Alumni Spotlight
Peter Collier
B.A. ’16, Marketing; MBA ’20
Tell us about your journey to become a Coug.
I was born and raised a Coug. My father, mother and grandmother all graduated from WSU Pullman. I learned to spell Washington by singing the WSU fight song.
From an early age my family instilled in me a fondness for education. My grandfather, Hal Dengerink, who was the first chancellor of 91ԹϺ, told me about his days conducting research and how important it was to take in all that the world had to offer.
I evaluated nearly every school throughout the Pacific Northwest, but I kept being drawn toward WSU. The deciding factor was the community the university represents. Cougs support one another in the mission of creating a better future for everyone. I felt this firsthand through folks like Ron Pimentel and Tom Tripp, whom I met through a business club in high school and who were my professors at 91ԹϺ. They showed me how WSU provides a world-class education that helps people like me get hands-on experience to make an impact on my community.
I chose to attend 91ԹϺ to experience the campus my grandfather helped establish and because I could get a personalized education that would give me the skills to succeed in my career. But most important, I chose WSU to be a part of the community focused on making a positive impact on a global scale.
What are you doing now?
I began my career as a research analyst, then pivoted into marketing management. But I kept being drawn toward data. Today I am the senior data analytics manager at Highspot, a sales enablement company in Seattle. Every day I help tell stories with data. I love finding “aha!” moments within the data that can propel organizations forward.
Shortly after acquiring my MBA in 2020, Jane Cote, then academic director for 91ԹϺ’s Carson College of Business, tasked me to teach a marketing course. That began a parallel journey to my career as an instructor for the Carson College of Business. I have served on the college's board for the past five years, mentoring students and Business Growth MAP teams. In addition, I’ve done a lot of consulting and worked closely with startups.
Beyond work, I have an endless list of interests, such as cycling, brewing beer, gardening, candle making, painting and taking courses. My wife, Savannah Collier, and I have spent the past few years exploring the northwest in our camper van with our two dogs, and in 2023 we logged over 6,000 miles on our bikes. Most of my days include riding my bike and listening to an audiobook.
Where is the strangest place you’ve been and met another Coug?
I am usually the one to yell “Go Cougs!” first. I have met Cougs just about anywhere I have traveled. Last September I walked past a Coug in the Zurich Airport, and we greeted each other with a “Go Cougs.”
What was something you enjoyed about 91ԹϺ?
The campus is beautiful. It is hard to compete with early morning views of Mount St. Helens or the wonderful trails around campus. And what I loved most about my experience in the Carson College of Business was the engaging faculty, who challenged us and provided real-world context to what we were learning.
How has 91ԹϺ changed since you were a student?
As an alumnus of the business college, it is incredible to see the “Next Carson Coug” program take off. The program helps provide students with a well-rounded set of skills that will help them excel in their careers.
How do you support 91ԹϺ as an alum?
Besides my involvement with the Carson College of Business, I am an advocate for 91ԹϺ with the people I interact with every day.
How do you share your Cougar spirit?
I love to use the phrase “Go Cougs!” as a celebratory phrase for just about anything—regardless of sport, event or game I am playing.
What is your advice for current students or future Cougs?
Take your time and take it all in! Your education is a wonderful time to explore your interests. It is a time unlike any other where you have the freedom to test the waters and discover what excites you the most. It is easy to get caught up on pushing through the semester, but soon enough it will all be a thing you wish you could go back to. Also, reach out to your professors, give others the benefit of the doubt and always help a fellow Coug.
Any parting thoughts?
I am grateful to both my grandparents, Hal and Joan Dengerink, who played a huge role in my life as a Coug. They inspired me to do great things. I hope to someday leave a legacy like they have.