Dr. Deidra “Dee Dee” Peaslee is a collaborative, inclusive leader with a 30-year career of empowering students and inspiring educators. She has been the president of Saint Paul College since July 2019, and is the first woman president in the College's 112-year history.

Under her leadership, Saint Paul College was fully reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission; has committed to becoming an anti-racist and trauma-informed; and has redeveloped its mission, vision, and values to reflect its student-ready-campus culture and foundation in social justice.

Prior to Saint Paul College, Peaslee served at Anoka-Ramsey Community College for 17 years, in positions including dean of educational services and vice president of academic and student affairs. In addition to her experience in the Minnesota state system, she was the assistant dean for the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University; a career planning specialist for ACT, Inc, and the interim placement director for South Dakota State University.

She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from South Dakota State University, a master's degree in counseling and student personnel from Minnesota State University–Mankato, and a doctorate of education from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. Peaslee is active in the Twin Cities metro community, serving on hospital and community boards.

Peaslee and her husband, Rich, have two daughters, Emerson (21) and Paige (18).