A longtime Luther College faculty member with deep ties to Decorah has been selected for a newly established professorship honoring one of the college’s most prominent athletics figures.

Brian Solberg, an associate professor of health and exercise science and a Decorah native, was named the inaugural Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science during Luther’s Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 3. The college announced the appointment Sept. 10, 2026.

Solberg has taught at Luther since 1991 and leads the college’s Health and Exercise Science Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Luther in 1988, followed by a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Iowa and additional exercise science study at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

Professorship connects teaching, research and Luther history

In his work with undergraduate students, Solberg has overseen research involving physiology as it relates to human performance and supplements intended to aid performance. He said teaching has been part of his family tradition and that working with students in laboratory and research settings allows him to connect academic concepts with real-world situations.

“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. It honors Hamlet “Coach Pete” Peterson ’22, along with Hamlet and Thelma Peterson and Ferd and Vera Hustad.

Peterson served on the Luther faculty from 1922 to 1967 and was known for his role in Luther athletics. The professorship recognizes the place of physical education in a liberal arts education and honors faculty work in the college’s health and exercise science program. Solberg’s appointment is for a three-year term.

Two other Luther faculty members reappointed

The Opening Convocation also recognized two other faculty members continuing in endowed leadership roles.

Gregory Patton, an associate professor of management, was reappointed to the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair for 2026–2029. The chair was established by Suzanne Birkestrand and Dennis Birkestrand ’64, former business owners who support entrepreneurship, free-market economic perspectives, private enterprise and strong business practices. Patton holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and joined the Luther faculty in 2013.

Dan Davis, an associate professor of classics, was reappointed to the Orlando W. Qualley Chair in Classics for 2026–2029. Davis holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, joined Luther in 2011 and directs the classical studies minor within the history department.

The Qualley Chair was Luther’s first endowed faculty chair. It honors Orlando W. “Pip” Qualley, who served as a Luther faculty member and administrator for six decades. His roles included vice president, dean, professor of classical languages, registrar, basketball coach and football coach.

Other continuing endowed appointments

Luther also listed the following faculty members as continuing in their current chair or professorship roles:

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

The appointments were announced in connection with the Opening Convocation at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.