Penn State’s College of Engineering now has permanent leadership as Tonya Peeples was named the Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of the College of Engineering, effective January 1. Peeples has been serving in an interim capacity since July.

Peeples will fill the position formerly held by Anthony Atchley, who served as acting dean of the college from August 2022 to July 2023, who started in the role temporarily as former engineering dean Justin Schwartz began operating as Penn State’s interim executive vice president and provost.

“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,” Peeples said in a release.

Peeples joined Penn State’s faculty in 2018 as a professor of chemical engineering and as the inaugural associate dean for equity and inclusion in the College of Engineering. In the role, she has been instrumental in developing the college’s equity action plan.

Prior to her announcement as interim dean in 2023, Peeples served as senior associate dean within the College of Engineering.

“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,” Peeples said. “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.”

Previously, Peeples served as the associate dean for diversity and outreach and as a professor of chemical and biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa’s College of Engineering.

Peeples earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from NC State and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She is a member of the American Society of Engineering Educators, the Society of Women Engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers, among others.