Dr. Polly Peterson

14th President of University of Jamestown

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

https://t.co/4XGRpTi05V

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

The translation chasm around the liberal arts worries me. Majors in history, languages, and philosophy are where students learn to think deeply, communicate clearly, and lead with wisdom. Our work in higher ed is to connect that formation to real careers. https://t.co/hmkHMhJyDp

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

There’s a special kind of energy in Harold Newman Arena on game day.

From the stands, I see friendships forming, memories being made, and the heart of @UJ in action. Grateful for the students, coaches, staff, and families who make these nights so meaningful. 🧡🏀

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

We often mistake busy for engaged.

Real engagement is cognitive: effort, challenge & persistence that lead to lasting learning.

At UJ, we want students doing the thinking that changes them, supported by clear teaching, feedback & strong relationships. https://t.co/sjdKCI51d5

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

Family is at the center of so much of what I value, at home and here at @UJ. Grateful for the people who ground me, bring joy to my days, and remind me to lead with compassion. Sharing a recent family photo and wishing you and yours a hopeful, peace-filled start to 2026. 🧡

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

As this year closes, I’m grateful for the quiet courage I see in our UJ community: students persevering, faculty and staff walking alongside them, alumni cheering them on.

Here’s to a new year of learning, leading, and serving together.

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

New research calls it “happiness capital”. It's the resources that help students truly flourish.

At UJ, we see residence life, mentoring, ministry, and co-curriculars as part of that same capital that supports whole-student wellbeing and success. https://t.co/Hkd3sX7yfl

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

From our campus in Jamestown to Jimmies around the world: wishing you a peaceful, hope-filled holiday season.

I’m deeply grateful for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who make this community such a special place to learn, live, and grow. 🧡

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

I truly believe education is a game-changer.

College shouldn’t be reserved for a few. Every student with the desire and determination to learn deserves access and opportunity to pursue their calling and change the trajectory of their life, their family, and their community.

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

New research confirms what we see everyday: student engagement starts with classroom climate.

Emotional support, clear academic help, and mutual respect are necessary conditions. When students feel known and respected, they lean in and stay. https://t.co/SSKy4nlJrh

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

Headlines about an “enrollment cliff” and small-college closures are everywhere. At UJ, we’ve seen 40%+ growth by treating our strategic plan as a living, budget-tied document and asking one question: Will this help students persist and cross the bridge to career?

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

At UJ, we talk often about educating the whole person. That has to begin with us. Emotional intelligence isn’t extra credit for leaders; it’s essential to creating campuses where people feel seen, heard, and valued. https://t.co/NLlR4BARvc

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

We are truly grateful for Unison Bank’s gift that helped create The Well Coffee Shop at UJ. It’s already a place where students gather, breathe, and remember their deeper purpose. https://t.co/joLPa4xOrr

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

We won’t always find “balance” in a single day. Some seasons are hard.

That’s where grit comes in–passion & perseverance toward a LT goal. In higher ed, our work is to help students clarify their “why,” build habits that sustain it, and provide encouragement when life is tough.

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

@Principal_H @DynamicDuda338 @DisruptEdToday @embracetruejoy @donna_mccance @mrswilliams21c @tracyscottkelly @SteinbrinkLaura @LRobbTeacher @ABEducational Absolutely, right! A good learning environment helps, of course, but that won't matter unless you have a teacher who's dedicated to making a difference!

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

@AFA_Air_Space Love seeing this kind of support for educators and hands-on STEM learning. When students can touch and try big ideas like aerospace, their curiosity and confidence take off. Grateful for programs that invest in teachers and the next generation of innovators.

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

@UJ_Jimmies So proud of our students and coaches. 🧡 The structure is up with lights expected to be installed in the next couple of weeks. Thank you to all for the incredible team work!

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

On December 6th, the Jimmies and the University of Mary will host the Barefoot Classic, a doubleheader basketball game for charity.

The goal is to collect enough donations to provide 500 pairs of shoes to local children and adults in need.

Be there! https://t.co/742URZXPRL

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

International Accounting Day is personal. As a CPA turned university president, I’ve seen stewardship, clarity, integrity turn plans into progress. Grateful to teams turning mission into budgets that open doors.

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

@PrepBaseballID Congrats, Jackson! 🧡 Welcome to the Jimmie family. We’re excited to support you on the mound and in the classroom.

[Dr. Polly Peterson @polly_peterson]

@MadisonAadland @UJSoftball Welcome to the Jimmie family! 🧡 We’re thrilled to cheer you on – in the classroom and on the field. Can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish at UJ.