‘Never Say No’:

Everything is public health, according to graduate student Timothy Peagler.

“The couches we sit on are public health, the sidewalks we walk on are public health, the air we breathe is public health,” Peagler said, adding this was what motivated him to earn a bachelor's degree in Public Health.
Peagler switched to Corporate and Public Communication for his master’s degree because, he said, “Communication and Public Health go hand-in-hand.” 

Peagler, 24, was awarded the 2024 Pat Evans Scholarship, established in 2017 to recognize students “for their academic achievement, spirit of service, kindness and hard work that makes our campus welcoming and inclusive,” according to Dean Randy Hanna. 

“About seven years ago, we lost a very special person — Ms. Pat Evans,” Hanna said. “Pat was in faculty support and had a strong love for helping students. Pat was focused on serving everyone on campus with a kind spirit and with hard work.”

"Pat would have loved his can-do attitude,” said English professor Milinda Stephenson, Ph.D.

Peagler is a leader on the e-sports team and participated in last year’s Peach Belt Championship playoff. He also works in the Digital Design Studio, where he said, “I don’t tell people ‘no’ when they walk in asking for help.” 

Public Health professor Tory Peek, DrPH, agreed that he had never heard Peagler turn down someone asking for assistance.

“I know Pat would have loved his can-do attitude, his polite manner, and his total willingness to help anytime someone needs help,” said English professor Milinda Stephenson, Ph.D.

Peagler said he was honored to receive the Pat Evans Scholarship. He thanked Evans and her family for her impact on FSU PC.

Originally from Pensacola, Peagler has lived many places with his military parents. He said that his brother — who is also his best friend — first attended FSU Panama City, which motivated him to enroll.

Peagler said a master’s in Communication suited him as a social person. Additionally, “Dr. Brian Parker and Dr. Laurie Lawrence, they drew me in, they were really nice. They made the major feel like home.”