Birth date: Jan 17, 1924 Death date: Mar 15, 2023
Hazel Petersen Walter, retired Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean at Mobile College and Academic Dean at the University of Mobile Latin American Campus, Nicaragua, died March 15, 2023, in Gainesville, Florida after a brie Read Obituary
Dr. Petersen was one of the most influential people in my life. She was a leader/mentor to me as a young 17-year-old, entering the beginning of my adult life. Her strong philosophy of education, her willingness to be available to her students, and her expectations for us to be successful helped me grow in so many ways. I often speak of her impact on my life. She is missed.
Hazel was one of the nicest and most interesting persons I've very known. We were so lucky to have been able to visit with her and our Uncle Roger over the past several years. We have memories of many wonderful trips with her and Roger to destinations in and around Gainesville, and we always looked forward to our annual visits there. Jonathan and I were so happy to host Hazel and Roger in Oregon several years ago and show them the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I am so glad that we were able to see Hazel and visit with her one last time this past December. She was a truly unique person who will be missed by many. I am posting some photos of her and Roger on some of the many occasions where we were all together. RIP dear friend. We will always remember you.
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Dr. Hazel Petersen was one of the most amazing educators that I have ever met. Unpon my arrival at Mobile College, I was not sure that a successful matriculation for me was possible in the College of Education. Coming from a poor home environment, being a minority student in a majority school, and having very limited financial resources all shaped my thinking. During our first meeting in her office, Dr. Petersen discerned my apprehensions. She reassured me that I had the potential to become a great teacher. In addition, she provided support in areas where I was deficient. This support included reevaluating my financial aid and getting me a job at the college. As I began my student teaching, she personally observed my classes on many occasions and provided meaningful descriptive input that greatly enhanced pedagogy strategies for children and for me as a teacher.
Upon my graduation and employment in the Mobile County Public School System, Dr. Petersen regularly visited my classes with student observers. This was very special for me, and I always thought it was validation of her confidence in me as a good teacher.
After graduating from Mobile College in 1976, my career spanned 25 successful years in Alabama and 20 successful years in Mississippi.
Dr. Petersen voice resonates with me to this day. "You have the potential to become a great teacher." Little did I know that she had propelled me not only to become a great teacher, Dr. Petersen confidence in me allowed me to be blessed with higher levels of leadership with each affording professional and personal growth. Positions included guidance counselor, curriculum specialist, principal, chief academic officer for the Classroom Improvement Division for the Alabama State Department of Education, director, and assistant superintendent of the Pascagoula-Gautier SchoolDistrict.
After 45 years of service in two states, I am so thankful to Him for placing Dr. Hazel Petersen in my life.
Bernard Rogers
Assistant Superintendent of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District-Retired
Hazel was an inspiration to me when she was Dean at University of Mobile in San Marcos, Nicaragua. Not only was she an extraordinary leader, she was a delight to be around.
