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David "Pete" Peterson

David "Pete" Peterson, EdD

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Biography

Dr. David Peterson is a retired U.S. Navy Aerospace/Operational Physiologist with more than 20 years of active duty service. He has earned multiple degrees in exercise science and is a former competitive powerlifter. Dr. Peterson has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, two textbooks, and presented at multiple state, national, and international conferences on the topics of body composition, weight management, and physical fitness testing. He is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Education and Credentials

  • EdD in Sports Management (with emphasis in Sports Health and Fitness), United States Sports Academy
  • MS in Exercise Science, University of Louisiana – Monroe
  • BS in Exercise Science, Truman State University

Scholarly Works

  • Peterson, D. D., Kimble, J. M., and Rogers, T. A. (2024). A Christian Guide to Body Stewardship, Diet and Exercise (4th Ed.). Cedrus Press.
  • Peterson, D. D., and Rittenhouse, M. A. (2025). Practical Guide to Personal Conditioning (2nd Ed.). Van-Griner Learning.
  • Peterson, D. D. (2023). Sample Training Plans Based on Current Physical Activity Guidelines. Journal of Physical Fitness, Medicine & Treatment in Sports. 10(2).
  • Peterson, D. D., Tyms, K. M., & Smith, M. C. (2022). Determining Grip Width for Proposed Shoulder Saver Bench Bar. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 44(1).
  • Peterson, D. D., Dewhurst, M. L., & Blood, K. A. (2022). Comparison of the Deep Squat Pose to the Sit-Reach and Functional Movement Screen Active Straight-Leg Raise. Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy, 9(4).
  • Peterson, D. D., & Beerse, M. (2021). Electromyography (EMG) Comparison of Four Different Back Extension Devices. Academia Letters, Article 2414.
  • Peterson, D. D., Middleton, M., and Christman, S. K. (2019). Evaluation of Possible Anthropometric Advantage in Sit-Up Test. The Sport Journal.
  • Peterson, D. D. (2018). Periodic Fitness Testing: Not Just for Athletes Anymore. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 40(5).
  • Peterson, D. D. (2015). The Navy Physical Fitness Test: A Proposed Revision to the Navy Physical Readiness Test. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 37(4).
  • Peterson, D. D. (2015). Modernizing the Navy’s Physical Readiness Test: Introducing the Navy General Fitness Test and Navy Operational Test. The Sport Journal.
  • Peterson, D. D. (2015). History of the U.S. Navy Body Composition Program. Military Medicine, 180(1).
  • Peterson, D. D. (2013). Possible Performance Standards for the Plank for Inclusion into the Navy’s Physical Readiness Test. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35(2).
  • Latour, A. W., Peterson, D. D., and Riner, D. D. (2019). Comparing Alternate Percent Body Fat Estimation Techniques for United States Navy Body Composition Assessment. International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education.
  • Warshaw, A. M., Peterson, D. D., and Henry, S. M. (2018). Movement Competency Screen Predicts Performance in Female Military Academy Recruits. The Sport Journal.
  • Latour, A. W., Peterson, D. D., Rittenhouse, M. A., and Riner, D. D. (2017). Comparing Performance Category for U.S. Navy Alternate Physical Readiness Tests. Journal of Sports Injuries and Medicine, 2017(04).
  • Latour, A. W., Peterson, D. D., Rittenhouse, M. A., and Riner, D. D. (2017). Comparing Alternate Aerobic Tests for U.S. Navy Physical Readiness Test. International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education, 1(3).
  • Milbank, E. J., Peterson, D. D., and Henry, S. M. (2016). The Reliability and Predictive Ability of the Movement Competency Screen in a Military Population. The Sport Journal.
  • Whitehead, P. N., Schilling, B. K., Peterson, D. D., and Weiss, L. W. (2012). Possible New Modalities for the Navy Physical Readiness Test. Military Medicine, 177(11).

Interests

  • Interests: Weight training, big game hunting, watching movies, and studying the Old Testament.
  • Why Cedarville? Today’s military, just like society, has become more secular in nature. Although I will always cherish my time and experiences in the service, I now want to work in an environment dedicated solely to upholding biblical truths, morals, and values.