The Man Behind the Mission
"Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." — Langston Hughes, Lawrence-raised poet
Dwayne Peaslee
Dwayne Peaslee was no ordinary person. He was a leader in uniting the business community and union members to support job creation. He helped people see how important the skilled trades are to our quality of life and was at the table on almost every important issue related to job creation until his passing in 2013.
Born and raised in Lawrence, Dwayne served in the United States Army as a medic in the 1950s before returning home to begin a 60-year career as a pipefitter. He became the Business Manager for the Kansas Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #441 from 1987 to 1993.
In August 2011, Dwayne was inducted into the United States Apprenticeship Association Hall of Fame — the 44th induction, but the first person from Kansas to be recognized. That honor served as a testimony to his lifelong commitment to education and apprenticeship programs.
Dwayne always believed that what was good for the union members and what was good for the business community was good for all. He remains the only Business Manager of a local union to have held a seat on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors — a source of great pride for both the Chamber and for Dwayne.
Over the years, Dwayne gathered trade union members to help with the Winterizing Homes and Heats On programs, both designed to help the most vulnerable make their homes safe and warm. In retirement, he continued to serve on local and state boards, never losing his passion for economic development and job training. He never hesitated to be the first to say "Yes!" when asked to serve.
We are proud to bear his name and pledge to continue offering excellent support for skills training and business growth.
A Lifetime of Public Service
Our History
Growth in Enrollments
Our 2030 Goals
Peaslee Tech isn't just building careers — we're building a sustainable future for our campus and our community.
Net Positive Energy by 2030
Through a combination of energy-saving activities, solar, and geothermal energy infrastructure, we aspire to be a net positive producer of energy by January 1, 2030.
$5 Million Peaslee Promise by 2030
The Peaslee Promise is a $10 million endowment campaign to ensure qualifying students can attend Peaslee Tech without incurring debt. Our interim goal is $5 million by January 1, 2030. Support the Promise →
Expand High School Programming
Through the addition of ongoing high school programming expansion, we aspire to serve 400 high school students annually.
Student Stories
Andreia — Pharmacy Technician
Referred by the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Andreia was a young single mother with an infant and a toddler when she enrolled in the Pharmacy Tech program. She excelled, was hired by a pharmaceutical company in a position that allowed her to work from home and care for her children. Within her first year she became a supervisor training other employees, and by her second year was a regional manager — returning to Peaslee to recruit students for her company.
Karen — Commercial Driving
Referred by Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Karen was in her 50s and had suffered an injury that left her physically unable to continue in her previous career. She enrolled in the Commercial Driving program and became a model student, learning quickly and helping fellow classmates. Karen was hired by a large regional company and has been recognized as an outstanding employee.
Ramon — HVAC
"For me it is very interesting and challenging in a good way. Learning a whole new trade is a great investment in myself. I wish I had done this sooner. I love Peaslee Tech!"
Community Voices
Dwayne would be overjoyed to walk into Peaslee Tech today and see the broad program offerings and the diversity among students. It is truly a place for all to gain necessary skills in preparation for their future.
The most notable occurrence in my eyes was the attitude that Peaslee would succeed. Period. The entire process was an exercise in resiliency, partnerships, and cooperation.
I have seen first-hand the pride and change manifested in a Peaslee Tech graduate. It is a life-altering experience.
The concept of a training center was non-controversial. How often do you get to do something in Douglas County that no one disagrees with? It took a lot of people believing in it and doing the right things to make it happen.
Everyone thought very fondly of Dwayne Peaslee — how he had helped countless residents over the years — and the easy appropriateness of naming the training center after him.
Anyone with the ability to create commonality between a union and the Chamber of Commerce is one special guy.
Developing Peaslee Tech was an outstanding way to finish my career in post-secondary education. Helping to build our community and establish Peaslee Tech is a highlight in my life.