Tonya L. Peeples has been named the permanent Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering in the Pennsylvania State University College of Engineering, effective January 1. Peeples has held the role in an interim capacity since July.
“Being chosen to lead the College of Engineering is a tremendous honor – a responsibility that is exciting for its possibilities to maximize the unique opportunities and strengths we have as a college,” Dr. Peeples said. “We have a deep capacity as a community to collaborate on solutions that will ensure our continued long-term impact as a leading force for engineering research and education in higher education, across the nation and globally. I am eager to continue the work already underway in partnership with our leadership team, faculty, and staff to position the College of Engineering for a strong and prosperous future.”
Dr. Peeples joined Penn State in 2018 as a professor of chemical engineering and as the inaugural associate dean for equity and inclusion in the College of Engineering. Earlier in 2023, prior to being named interim dean, she was appointed senior associate dean. Before coming to Penn State, Dr. Peeples was a professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and director of the Ethnic Inclusion Effort at the College of Engineering of the University of Iowa.
Dr. Peeples earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
