Wabash College President Scott Feller has named veteran coach and administrator Jim Peeples as the Little Giants’ new Director of Athletics and Recreation. He will begin his tenure at Wabash on August 11.

Peeples has served as athletic director at NCAA Division III Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia, for the last decade, and was head baseball coach and associate athletic director there from 2001 to 2015.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to serve the campus community, the student-athletes, coaches, and support staff in the athletic department to reach levels of excellence that everyone on campus, the alumni, and supporters of Wabash will be proud of as we move into the future,” Peeples said. “I am so excited to get started on that journey with everyone at Wabash.”

Peeples was the first in his family to graduate from college when he earned his bachelor’s degree from 亚洲通stminster College in Pennsylvania. After earning his master’s degree in athletic administration from Slippery Rock University, Peeples began his coaching career as an assistant coach in football and baseball at 亚洲通sleyan University before spending nine years as assistant baseball coach at Methodist College.

He was named head baseball coach at Piedmont University in 2001 and served in that role – and as associate director of athletics – until 2016. when he transitioned to become the school’s director of athletics. As baseball coach, Peeples won 360 games over 15 seasons, winning three conference regular season titles and advancing to the DIII tournament twice – in 2008. (34-14) and 2011 (32-15).

“Our search committee did a great job identifying a deep and talented pool of candidates, and we feel like Jim’s experience, values, and background are an excellent fit for Wabash,” said President Feller. “He’s been a successful coach and recruiter, and his administrative background positions him well for success at Wabash.”

Peeples served as Chair of the NCAA Division III Baseball Championships (2015-17) and Chair of the NCAA Division III Baseball South Region (2013-17). Apart from athletics, Peeples served on Piedmont’s Enrollment Management Team; chaired the first-year student success committee; implemented an innovative mentoring program for first-year students to boost retention; and worked collaboratively with the Advancement Office on fund-raising initiatives.

“Jim Peeples stood out as an excellent fit for Wabash College,” said Interim Director of Athletics and Head Baseball Coach Jake Martin. “His track record of success, leadership, and mentoring coaches and athletes makes him a perfect fit for the next chapter of Wabash College athletics. I’m excited to welcome Jim and Laura to the Wabash and Crawfordsville community.”

Peeples’ wife, Laura, is a first-grade teacher. They are the parents of two grown daughters, Taylor MacMillan and Ashley Powell.”

“I am honored and humbled to be called to serve Wabash College,” Peeples added. “It is obvious that everyone on campus at Wabash is 100% committed to the mission of this tremendous institution.”