GSU Library Research Guides: Feminist Action Alliance History Project: N

Nugent, Peg

Interviewee: Peg Nugent
Interviewer: Morna Gerrard and Anne Easterly
Date of interview: January 22, 2024

Biography:
January 29, 1988, the San Diego CA Union-Tribune described Peg Nugent in this way: "She's got it Pegged. The ultimate optimist. A positive professional that's Peg Nugent...She's organized, dynamic, and she's going places with an unmatched enthusiasm for life, for work, and for her future."

Peg Nugent is one of nine children (number three). She was born in 1946 in Newport News, VA. Before college, Peg spent over two years in a convent in Hyattsville, MD where she and others were only able to talk a couple of hours a day. In 1967, Peg moved to Miami, FL, and attended Barry University where she received her undergraduate degree in Sociology. After graduating from Barry University in 1969, Peg moved to Atlanta GA to attend Georgia State University where she earned an MA in English Literature. She also joined the National Organization for Women (NOW) where she served as Atlanta's President. Later, she and others created the Feminist Action Alliance where Peg served as first President.

Her work as a leader and spokesperson led to radio and television. Peg hosted her own radio show (Peg Nugent Show) and TV show (Open Up) in Atlanta. In addition to radio and TV, she spent years in public relations and marketing, working with major clients such as Coca-Cola USA. For them, she created and implemented the U.S. Olympic education program to increase opportunities for female non-professional athletes.

During her years in Atlanta, Peg was very involved with the community and was recognized for her work. Here are some of her achievements:

State of Georgia "Recognition for Leadership," International Women's Year Conference
"Outstanding Young People of Atlanta for 1975" (1 of 10)
Advisor, City of Atlanta Community Relations Committee & U.S. Housing & Urban Development
Invited member, "Fish and Dove" (community/peace) Leadership Forum, Atlanta
Founding member, GA Council for the Equal Rights Amendment and GA Women's Political Caucus
Model program for Atlanta high schools featuring "Non-traditional Careers for Women"
Proposal to Atlanta School Board for "Self-defense" courses in high schools (adopted)
Research on sexual assault laws across states -- helped write model law for Georgia
Research and seminars on sexism in medical texts for GA Medical Association and medical students
Founding member and volunteer counselor, Grady Hospital Rape Crisis Center, Atlanta
Coordinator, Atlanta Citywide "Rally Against Rape" with Mayor Maynard Jackson

Leaving the word of communications in Atlanta, in 1985, Peg moved to San Diego CA. With her rich organizational background, the Super Bowl Task Force hired her as their Associate Director for the upcoming 1988 Super Bowl. As a result of her work with the Super Bowl, Peg was recognized as one of 1987's "San Diegans to watch in '87" (San Diego Magazine, January 1987). After a very successful Super Bowl, the City of San Diego hired Peg as its first Special Events Coordinator. In this capacity, she managed numerous city-wide events including the San Diego Arts Festival: Treasures of the Soviet Union (1989) and the America's Cup XXVII.

After six years on the West Coast, Peg decided to head back home to Florida. She enrolled in the graduate program at the University of South Florida, Tampa FL. In 1995, after three years of study, she graduated with her PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. With this degree, she began her university-level teaching with students seeking their doctoral degrees. She also presented and/or published numerous times at state, national, and international levels. Peg enjoyed her university experiences until retirement in The Villages, FL, where she resides today.