BATESVILLE, Arkansas – Lyon College Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins announced today that Michael Peckham has been named head coach of the Scots women's basketball program. Peckham, who brings more than four decades of experience in athletic leadership and coaching, steps into the role following the departure of Casey Fowler, who accepted the head women's basketball coaching position at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas.
Peckham, a seasoned veteran with NCAA Division I experience, has served as the Scots' assistant coach for the past two seasons. During that time, the Lyon College women's basketball program earned the No. 1 overall seed at the 2024 United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship and finished as national runner-up.
"Over the past two years, this program has become an integral part of my professional journey," Peckham said. "It is a privilege to lead a team of such dedicated and high-achieving student-athletes. I am honored to carry forward the strong tradition of excellence that defines Lyon College women's basketball, and I look forward to building upon that legacy—on the court, in the classroom, and within the broader campus community."
In his tenure as assistant coach, Peckham helped develop five USCAA All-Americans, three Academic All-Americans, five All-Conference selections, and award winners including Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Conference Newcomer of the Year, and back-to-back National Student Athletes of the Year.
Jenkins praised Peckham's leadership and coaching experience, pointing out his extensive resume and familiarity with the program.
"Coach Peckham is the right leader for this next chapter of Scots women's basketball," Jenkins said. "He has already demonstrated a tremendous ability to mentor and motivate our athletes. His passion for teaching and his unmatched experience will continue to elevate our program."
Peckham's coaching journey spans over 44 years at both the high school and collegiate levels. He has amassed 857 career victories as a head basketball coach and has guided teams in the ACC and Big Ten as an assistant at the University of North Carolina and the University of Wisconsin. He has also coached numerous high school programs across Mississippi and Arkansas, leading nine different teams to state tournaments.
Peckham was inducted into the University of North Carolina Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and has appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament seven times. His accolades include multiple MAIS Coach of the Year honors and recognition as one of Sports Illustrated's Top Ten Collegiate Basketball Recruiters in 1991.
Beyond the hardwood, Peckham served over two decades in the U.S. Department of Justice, developing athletic, recreational, and wellness programs for a federal population of more than 4,000. He holds a master's degree in Athletic Administration from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration from the University of North Carolina.
Peckham and his wife Janet reside in Forrest City, Arkansas. He is the father of four daughters—Samantha, Kristen, Jaimison, and the late Lexi Shea—and grandfather to four.
Lyon College competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC).
