"This will take all of us, our talented students, faculty and staff, to be active participants in the changes to come — this is the only way we will be successful."
Penn State has 18 fully electric vehicles already in service.
The award is the highest honor possible to alumni who have exemplified the objectives of Penn State beyond graduation.
Peeples has been serving in the role in an interim capacity since July 2023.
Penn State Executive Vice President and Provost Justin Schwartz said a national search for the college's next dean will begin soon.
"He was a brilliant designer, an incisive instructor, an energizing colleague, and an impassioned advocate for his students."