Chelsea Petersen is the director of strategic initiatives for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
As a member of the vice chancellor’s executive team, she provides oversight of key initiatives within the vice chancellor’s office with special focus on marketing & communications, research and analytics, family programs, and events.
Petersen most recently oversaw the Student Affairs Marketing & Communications team, providing services to over 20 departments and 400 staff members. During her time at WashU, Petersen and her teams have been recognized with 24 national awards in digital media, branding and marketing.
Prior to joining Vice Chancellor Gonzalez’s team in 2021, Petersen served as the senior associate director of athletics for external operations at WashU. She oversaw brand management, revenue generation, and the fan experience. Petersen worked closely with the associate vice chancellor for student affairs and director of athletics, Anthony Azama, on capital planning, branding, and financial management. She was instrumental in negotiating the first apparel contract in the history of WashU athletics.
Before WashU, Petersen spent over ten years in intercollegiate athletics coaching and administration. She served as the head women’s basketball coach at Central College from 2013-2017.
Petersen is active in several national organizations, including Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA), and Women Leaders in Sports.
She holds an MBA from Anderson University and was a four-year basketball standout at Upper Iowa University where she received an undergraduate degree in business and communications.
Updated spring 2025.