For two decades, Andrea Peterson has been one of the steady, welcoming presences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Across roles and offices, one constant has remained: her commitment to making sure students, faculty and staff feel supported.
Today, Peterson is the friendly face who greets students each day in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center.
“I describe my role as very hands‑on in helping and being an assistant to everyone — anything people need,” she said.
From her office adorned with family photos and Husker memorabilia, Peterson does everything from directing students to the right place, setting up Zoom advising sessions, arranging appointments and travel, and even answering the occasional phone call from a parent looking for information or resources.
Peterson’s path to the university wasn’t straightforward. She spent 16 years as a personal banker before stepping away to raise her three children. When she decided to return to work, she knew she wanted an environment that felt welcoming and family‑friendly.
She began part‑time in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Dean’s Office. As her children grew, her hours did, too.
“As my kids got older, it worked out for me to come down here and be full time,” Peterson said.
All three of Peterson’s now‑grown children attended the university. Her experience as both a longtime staff member and as a parent inform her approach in helping others.
“Once you've been here so long, you get that knowledge of who's who, and it's kind of nice knowing people across campus and being able to direct people to the right place,” she said.
Peterson centers people in both her work and her personal life. During her years as a stay‑at‑home mom, she also cared for her nieces and nephews, many of which she also got to see as students at Nebraska. The tight‑knit family still gathers regularly.
“We have family dinners every Sunday. All the cousins are really close because they grew up together,” she said. “When people think of family dinners, they’re probably not picturing our family dinners consisting of 20 or more people.
“Now that they've gotten older, it's like, ‘okay, whoever can come, come,’ because everyone’s so busy, but we still get at least 15 people for most dinners.”
She’s seen major changes on campus in two decades, such as the shift from stacks of paper forms to fully digital processes and more advising through Zoom, but the core of her work hasn’t changed.
“I feel like being around these younger kids, helping them is fun,” she said. “I don't consider my job stressful. I enjoy getting up and coming to work. And I really like the people here. It’s a family‑oriented place.”
Over the years, she has stayed in touch with many of the students she helped or worked with — something she considers one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
“It's just fun to see the paths that they've taken,” she said. “Some of them have written and said, ‘Oh, I'm doing my dissertation for my Ph.D. Do you want to come?’ And I'm like, absolutely.
“It’s nice to still connect with them and know you've made an impact.”
Peterson also serves as a representative for District 3 in the Staff Senate, where she has served on several committees. She has one year left of her three-year team. It’s been a good learning experience and an opportunity to make new connections.
“I feel like it’s a great opportunity to get to know more about the university and to lend your voice to help out and get involved, advocating for others,” she said.
Staff Senate elections will be held in late March. Ballots will be distributed via email. To learn more about Staff Senate and the 2026 candidates, check the Staff Senate website.
