De Boer, Peter Pousma | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

(1929 - 2017)

Peter Pousma DeBoer was born in Paterson, NJ on December 22, 1929. DeBoer attended Calvin College, majoring history and minoring in English and political science. Once he graduated from Calvin in 1951, DeBoer went on to earn his M.A. in social studies from Montclair State College in New Jersey.  DeBoer began his teaching career at Sanborn Christian, teaching 7th and 8th grades as well as filling in as principal from time to time.  He went on to teach English, history, and directing the choir at Western Christian High School. By 1957, DeBoer accepted a position at Dordt College as an English instructor. During this time, he also working towards earning his second M.A. in English at the University of Iowa.

In the fall of 1962, DeBoer  became a faculty member of Calvin College's History department. He taught courses in Western Civilization and American History. President Spoelhof persuaded DeBoer to earn his Ph.D. in the field of philosophy and history of education. DeBoer enrolled at the University of Chicago and earned his Ph.D. in 1968.