Brian Solberg receives Hamlet Peterson Professorship

Three Luther College faculty were named to endowed positions at the college’s Opening Convocation held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

Brian Solberg, associate professor of health and exercise science, was selected for the inaugural Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science. Gregory Patton, associate professor of management, was reappointed the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair; and Dan Davis, associate professor of classics, was reappointed the Orlando W. Qualley Chair in Classics.

Brian Solberg, Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science

Brian Solberg

Solberg is a Decorah native and Luther alum who has taught at Luther since 1991. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Luther in 1988. He holds a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Iowa. He also completed additional study in exercise science from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

Solberg serves as the head of the Health and Exercise Science Department at Luther College. His work with undergraduate students on research projects has included concepts of physiology as applied to human performance and supplements that aid performance.

“Teaching has always been a part of my family, with students as the center of our efforts. I truly enjoy the laboratory and research setting as the opportunity to engage with students and apply concepts to real-world situations. Their desire to learn motivates me to look for new and innovative ways to teach and adapt the classroom setting,” Solberg said.

The Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship was established by Helen (Peterson) ’52 and Jack Hustad. This professorship is named for Hamlet “Coach Pete” Peterson ’22, and is in honor of Hamlet and Thelma Peterson and Ferd and Vera Hustad. Renowned for his role in Luther College athletics, Peterson was a member of the Luther College faculty from 1922 to 1967. The award recognizes the integral role physical education plays in the liberal arts tradition and honors the dedicated faculty in the health and exercise science program at Luther College.

The Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship appointment is a three-year term.

Gregory Patton, Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair

The Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair was established by Suzanne Birkestrand and Dennis Birkestrand ’64, former business owners who believe in and support the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our nation’s free-market economy, in recognition of the profound impact Luther College has had on their lives. The Birkestrand Chair is awarded to a professor who is dedicated to empowering undergraduates to achieve and who recognizes the importance of free-market friendly perspectives on economic theory, private enterprise and good business practices.

Patton, associate professor of management, will serve as the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair for 2026–2029. Patton holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and joined the Luther faculty in 2013.

Dan Davis, Orlando W. Qualley Chair of Classical Languages

The first endowed faculty chair established at Luther was the Qualley Chair. This chair honors Orlando W. (Pip) Qualley (1897–1988), who served six decades as a Luther faculty member and administrator. Qualley held positions of vice president, dean, professor of classical languages, registrar, basketball coach and football coach. Known for his firmness, directness and drive, he encouraged high academic standards and recruited a faculty devoted to education.

Davis, associate professor of classics, was reappointed the Qualley Chair for 2026–2029. Davis holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He joined the Luther faculty in 2011. He also directs the classical studies minor within the history department.

Continuing Endowed Chairs and Professorships

The following Luther faculty are continuing in their current chair and professorship roles:

Nena Amundson Distinguished Professorship, Molly McNicoll, 2025-2027
Bert M. and Mildred O. Dahl Chair in Economics, Steve Holland, 2023-2028
Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professorship in History, Richard Mtisi, 2025-2028
Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies, Guy Nave, 2025-2028
Dennis M. Jones Chair in the Humanities, Amy Weldon, 2025-2028
Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professorship in International Studies, Orçun Selçuk, 2025-2028
Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation Studies, Robert Christman, 2025-2030
Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in Biology, Jodi Enos-Berlage, 2025-2028
Wardell Professorship in Sociology, Char Kunkel, 2025-2028

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