Dr. Michael Peoples seemed to have his career path — and its many angles — covered as an accomplished engineer.
He completed his pre-engineering studies then earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management with a technology emphasis. After graduation, he held several engineering positions, including with Emerson Electric, IBM and General Motors.
Today, that same drive to excel has carried him far beyond engineering — into the classroom and district leadership, now serving as principal of University City High School. For his nontraditional path and record of student achievement, Peoples will be honored as one of five Excellence in Education awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, sponsored by the St. Louis American Foundation.
The event will be held Nov. 1 at America’s Center.
Though successful in corporate life, Peoples said he felt he should be on a different path. “I always knew internally that I had a different calling. I wanted to contribute more to society beyond simply making money,” he said.
He left the engineering world — and its higher salaries — in search of purpose. That search wasn’t easy. “Several people around me thought I lost my mind,” he recalled. “But I knew money alone was not enough.”
While coaching his son’s YMCA basketball team, Peoples had what he called his “first interaction with young, impressionable African American males,” sparking a passion for working with youth.
He soon found a foothold in education, joining the Special School District of St. Louis County as a math tutor. Encouraged by teachers and staff, he earned his teaching certification and later taught mathematics at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, Pattonville High School and Hazelwood East High School.
At Hazelwood East, he also directed summer school and served as a math instructional coach — experiences that inspired him to further his education. He went on to earn master’s degrees in teaching and school administration from Lindenwood University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Saint Louis University.
Peoples later rose through the Hazelwood School District’s ranks as assistant principal and associate principal before being named principal of University City High School in 2017. Today, he also serves as director of secondary education for University City Schools, overseeing middle, alternative and adult education programs, as well as instructional planning across the district.
Under his leadership, University City High has seen notable gains in graduation rates, academic performance and college acceptance. Students earned more than $2 million in scholarships from 65 colleges and universities following the 2024-25 school year.
Dr. Ian Buchanan, an engineer-turned-educator who once taught math in University City, said he relates to Peoples’ path and described the school’s progress under his leadership as “amazing.”
“Mike is receiving this award because of the incredible work he is doing, and it is measurable,” Buchanan said.
Peoples credits that success to the district’s strong leadership team, including Superintendent Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, and to a shared vision that emphasizes excellence and equity. He said the district has built systems to raise performance while also meeting students’ social, emotional and wellness needs.
He has also seen how learning itself has evolved. Teachers, he said, now act more as facilitators.
“The role of the teacher has changed,” he said. “We’ve found that students learn best by speaking and working with each other. There is more of a sense of agency.”
Peoples describes the University City School District as “a family, a community,” one that embraces all races, backgrounds and income levels. That inclusive spirit, he said, is what makes the high school thrive.
Counselor Kim Merrill, who joined University City High the same year Peoples became principal, said she immediately noticed a difference with him leading the school.
“The students like to say he has ‘swag,’” she said, adding that his open-door style makes him approachable. “He is a person of vision; he understands the importance of relationships. It is definitely a community here.”
Peoples said he wants parents and families to be part of that community as well. Every Monday, he sends an email to staff, students and families outlining the week ahead.
“We work together, and we all come together as a team,” Peoples said.
He also is motivated by his wife, six children and three grandchildren.
“Of all I have accomplished, I am most thankful for my family,” he said.
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place on Saturday, November 1st at America’s Center in downtown. For tickets or more information, visit www.stlamerican.com.