On April 18th, 2025, Emeritus Marketing Professor Peggy S. Gilbert passed away. Peggy retired from MSU in 2014 after passionately teaching for 44 years.

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Peggy earned her college degree from Northeast Louisiana University (University of Louisiana-Monroe now). Teaching sixth graders in south Louisiana, Peggy was able to find her calling as a teacher. Eventually, in 1970, she joined the marketing faculty at MSU.

During her time at MSU, she taught numerous Consumer Science courses, all while she successfully battled cancer. Peggy, in 2014, made a statement regarding her battle,

“I felt so rotten from the chemo, but that flow of energy in the classroom sustained me. If I hadn’t had that energy coming from the students, I probably would have curled up and never gotten out of bed.”

^{*Quoted from the article, Passion for teaching leads professor to four decades at Missouri State, written by Lucie Amberg, posted April 30, 2014*}

Through her challenges and commitment to teaching, she persevered and served her community for over 40 years. Peggy often responded to calls for help from churches and local hospitals, provided care to those in need, and addressed issues of elder abuse. Additionally, alongside Tereze Harris, Peggy co-founded the “ACE” Club. This club was created to support students from impoverished rural areas in southeast Arkansas. Furthermore, not only was she a founding board member, but she also personally funded the first decade of the Tereze Harris Scholarship Foundation, providing essential support to high school students.

Earning a Faculty Excellence in Community Service Award from Missouri State in April 2014, recognizing all of her efforts and the positive impact she made on the community.

Peggy S. Gilbert’s life was a profound testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and the lasting impact of education. Her classroom was not just a place of learning, but a sanctuary of energy, hope, and connection — even during her most difficult days. Beyond her remarkable career at Missouri State, Peggy’s unwavering commitment to serving others created ripples of kindness that will continue to be felt for generations. Through her students, her community work, and the countless lives she touched, Peggy leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and heart. Though she has passed, the light she shared endures — a guiding force for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Marketing Department offers condolences to the Gilbert family and honors Peggy’s enduring dedication and service to our students and community.

^{*Information presented from the Memorial Program of Peggy S. Gilbert*}