March 27, 2025

Dr. Herman A. Peterson Honored for His Leadership and Contributions at Diné College

TSAILE, Ariz. Diné College proudly recognizes the achievements of Dr. Herman A. Peterson, Director of Libraries and Associate Professor of Humanities, whose extensive career in library sciences, academia, and research has left a lasting impact on the institution and beyond.

Dr. Peterson has been an integral part of Diné College for 13 years, including seven months of service as Associate Dean of Academics. With 24 years as a Library Director and 31 years as a professional librarian, Dr. Peterson’s leadership has enhanced the College’s library system, supporting students and faculty in their academic pursuits.

“Dr. Peterson’s dedication to providing exceptional library services and his expertise in tribal and higher education are invaluable to the Diné College community,” said Dr. Haesong Kwon, Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities at Diné College.

A respected author and scholar, Dr. Peterson is best known for his book, The Trail of Tears: An Annotated Bibliography of Southeastern Indian Removal. He has also published nine articles and book chapters and more than 50 book reviews. His work on the Trail of Tears has led to multiple television appearances as an expert on the subject on PBS. Beyond his publications, Dr. Peterson’s scholarship has made significant contributions to understanding Native American history and culture.

Before joining Diné College, Dr. Peterson was a tenured Associate Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, further cementing his role as a leader in education. Since then, he has taught a combined 28 credits of college courses between Southern Illinois University and Diné College, enriching students’ experiences with his interdisciplinary knowledge of the humanities, theology, and mathematics.

Dr. Peterson holds a Doctor of Ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake, a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, a Master of Theological Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. His academic achievements exemplify his commitment to both education and lifelong learning.

An active member in numerous professional organizations, including the American Indian Library Association, the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums, the Tribal College and University Library Association (where he served as President), and the Tribal College Librarians Institute, Dr. Peterson has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing libraries and promoting Indigenous scholarship. He has also served on the National Board of Directors for the Trail of Tears Association and the American Theological Library Association.

Dr. Peterson’s expertise and contributions continue to influence not only Diné College but also the broader fields of library sciences and humanities.