Michael Peckham, Dr. Bethany Neese / Images provided by Lyon College
Lyon College has announced two key appointments, with Dr. Bethany Neese named director of vocal activities and assistant professor of music, and Michael Peckham taking over as head coach of the Scots women’s basketball program.
Neese, a fifth-generation native of the San Francisco Bay Area, brings more than 23 years of experience in education, performance and leadership. In her new role, she will direct the college’s concert chorale and teach classes and private lessons in piano and voice, as well as courses in music theory and the language of music.
“While I’ve cherished my time in California, I’m looking forward to exploring new terrain and bringing my experience to a new community,” Neese said. “As a lifelong musician, I am excited to build a vibrant vocal and choral program and expand musical wellness into the surrounding area.”
Neese earned her bachelor’s degree in music from California State University, Sonoma, and a master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, where her dissertation explored the impact of music on the well-being of older adults — a passion she hopes to integrate into future community engagement initiatives.
Over the past decade, she has served as a department chair, leading a team of 10 faculty members. Her career includes work in Catholic and public schools, community colleges and programs for at-risk youth. Neese has designed music curricula, led artistic initiatives and implemented trauma-informed wellness music projects. She is also a former music school owner and an advocate for using music as a tool for healing and connection.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Dr. Neese joining the Lyon College community,” said Dr. Anthony Grafton, provost. “Not only is she an excellent performer, but she’s also bringing in a wealth of experience that will make her an excellent teacher as well as an engaging mentor for all of our students who are interested in music.”
Meanwhile, Michael Peckham, who has served as the Scots’ assistant coach for the past two seasons, steps into the head coaching role following the departure of Casey Fowler. Peckham brings more than four decades of experience in athletic leadership and coaching.
During his time as assistant coach, 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.”
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.
Lyon College Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins praised Peckham’s leadership and coaching experience, citing 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, amassing 857 career victories as a head basketball coach. He 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).
