Fischler College Spotlights Alumna Latonya Peterson

Latonya Peterson, Ed.D., first graduated from the Abraham S. Fischer College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE&SCJ) in 2005 with her master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Behavioral Criminology. In 2010 she received her Doctorate of Education in Organization Leadership. Latonya also holds a bachelor’s degree from Albany State University.

Peterson is also an adjunct instructor for Baker University, teaching MBA & CJ courses. This past April, she was appointed to the Faculty Senate for Baker University, and she is the first female African American to hold that position!

She wants to remind future students to remember to keep in touch with their close family and friends. Keeping your support system close is essential while going through school, she says. There will be times when your program will feel overwhelming, and it will be vital to have someone to lean on and help you through the tough days.

Peterson began working in her father’s law office at the age of 16 and realized that working in criminal justice was one of her passions. Since earning her degrees, she has been teaching criminal justice courses in higher education for 15 years. She currently works as an online instructor for American InterContinental University and as an adjunct professor for other schools teaching criminal justice, leadership, and management courses. She enjoys writing and peer-reviewing journal articles, and in 2016 she co-authored the course textbook called “Victimology: Understanding the Victim.”

The FCE&SCJ community congratulates you on your significant accomplishment with the Faculty Senate post and wishes you the best of luck as you step into your new role!

She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and two sons. Latonya is a die-hard New England Patriots Fan, and she teaches Children’s Church for the Greater 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church.