Virginia State University Names Marika Peterson As Dean Of Libraries And University Librarian

Peterson brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and transformative leadership to VSU.

Virginia State University proudly announces the appointment of Marika Peterson as Dean of Libraries and University Librarian.

“Marika Peterson’s extensive experience, strategic vision, and deep connection to Virginia State University make her an outstanding choice to lead our University Libraries,” said VSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tia A. Minnis. “Her leadership will play a critical role in advancing student success, strengthening faculty research, and expanding access to innovative library resources.”

A proud two-time graduate of VSU, Peterson returns to her alma mater with a deep personal and professional commitment to advancing the University’s mission. Her appointment continues a family legacy of VSU graduates and marks a meaningful full-circle moment. She will now lead the very library where her father once worked as a student.

Peterson brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education, including more than 18 years at Southside Virginia Community College, where she most recently served as College-Wide Librarian. In that role, she provided strategic leadership for libraries across multiple campuses, aligning operations with institutional priorities, overseeing budgets and collections, strengthening vendor partnerships, and expanding access to digital resources. She also led efforts to modernize library services through integrated systems and enhanced electronic resource management.

As Dean of Libraries and University Librarian, Peterson will lead library services in supporting student success, advancing faculty research and scholarship, and expanding innovative resources for the campus community.

She holds a Master of Library Science from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Education in Educational Technology from Virginia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Mass Communications from Virginia State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology from Liberty University.

Peterson’s appointment reflects her record of leadership, her commitment to access and innovation, and her enduring dedication to Virginia State University.