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Bill E. Peterson

Professor of Psychology

Bill Peterson

Contact

Bass Hall

Biography

Bill Peterson is on sabbatical in 2023–24, after serving the college as associate provost for eight years. When he returns to teaching in 2024–25, he plans to offer courses in adult development, personality, psychobiography, and a first-year seminar on psychology and graphic novels. He has a program of research revolving around the construct of “generativity”—the desire at mid-life to contribute something of worth to society. He also has an interest in studying authoritarian ideologies and how they manifest in everyday life outside of the arena of politics. In general, his research incorporates a personological perspective, or a focus on the whole person. Bill enjoys reading and likes maps, paintings, movies, and comic books, especially if they are old.

Education

Ph.D., M.A., University of Michigan
B.A., University of California, Berkeley

Research