The Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) is proud to announce that Shawn Peters, PhD, Learning Center Specialist at the Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO), has achieved Distinguished Status at UW–Madison. This esteemed recognition honors Dr. Peters for his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the institution’s core values.
Among other criteria, a Distinguished academic staff member “is expected to develop new approaches, methods or techniques to resolve or prevent problems with little or no expert guidance and to cope independently with new, unexpected or complex situations.”
For more than two decades, Dr. Peters has been an invaluable asset to our community, serving with unparalleled dedication and expertise. As a member of the academic staff and an instructor at the CeO, his steadfast dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion has significantly impacted the lives of our students.
Dr. Peters’ role at CeO has been pivotal in fostering an inclusive and stimulating learning environment, supporting economically disadvantaged and first-generation students and those with disabilities throughout their academic journey. His innovative teaching methods – which are learner-centered and span a range of activities in and out of the classroom – and his diligent oversight of 27 credit-bearing courses across various departments, have set a standard of excellence and dedication to student success.
As a champion of the Wisconsin Idea, Dr. Peters’ contributions have been recognized and celebrated beyond the confines of campus. His teaching methodologies have been acknowledged in prestigious publications such as On Wisconsin magazine and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Moreover, his involvement in key campus initiatives, such as the Ad Hoc Study Group on the Campus Activities of the Ku Klux Klan created by the late former Chancellor Rebecca Blank, underscores his commitment to advancing critical conversations and historical initiatives.
Shawn Peters has served as an ambassador for CeO throughout the university, to enhance understanding of the program and its mission, and to ensure that its students and staff have the resources they need.
“Dr. Peters’ far-reaching relationships make him an outstanding role model for why professionals need to go outside their bubble and get to know others,” said Dr. Julie A. Janiak, the director of CeO. “They help remind CeO staff that the campus is smaller than we think, and we always have something in common with those around us. These relationships broaden our support for our scholars and for CeO writ large.”
“This Distinguished Status honor really captures the essence of Dr. Peters’ contribution to CeO, the DDEEA, UW–Madison and beyond,” said Dr. Catherine Chan, UW–Madison’s assistant vice provost for high impact practices. “He is a trusted colleague, a great educator, a campus leader, and a recognized scholar who is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.”
Notably, Dr. Peters’ efforts were honored recently with the Keystone Award from UW–Madison’s Office of Undergraduate Advising; this award recognizes recipients’ exceptional work in student advising, career services, and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Dr. Peters’ scholarly contributions, including seven peer-reviewed books published by esteemed academic presses, have not only elevated the academic discourse on campus but also have amplified UW–Madison’s influence globally. His research has been cited in legal opinions and legislative testimony, as well as in scholarly and mainstream publications and in media outlets. He has also promoted the Wisconsin Idea personally through presentations before the Wisconsin Legislature, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the White House.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Peters on this remarkable achievement,” said Dr. LaVar J. Charleston, who heads the DDEEA as deputy vice chancellor for diversity & inclusion, vice provost, and chief diversity officer. His contributions exemplify the high standard of excellence that is the hallmark of the DDEEA, and the university as a whole. I invite everyone to join us in celebrating Dr. Peters’ well-deserved recognition as a Distinguished member of UW–Madison.”