Dr. Jesse Peel Died: ECU Alumnus And HIV/AIDS Activist, Passed Away at 83
Dr. Jesse R. Peel, a prominent psychiatrist and a generous philanthropist, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 83. He was a native of Everetts, North Carolina, and a proud alumnus of East Carolina University (ECU). He was also a trailblazing advocate for the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Peel graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he attended medical school, then completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. He spent two years in the Navy, with tours in Vietnam and Okinawa. He lived in San Francisco and Nashville before moving to Atlanta in 1976 — just before the start of the AIDS epidemic.
In Atlanta, Peel’s psychiatry practice served gay men. In the 1980s, many of his clients and friends started dying of a new disease that eventually became known as AIDS. Peel was at the forefront of HIV/AIDS advocacy efforts and served as a founding member of several activist groups, including AID Atlanta and Positive Impact, a mental health program for people with HIV and their friends, family, and caregivers.
Peel was also a generous donor to various causes, especially those related to education and LGBTQ rights. He established several scholarships and professorships at ECU, where he was recognized as an honorary alumnus and a valued friend. His landmark gift in 2014 established what is now the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center, the largest center of its kind in the UNC system. His hope was that the Center would positively impact the lives of LGBTQ young people for generations to come.
A Legacy of Love and Hope
Peel’s death has left a void in the hearts of many who knew him and benefited from his work. His family, friends, colleagues, and admirers have expressed their grief and gratitude on social media and other platforms.
“Jesse Peel was a visionary leader and a compassionate human being. He dedicated his life to helping others, especially those who faced discrimination and stigma. He was a mentor, a friend, and a hero to me and many others. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on through his generous contributions and his inspiring example.”
“Dr. Jesse Peel was a pioneer in the field of psychiatry and a champion for the LGBTQ community. He was one of the first doctors to provide mental health services to people with HIV/AIDS, and he fought tirelessly for their rights and dignity. He was also a loyal supporter of ECU, where he created opportunities for students and faculty to pursue excellence and diversity. He was a kind, generous, and humble man, who touched many lives with his wisdom and generosity. He was a true Pirate, and we are proud to honor him as one of our own.”
“Doctor Peel was a legend in the LGBTQ movement and a dear friend to me and my husband. He was a courageous activist, a brilliant psychiatrist, and a generous philanthropist. He was always there for us, whether it was to offer advice, support, or a hug. He was a role model for how to live a life of service and love. He was also a lot of fun, and had a great sense of humor. He made us laugh, cry, and think. He made us better people. He made the world a better place. We will miss him terribly, but we will always remember him with gratitude and joy.”
A Tribute to Dr. Jesse Peel
As a way of honoring Doctor Jesse Peel and his work, we invite you to visit the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at ECU, where you can learn more about his life and legacy, and see the impact he has made on the campus and the community. You can also make a donation to the Center, or to any of the organizations he supported, such as AID Atlanta, Positive Impact, or the ECU Foundation. You can also share your memories and stories of Dr. Peel on social media, using the hashtag #RememberingJessePeel.
Dr. Jesse Peel was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life. He was a doctor, a soldier, a scholar, a donor, an activist, and a friend. He was a leader, a helper, a giver, and a lover. He was a hero, a legend, and a star. He was Doctor Jesse, and we will never forget him.
