Brenda Petersen, PhD, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CPNP-PC

Dr. Petersen joined the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing in 2019 as the Associate Dean of Nursing. She holds a PhD in Health Professions Leadership from Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University College of Nursing and is licensed as an Advanced Practice Nurse and Certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. 

Dr. Petersen joined the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing in 2019 as the Associate Dean of Nursing. She holds a PhD in Health Professions Leadership from Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University College of Nursing and is licensed as an Advanced Practice Nurse and Certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. In 2023, Dr. Petersen also assumed the role of Interim Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at LAC.

An expert in curriculum design and program development in higher education, Dr. Petersen is known as an innovative leader in nursing education and was recognized by the New Jersey Institute of Nursing, Foundation of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, and received a “Beacon of Light Award” in 2018 for her leadership, excellence in nursing, and community impact. She has held leadership positions in New Jersey and in 2018 was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. 

In addition, Dr. Petersen has presented locally, nationally and internationally in her research area of horizontal violence and oppression in nursing and has served as project director for close to a million dollars in grants supporting initiatives in higher education in the area of student success and college access, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.