Peter Dearing

Peter Dearing is a Professor and Director of the Learning Center at Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY), where he has been a key figure since 2015. He teaches College Writing and contributes to academic success through innovative pedagogical strategies.

• BA in Creative Writing from Hunter College
• MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College
• Post-MFA certificate in the Teaching of Creative Writing from Antioch University

His research focuses on student motivation and growth mindset in writing instruction. He emphasizes techniques like Customer Service (flexible drafting policies), the "Not Yet" model (Carol Dweck-inspired feedback), and Growth vs. Fixed Mindset to improve learning outcomes. His 2021 article in Exposé Literary Magazine explores these methods, aligning with broader trends in educational psychology and composition studies.

• Alpha Chi Omicron Award for Outstanding Teaching (Fordham University, 2022)
• SUNY Purchase Discretionary Awards (2016–2020)
• Cum Laude Honors, Hunter College (2010)

Peter previously taught at Fordham University (Introduction to Composition II) and Mercy College (Oral Communications). Outside academia, he enjoys family time with his son and Havanese dog Hobbes, and Broadway shows with his actress wife.