Director of Campus Recreation:

Joel Peterson combines his love for recreation and the outdoors with a passion for healthy living and an expertise in exercise science.

 As director of Lindsey Wilson College's campus vibrant recreation program, Peterson oversees the operation of the 73,000-square-foot Doris and Bob Holloway Health & Wellness Center.  Peterson directs a staff of 40 professionals and student employees, who serve more than 2500 students and community members.

 Peterson has created a student-oriented campus recreation program at Lindsey Wilson, where students not only help manage campus recreation initiatives but also gain valuable professional experience.

 Before coming to Lindsey Wilson, Peterson spent six years at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he served in a variety of positions, including: assistant track and cross country coach, and coordinator of the school's outdoor programs, intramural programs and youth programs. Peterson designed UW-Superior's high-ropes course, and he was named the UW-Superior 2003 Athletic Department Mentor of the Year.

 Peterson is also a lifeguard instructor, and an American Red Cross instructor in CPR and in use of an automated external defibrillator. Peterson is a member of the American Canoe Association, and he is a certified open water coastal kayak instructor.

 Peterson's hobbies include canoeing, kayaking, running, biking and cross country skiing. He has competed in cross-country ski races, including twice in the American Birkebeiner, a 52-kilimeter race held in northern Wisconsin. He has also competed in a half ironman-triathlon.

 A native of Peoria, Ill., Peterson earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science with a minor in athletic training from the University of Wisconsin- Superior. He earned a master's degree in recreation, sport and tourism from the University of Illinois.

 Peterson and his wife, Wendy, have a son, Aiden.