is one of the fondest memories I have.