CHARLESTON, IL (04/21/2026) Dr. Shawn Peoples, the Director of the Office of Civil Rights at Eastern Illinois University and Eastern’s Title IX Coordinator, has recently been awarded the Harrison Kowiak Scholarship to attend the Hazing Prevention Institute in Indianapolis.
Established by Harrison’s family, this annual scholarship supports individuals committed to advancing hazing prevention by providing the opportunity to participate in the Institute. As Lianne Kowiak shared, the scholarship “enables individuals to attend the Institute and bring the latest hazing prevention strategies back to their campuses and organizations.” The fund was created in memory of her 19-year-old son, Harrison, following his death due to hazing in college.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship, as I believe the institute plays a vital role in advancing hazing prevention through informed leadership and sustained engagement,” Peoples said upon learning of her award. “My interest in hazing prevention is grounded in both academic scholarship and professional practice. I look forward to sharing insights from the institute with EIU’s Hazing Prevention and Awareness Committee as we continue to expand awareness and strengthen prevention efforts across the broader Eastern Illinois University community.”
“Dr. Peoples is a selfless leader who personifies EIU’s commitments to student safety and well-being,” added EIU President Dr. Jay Gatrell. “This award is indicative of her passion for EIU’s students, and the values we share as a University and society.”
The Hazing Prevention Institute will be held June 23-24 in Indianapolis, and all expenses are funded via the scholarship. The Institute is offered through the Hazing Prevention Network, formerly known as HazingPrevention.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing. The network’s goal is to educate people about the dangers of hazing, advocate for change, and engage the community in prevention strategies.
A double alumna of EIU, Peoples earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Services (1990) and Master of Science degree in Education (1992) from the Charleston, Illinois-based campus. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University in Missouri. Prior to becoming EIU’s Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator, Peoples’ 20-year career at EIU included roles as Associate Director of Student Standards and Coordinator of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s Minority Teacher Identification and Enrichment & Education Scholars programs.
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