Dr. Peter S. Kirkpatrick earned his Ph.D. in French Civilization and 20th Century Literature from the University of Virginia in 1992. Since 1987, Peter has written hundreds of articles on American and French culture, cinema, literature, politics and society in French newspapers and magazines. When he arrived at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1992, Peter applied his journalistic connections from the French cultural scene to his French courses and to his professional and academic service. That same year, Peter and his wife, Dr. Françoise Ravaux-Kirkpatrick (Professor Emerita, University of Richmond), became the co-founders and co-directors of the annual French Film Festival in Richmond, Virginia.

Peter received from the French government the distinctions of Knight in the Order of Academic Excellence (Palmes Académiques) and Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters. He is also a recipient of the Médaille Beaumarchais awarded by the French Writers Guild (SACD). Peter has served as juror in numerous film festivals, including the Prix Vulcain (Best Artist-Technician) jury at the Cannes International Film Festival.