KU Engineering alumnus receives school’s highest honor

LAWRENCE — A 1970 University of Kansas School of Engineering graduate with a distinguished career across global corporations and entrepreneurial ventures — and a legacy of service to KU — will receive the school’s highest honor at a ceremony in April.

Bob Peebler will be honored with the KU Engineering Distinguished Engineering Service Award on April 16.

The Distinguished Engineering Service Award (DESA) is given each year to individuals who have maintained close association with the school and have made outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and to society.

“Through mentoring, service and financial support, Bob Peebler has strengthened the school in a multitude of ways,” said Mary Rezac, dean of the School of Engineering. “We are grateful for his support, which continues to benefit our students and enhance the teaching and research efforts of our faculty. He is truly deserving of this honor.”

The School of Engineering Advisory Board has given the Distinguished Engineering Service Award annually since 1980. The award is made on the basis of any of three criteria:

• An individual’s contribution to the public good, governmental service or the educational system
• Contributions to the theories and practices of engineering, research and development in new fields of engineering 
• Direction of an organization that has made exceptional contributions in design, production and development

About Bob Peebler

After earning his degree in electrical engineering from KU in 1970, Peebler built a distinguished career across global corporations, public companies and entrepreneurial ventures. Throughout his leadership roles, colleagues say he demonstrated a consistent ability to translate technical expertise into scalable business value.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has helped shape modern energy technology, led publicly traded companies and remained committed to advancing the KU School of Engineering.

As president and CEO of Landmark Graphics Corp., a NASDAQ-traded pioneer in oil and gas software, Peebler strengthened the company’s position as a global technology leader.

He later served as chairman and CEO of ION Geophysical. Through disciplined acquisitions, significant investment in research and development, and focused execution, he repositioned the company for sustained growth. At his retirement, ION’s market capitalization had grown to approximately $1.2 billion, reflecting strategic clarity and long-term vision.

Peebler’s commitment to engineering education reflects his own journey. Raised in Chase, Kansas, he arrived at KU from a high school that did not offer calculus. Encouraged by a dedicated teacher who provided after-school instruction and supported by KU’s academic community, he graduated in four-and-a-half years with his engineering degree. He credits those early experiences with shaping both his career and his enduring commitment to helping others succeed.

Peebler has been a strong supporter of the School of Engineering’s KUEST Bridge program, personally mentoring students and helping expand awareness of the initiative. In 2012, he and his wife, Susie, established the Peebler Engineering Scholarship, which continues to support students each year. 

They have also funded an engineering laboratory and provided ongoing support to advance the school’s mission. Since 2013, Peebler has served on the KU School of Engineering advisory board, where his industry perspective and strategic insight contribute to the school’s continued progress and competitiveness.

In his current hometown Houston, he has served on boards supporting education, science, entrepreneurship and nonprofit organizations, including Sheltering Arms, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, KIPP Charter Schools and the Houston Technology Center.