Meet Our Faculty
Experienced, Skilled, and Supportive Instruction
Outdoor Leadership faculty at COCC provide students with industry insights, hands-on learning opportunities, and knowledgeable advising.
Full-time Faculty Profiles
Timothy Peterson
Professor of Outdoor Leadership
Email: tmpeterson@cocc.edu
If students wonder how far a career in outdoor Leadership can take them, they need only spend a few minutes chatting with Tim. With a job that led him on adventures from Ireland to China, Alaska to Bolivia, Tim knows firsthand the options are unlimited for students who want to turn their passion into their life’s work. “With dedication and planning, students can map out a career path that combines their love of adventure with helping others reach their potential.”
Originally from western Massachusetts, Tim migrated west in 1998. He has worked for a private high school travel program and served on the Shasta County Search and Rescue Mountain Team, conducting backcountry rescues in the varied terrain of northern California. For many summers, Tim worked as an alpine guide on Mt. Shasta.
Tim has a bachelor’s degree in history and creative writing from Bucknell University, a certificate of completion in outdoor leadership from Greenfield Community College, and a master’s degree in adventure education from Prescott College. He has completed several certifications during his career, including the American Mountain Guide’s Association’s Single Pitch Instructor, American Canoe Association’s (ACA) Whitewater Canoe Instructor (solo and Tandem), the ACA’s swiftwater rescue course, the American Avalanche Association’s Professional Avalanche Worker School (AvPro/Pro Level 2), as well as Rescue 3’s vertical and swiftwater rescue courses.
Tim has worked in the Health and Human Performance department at COCC since 2008, with a particular focus on instruction in the Outdoor Leadership program.