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Anthony "Tony" Peebles, MBA '98, is starting the new school year as a YJ4L. And he couldn't be happier. Peebles was named BW's alumni engagement director in August.
Although the affable alumnus is beginning his BW career alongside this year's incoming class, the experienced professional is no novice to the university or to its role in Northeast Ohio.
He brings vision, leadership, enthusiasm and energy to the position, as well as communication and people skills he has utilized throughout his career in higher education, commercial banking, financial planning and investment advisory services.
"Joining Baldwin Wallace's philanthropy and alumni engagement team is an exciting opportunity to leverage my professional and civic leadership experiences for the university's future," said Peebles.
"I bring a strong background in industry, corporate relations, major gifts and alumni engagement as both a volunteer and professional. My goal is to help forge a strategic vision to effectively deepen alumni relationships, establish volunteer pathways, and encourage philanthropic support for students and the university," explained Peebles.
Peebles comes to BW from Case Western Reserve University, where he served as the director of corporate relations and diversity advancement for five years before being named national development director in 2023.
Prior to those roles, he worked in the insurance and banking industries. The latter is where he was first introduced to BW.
"I was told about the BW MBA program by several colleagues at Fifth Third Bank, who shared how the program had an immediate impact on their effectiveness as managers and leaders," noted Peebles.
While at BW, Peebles saw firsthand the value of a BW education — from the boost to his career skills to the impressive quality of the professors he met.
In addition to diverse career experience, Peebles is an accomplished civic leader. He is currently on the board of directors of University School and Step Forward, a nonprofit agency serving Cuyahoga County, and is an appointed committee member for the Shaker Heights Board of Education.
He is also a 2025 senior fellow with Advanced Leadership Institute, an affiliate of the Cleveland Leadership Center that unites leaders with the goal of creating positive community impact.
In mid-September, he will travel to Atlanta to be honored by the African American Development Officers Network as a 2025 Charles R. Stephens Scholarship recipient, an honor reflecting excellence and leadership in the industry.
Peebles' other professional commitments have included serving as chair for the board of directors for The City Club of Cleveland, City Club Forum Foundation and 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland.
Peebles is a graduate of Duke University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science. His commitment to education and its value in strengthening Northeast Ohio has been an ongoing premise throughout his career and civic roles.
As alumni director, he will help advance BW's rich history of tradition, community and philanthropy through strategic planning and initiatives. And while Peebles is only in his opening weeks of his new role, he has a broad vision for what he hopes to achieve.
"One objective of alumni engagement should be to foster a lifelong connection where every alumnus feels valued and empowered," said Peebles. "Meeting each alumnus at their unique stage of life is important. We want to honor their journey as they go from student to successful professional and engaged citizen.
"BW is a lifelong community offering benefits to one's personal, professional and civic life. I believe it is important to strengthen existing affinity groups at the university and explore new ones tailored to specific industries and disciplines," he added.
"I also want to actively engage alumni as trusted advisors to leadership teams and foster robust mentoring programs that connect students with alumni who can offer career guidance and support," he went on to say.
"When alumni feel truly valued and connected to BW, a culture of meaningful engagement and generous philanthropy will naturally flourish," believes Peebles.
"I meet BW alumni everywhere! Our alumni network is extensive. Its impact extends beyond Northeast Ohio. Leveraging this network is essential so that every graduate understands the invaluable impact of their connection to the BW community," he emphasized.
