The Georgia House of Representatives has recognized Dr. Karl E. Peace, founding director of the Center for Biostatistics, and professor of Biostatistics in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University, as a “Shining Star” in the University System of Georgia. 

      Dr. Peace was recognized on the floor of the House in Atlanta for his contributions to furthering biostatistics and public health in Georgia and for his work as a Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholar. 

      The Georgia House, through Rep. Bob Smith, recognizes individuals within the university system that demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom. The “Shining Star” recognition is designed to feature outstanding faculty and staff at the state’s universities and colleges. 

     Dr. Peace, an alumnus of Georgia Southern, is widely recognized for his research, philanthropy to education and public health, and for his efforts in research, technical support and management in the pharmaceutical industry. During his long career, he has made contributions in the development and approval of drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, anxiety, depression and panic attacks to name a few. 

        “Few have made such a major impact on their state and this is a fitting recognition of someone that has not only made a significant difference in our state, but in our university,” said Georgia Southern President Bruce Grube. “Dr. Peace is an alumnus, faculty member and a friend and we are pleased that the state of Georgia has recognized him in such a fitting way.”

         Dr. Peace endowed The Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health as a tribute to his wife’s life. In addition, he established the Center for Biostatistics at Georgia Southern University which allows consulting and hands-on training experiences for Biostatistics graduate faculty and students, and has endowed 13 scholarships totaling more than $5.5 million.

      Before returning to Georgia Southern to develop biostatistics and public health programs, Dr. Peace held senior management positions at SmithKline and French Labs, G.D. Searle, and Warner Lambert/Parke-Davis.