It was a surprise honor for a man who has dedicated over 30 years in service to the Lexington community. After Peeples concluded an award presentation at the Urban League’s annual dinner, College of Education Dean James G. Cibulka ascended the podium to make the unannounced presentation.

Peeples graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Education in 1968. He graduated with a degree in elementary education with an emphasis on special education. Six years following graduation, Peeples was named president and CEO of the Lexington-Fayette County Urban League.

Since that time, Peeples has distinguished himself as a community leader and a force for positive change for all people in Lexington and Fayette County.

He has overseen the development of the Urban League’s professional job training programs for individuals with low-incomes. The urban league, under his guidance, has also worked to stem the urban decay of Lexington’s neighborhoods. Many urban renewal projects sponsored by the Urban League have resulted in providing good homes for Fayette County’s low-income homebuyers and its senior citizens.

“These accomplishments alone would be enough to warrant special recognition from the UK College of Education. However, as Dean of the College of Education, I would be remiss if I failed to note the work Mr. Peeples has done as an advocate for improving public education,” said Dean Cibulka in his presentation.

P.G. Peeples is considered a pioneer in the effort to close the education achievement gap in Fayette County. He was the first chairman of the Fayette County Public Schools’ Equity Council as well as a leader on the public school’s Affirmative Action Council.