Chase N. Peterson

Peterson was grew up in Logan, Utah where his father, E. G. Peterson, was the president of Utah State University. After attending a Massachusetts boarding school, Peterson received his bachelor's degree and MD from Harvard University. He practiced medicine in Utah before returning to Harvard in 1967 to become Dean of Admissions. Instead of using quotas to admit more black American students, Peterson hired an African-American to be part of the admissions staff and increased recruiting of black students.[2]

Peterson married Ane Grethe Ballif, who after her marriage was normally referred to as Grethe Ballif Peterson. Grethe was a graduate of Brigham Young University who did graduate studies at Radcliffe College, Southern Connecticut State College and the University of Utah.[3]

While at Harvard, Peterson served as a bishop of the University Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1978 President David P. Gardner of the University of Utah appointed Peterson as the leader of health sciences. In 1983 he succeeded Gardner as president of the university; while president, the Fleischmann–Pons experiment and first human implantation of an artificial heart occurred. Peterson retired as president in 1991.[2]

In 2006 Peterson received the Harvard Alumni Association medal.

Peterson died of pneumonia on September 14, 2014.[2]

• Alan K. Parrish. "Harvard and the Gospel: An Informal History" in Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint History: New England, p. 131.
• Chase N. Peterson Presidential Records
• Biography connected with Peterson's receipt of Harvard Alumni Association medal
• Keith McCord (September 14, 2014). "Former U. president Chase Peterson dies". Deseret Digital Media.