Mrs. Martha Peek Named 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Posted on March 11, 2022 by MarComm
The University of South Alabama National Alumni Association honored five individuals and USA Health during the 17th annual Distinguished Alumni & Service Awards on March 10 at USA’s MacQueen Alumni Center.
“After a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize the achievements of our alumni and friends,” said Margaret Sullivan, vice president for development and alumni relations. “These individuals have shown outstanding leadership in their respective careers, to the University and in their communities.”
Mrs. Martha Peek, who earned a master's in education from South in 1978, was honored as a 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient. Peek began her 46-year career in education as a teacher at Alba School in Bayou La Batre. Over the years she served as principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent before being named superintendent of Mobile County Public Schools in 2012. Peek was the first female to hold this position in the school system’s 180-year history.
In addition to her extensive education career, Peek has served as a volunteer leader in the community, serving on the boards of United Way of Southwest Alabama, Junior Achievement of Mobile and as a representative on the American Heart Association’s National Superintendent Roundtable.
Peek is a graduate of Leadership Alabama’s Class of XXVI and, in 2015, AL.com named her one of the Women Who Shape the State, which is awarded annually to individuals who are affecting position change in their neighborhoods, communities, regions and beyond.
During her tenure as Superintendent, Peek established a Leadership Roundtable and Signature Academy Councils that linked businesses, industry and higher education with the Mobile County Public Schools to inform curriculum design and support the development of student career pathways.
Peek and her husband, Tyler ’76, live in Bayou La Batre.