George Fox dean transitions to new role as vice president for academic operations

NEWBERG, Ore. – Dr. Mary Peterson will serve George Fox University in a new role in the fall semester of 2023, transitioning to the new position of vice president for academic operations. She will also serve on the president’s vice president’s team and University Council, assisting with collaboration between the university’s academic office and operations across the institution. 

Peterson is currently dean of behavioral health sciences and a former associate provost. She received a master’s degree in communications from the University of Cincinnati, and holds masters and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She has been committed to the university’s Christ-centered mission since joining George Fox in 2004. 

Academic programs at George Fox are organized into four enterprises, each of which is led by an executive dean. Peterson’s new role will help ensure that the university’s four academic enterprises work efficiently together. 

Peterson will lead the Academic Leadership Team made up of the executive deans, and as a group they will report to George Fox President Robin Baker. Peterson will oversee library services, disability and accessibility services, the Juniors Abroad overseas study initiative, off-campus study programs, international student services, accreditation, faculty development, and assessment.

George Fox University is classified by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best National University." More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university's campus in Newberg, Ore., and at teaching centers in Portland and Redmond, Oregon. George Fox offers more than 60 undergraduate academic programs, degree-completion programs for working adults, and 19 master's and doctoral degrees.