Peters has a profound commitment to social justice and to serving students from marginalized identities and communities; this commitment is the driving force behind her teaching, advising, research, and service. She is also a potent force in student academic life through her many collaborative projects. Peters, a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers, is a recipient of the Horace T. Morse - University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education and the University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association Teaching Award.