Tommy Chris Peterson, a longtime teacher and mentor at Utah State University, died Sept. 11, 2026, at his home in Cache Valley. Peterson, who was 76, was a prominent figure in the local community and played a significant role in shaping the university's interior design program.
Born in Logan, Utah, to Odell and Gwen Weston Peterson, Tom spent much of his life in Cache Valley. His academic career included time at the University of Vermont before he joined the Utah State faculty in 1976. He earned a bachelor's degree in clothing and textiles from Utah State University in 1972, a master's degree in 1973, and a doctorate from Colorado State University in 1980.
During his three decades at Utah State, Peterson taught fashion design, merchandising, and interior design. He was responsible for establishing the university's interior design program and developed the Creative Arts course, which became a popular general education offering. His professional work also included interior design projects for campus buildings, such as the Stan L. Albrecht Agricultural Sciences Building and the Noelle E. Cockett Life Sciences Building.
Peterson received several honors throughout his career, including being named the College of Family Life Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2001, and receiving the Interior Design Educators Council Merit Award. In 2002, he delivered Utah State's 27th Annual Honors Last Lecture.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sydney Mitchell Peterson; children Burke Peterson, Kate Peterson Astle, Maren Hinckley Cartwright Aller, and Christian Hinckley; and several grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Penny Peterson Bagley, Jack Peterson, and Peggy Peterson Harris.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Tom and Sydney Peterson Scholarship in the Arts at Utah State University. This endowment is intended to support future generations of students.
