This is a Game Ladies . Community . Mark Peterson

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Mark Peterson is in his sixth season working with the Rutgers women’s basketball team as an academic advisor.

“We call Mark ‘Big Man’ because of his height, but he has the gentle nature of a teddy bear,” head coach C. Vivian Stringer said. “It is truly warm and personal care that he gives each of our players as he continues to encourage us to pursue academic excellence.”

Peterson, a 1988 Rutgers graduate, assists players with every aspect of maintaining a high level of excellence in the classroom while also managing the rigors of athletic competition. Having played basketball for the Scarlet Knights from 1984-88, Peterson is able to relate first-hand to the challenges of achieving success both in the classroom and on the court. Peterson has worked in the athletic academic support office since 1994 after completing a seven-year stint playing professional basketball in the NBA, CBA, USBL, and several international leagues. He also serves as an instructor at the Dyckman Basketball Instructional Program, a weekly free clinic in New York City for area basketball players. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Peterson spent time as a substitute teacher in the bi-lingual program (Spanish) in the New York Public School System.

Peterson’s role with the basketball team includes help with scheduling, study skills and time management and provides tutors and services necessary for top academic performance. Through effective and constant communication with student-athletes, coaches, instructors, college deans, and other university administrators, Peterson is able to anticipate the needs of the student-athletes and provide support and structure for the fulfillment of each players’ academic goals. In order to meet the needs of the Scarlet Knights during the season, Peterson travels to every away game, facilitating study hall while on the road. Peterson also guides the Scarlet Knights in the Rutgers life skills program called RU STRONG which strives to provide growth in five areas: academic excellence, personal development, career development and community service. Involvement in the RU STRONG program provides opportunities to develop important skills such as responsibility and independence.