The annual recognition honors veterans whose leadership and service continue to make a difference in the San Diego region. Honorees will be celebrated at an evening reception on Thursday. The publication had previously recognized Peterson as one of 70 nominees.
Peterson – a decorated former U.S. Navy officer – in addition to district operations, oversees SDCCD’s Measure HH capital improvement program, a $3.5 billion voter-approved initiative transforming academic and career-training facilities at City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges, and the College of Continuing Education.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a Veteran Leader of Influence, but the real credit belongs to our teams, including many fellow veterans, who bring mission focus, teamwork, and integrity to building educational spaces that change students’ lives,” said Peterson.
Under his direction, the district has advanced major design-build projects, expanded participation by small businesses and apprentices, and strengthened fiscal transparency - all while keeping projects on time and on budget.
Chancellor Gregory Smith praised Peterson’s leadership: “The San Diego Community College District and our colleges are honored to serve active-duty military, veterans, and their families with accessible higher-education programs that recognize and value their military experience,” he said.
“Dr. Peterson exemplifies the deep connections our district has with veterans and the military. We’re deeply grateful for the veterans who serve within our own ranks - among our faculty, classified professionals, and district staff - and for those working with our program-management organizations on Measure HH,” he added. “Their leadership and perspective enrich our campuses and our construction program alike.”
Supporting Veterans in the Classroom and Beyond
More than 5,000 veterans, active-duty service members, and military dependents enroll at SDCCD each year. The district’s colleges offer Veterans Resource Centers, benefits certification assistance, and priority registration to support service members in a seamless transition to civilian life.
All four colleges – City, Mesa, Miramar, and the College of Continuing Education – are approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to offer military service-connected benefits programs leading to an Associate Degree or transfer to a four-year institution. Additionally, City College and Mesa College have both been recognized in the annual Military Friendly Schools ranking, earning Silver and Gold distinctions, respectively.
Two students illustrate how SDCCD helps veterans translate service into purpose:
“This education bridges the gap between my national service and my heart to serve the community in a more direct, impactful way,” said Erika Tello, a 21-year U.S. Navy veteran and Public Safety Management student at San Diego Miramar College (UK1).
“I always wanted to be the first in my family to have a degree. I wanted to show my parents that their struggles didn’t go in vain,” shared Pamela Morales-Perez, a Marine Corps veteran and Graphic Design student at San Diego City College.
Commitment to Veteran Success
SDCCD’s Strategic Plan 2023–2030 commits outreach and support for military-affiliated students, while Measure HH projects are adding new Veterans Centers and student-support spaces across the district.
“Our veterans bring extraordinary discipline and perspective,” Chancellor Smith added. “They enrich every classroom and every team they join - including ours - and we are proud to support their journey from service to career.”