Dr. Leah Peterson
Education:
B.S., Human Performance Education & Certification in English Education, Nicholls State University
M.S., Higher Education and Administration, Nicholls State University
D.Ed., Higher Education Leadership, Northcentral University
Courses:
Bio:
Dr. Leah Peterson is the Bonnie Bourg Endowed Professor, Associate Professor, and Program Coordinator for the Master of Education in Higher Education Administration at Nicholls State University. A first-generation college student and two-time graduate of Nicholls, Dr. Peterson earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Performance Education and Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the university before earning her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership.
Dr. Peterson’s work focuses on higher education leadership, online teaching and learning, student success, program development, and institutional effectiveness. She has played a central role in the growth and development of Nicholls’ fully online Higher Education Administration program, with particular emphasis on strengthening recruitment, advising, curriculum, student engagement, and retention.
Her commitment to teaching and student success has been recognized with the 2026 Nicholls State University Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence and the 2023 Academic Affairs Award for Teaching Excellence. She also received the 2024 Percy Dyer Distinguished Faculty Award from Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement, where she serves as an adjunct lecturer and subject matter expert.
Dr. Peterson’s scholarship includes research and publications related to higher education, online graduate education, student success, and emerging issues affecting college students. Her recent work has examined strategies for sustaining online graduate enrollment and improving the experiences of first-generation graduate students.
Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Peterson served Nicholls in administrative and athletic roles, including as Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Dean, and CAEP Coordinator in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. A former NCAA Division I student-athlete and collegiate coach, she is a member of the Nicholls Athletics Hall of Fame and was named Southland Conference Student-Athlete of the Year during her undergraduate career.
As an educator, scholar, and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Peterson is committed to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening student success, and preparing professionals to lead effectively in higher education and their communities.