Dr. Peter Eley has served as interim dean of Alabama A&M University’s College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences for just two years, but he is already a passionate supporter of AAMU’s historic 150th Anniversary Campaign – a bold initiative to raise $150 million, including $15 million from individual donors, by December 2025.

“I am a giver – that’s simply who I am,” said Eley. “I understand the transformative power of giving – not just in how it uplifts others, but in how it shapes and changes the giver. Giving has the ability to shift atmospheres, build community, and inspire lasting change.”

With more than two decades in higher education, Eley has served in a variety of leadership roles including full professor, department chair, associate dean, and dean. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Elizabeth City State University, two master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Education, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, all from North Carolina State University.

Though his tenure on The Hill is relatively recent, Eley views the campaign as deeply personal and historically significant.

“Any opportunity I have to be part of the positive side of history, I want to seize it,” he said. “I also deeply understand the needs of our University and recognize that increased financial resources empower us to be more progressive and innovative in how we educate and serve our students.”

While he does not have family ties to AAMU, Eley recalls a close colleague, Dr. Lou Matthews, who often speaks with pride about his Bulldog experience – a connection that reinforced Eley’s appreciation for the institution's legacy.

“Anytime you see construction on a college campus, it’s a clear sign of progress,” said Eley. “What we’re witnessing now is the blossoming of seeds that were planted years ago – vision, planning, and persistence coming to life. It’s a great time to be a Bulldog.”

Eley is also enthusiastic about the University’s strategic focus on student enrollment and retention.

“Retention is the new acquisition,” he said. “It’s absolutely doable. We must focus on keeping the students who choose AAMU, ensuring they are supported and successful. Their positive experiences become the foundation for attracting the next generation of Bulldogs.”

For Eley, it’s the people and the opportunity to help shape Alabama A&M’s future that make his work meaningful.

“To contribute to meaningful change and be woven into the fabric of this transformation is both an honor and a calling,” he said.

That same passion fuels his commitment to giving. It’s not just about writing a check – it’s about leaving a legacy.

“Receiving feedback on how your gift has impacted someone you’ve never met is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It’s a powerful reminder that generosity can create meaningful change beyond what we can see.”

Join the AAMU 150th Celebration today at www.aamu.edu/150.