Debra Petersen

Dr. Debra Petersen serves as Associate Professor and Director of Communication Studies at the University of St. Thomas' College of Liberal Arts. She teaches core courses including Communication of Race, Class and Gender; Sport Communication; and Public Speaking, where students research environmental sustainability topics. Her research examines rhetorical strategies in political and cultural contexts.

Key research areas include:

• Historical and contemporary rhetoric of first ladies
• Intersections of gender, race, and class in political campaigns
• Sport communication and media representations
• Environmental advocacy through public speaking

Ongoing projects analyze Eleanor Roosevelt's archives and women's international political communication.

No recent articles are cataloged; her scholarship emphasizes applied rhetorical analysis.

No scientific awards are documented in available materials.

Dr. Petersen directs the Communication Studies program and mentors undergraduate researchers studying media representations and advocacy strategies. Her courses incorporate community-focused research on environmental topics and sport media. No formal research labs are mentioned, though her leadership role involves curriculum development and program administration.