An art teacher by training, she sought employment at Indiana University after a back injury prevented her from meeting the demands of her job as an elementary school art teacher.  Hired by PBS chair Irv Saltzman, she was an innovative and resourceful member of the staff, laying the groundwork for academic and career advising for years to come, developing traditions, such as the Honors Banquet, that are still in place, helping PBS to recognize its students’ successes, and enabling its graduates to shape meaningful professional lives.

When Nicholas sought an advising job in Fine Arts, Saltzman wrote in his recommendation, “I will be very unhappy if she leaves because she has been an outstanding counselor for us in every way. She is very dedicated to the job, self-motivated and very efficient, effective and understanding. I recommend her to you without reservation – and sincerely hope she stays here.”

She did in fact go to Fine Arts, but, as we see in retrospect, her attachment and good will toward the department remained strong.  She died last year and left a $328,000 gift to PBS in her estate.  Nicholas’ daughter, Erin Peffley, stated, “My mom’s gift to the department, its students, and its mission is consistent with values she deeply held.”  Department chair Bill Hetrick echoed this, saying, “Everyone who worked with Carol fondly recalled the infectious enthusiasm she had for serving undergraduate students and a propensity to make those around her better.”

The department plans to use the returns from this gift to establish an undergraduate award in Nicholas’ name and to support the annual department Honors Student Banquet.