Staff Spotlight: Peter Ferguson - Multicultural Coordinator & Scholar Development

January 9, 2026

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Peter Ferguson, multicultural coordinator and scholar development/assistant supervisor of recruiting.

“Mr. Peter Ferguson is a force of inspiration and advocacy within Lincoln Public Schools and beyond. As the coordinator of culture, inclusion, and scholar development, Mr. Ferguson has dedicated his career to empowering students (especially those from underrepresented backgrounds) and creating spaces where every scholar feels seen, heard and valued.

Mr. Ferguson doesn’t just talk about equity, but rather he lives it. Whether he’s leading professional development workshops, mentoring students or hosting his show, “Bigger Than the Score,” he brings passion, compassion and authenticity to everything he does. His work with Equity Cadre and his leadership in youth empowerment initiatives have helped countless students find their voice and their path.

He has a powerful presence, unwavering belief in young people, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Mr. Ferguson is more than an educator, he’s a community builder, a change-maker, and a role model for what it means to lead with purpose.” - Gideon, student at Lincoln Southeast High School

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am responsible for developing programs, experiences, opportunities and connections that foster belonging and well-being for staff, scholar development and families. In addition, I assist with district recruitment, traditional and non-traditional efforts.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Since February of 2009, 16 years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I had prior collaborative relationships through my employment and community involvement before LPS. I valued the experiences I had with LPS staff, scholars, families, board members and administration. Some of my greatest champions and supporters for nontraditional, out-of-classroom efforts came from people connected to LPS, including Marilyn Moore, Barb Jacobson and Bess Scott. I also appreciated the connections with custodians and office professionals who showed a shared sense of purpose. Those relationships helped me see that if an opportunity arose to impact, engage and build community, I would be open to exploring how my strengths could complement the greater mission.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
The opportunity to create and build sustainable opportunities, culture, and programs that have a lasting impact. A few include the District Cadre, the Read-In, staff engagement, recognition efforts and even using the word ‘scholar’ so students, staff, and the greater community can claim the identity it conveys. I also find great joy in being present with various groups, recognizing that impact extends far beyond the classroom. Transportation, nutrition, custodial, office and administrative educators, liaisons, and paraprofessionals are among our most valuable, and creating moments of recognition and community with them truly fuels me. As Jennifer Oaten says, ‘Nothing about me without me’—and seeing everyone feel and be included and valued is deeply rewarding.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
My dad served in the military and later worked in corrections, so we moved a few times. I was born in Pittsburgh and lived in Washington state and Arizona before arriving in Lincoln, where I attended Lefler Middle School and East High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After graduating from East High, I attended Hastings College, drawn to communications and English literature with hopes of becoming the next Bernard Shaw. My first job was selling advertising for Broadcast House and Froggy 98, which, in my off time, unexpectedly connected me to youth work. Coaching a youth team revealed where my skills and passion aligned, and a supervisor encouraged me to follow that purpose.

That guidance led me into community engagement through a small nonprofit, opening doors to board service, volunteering, and programs I’m still connected to today, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Leadership Lincoln, Inc. and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally.

With some encouragement, I applied to Lincoln Public Schools through the Federal Programs recruitment portal for the Tri-Mentoring grant coordinator position and was selected. Leadership, as I later learned, had additional plans to blend my community background with district advocacy. I later became coordinator of the youth development team and now serve as multicultural coordinator, scholar development, and assistant supervisor of recruitment. Each role has mirrored what first drew me to this work - relationships, purpose, and community.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
What I enjoy most about the Lincoln community is being surrounded by people who are LOU's (lift others up) and create space for growth, encouragement, and collaboration. From Derrick and Rebecca Pearson of 93.7 The Ticket, giving a fifth grader like Elizabeth a platform to share her insights, to Amanda Morales, who brings joy and hope even in challenging times, the community is full of individuals who help others thrive.

As Maya Angelou said, it’s about living with purpose, passion, compassion, humor, and style.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
A quote that has guided me comes from Zora Neale Hurston: ‘Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company?’

Along with lessons from my parents and mentors about joy, inclusion, and belonging, her words continue to inspire how I navigate life and community.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
I was fortunate to have an educator of the year in our home every day—my mother, a 40-year educator (19 LPS), the late Mrs. Alida Ferguson. She, along with my father, taught me that educators come in many roles throughout life and that it’s our responsibility to listen, learn, and lean in louder wherever their classroom exists. I’ve been inspired by many, including Bill Bryant, Sherri Johnson, Heather Abernathy, Julie Cervantes-Salomons, Deane Finnegan, Deila Steiner, Coach Mike Trader, Patrice Rabilal, Azcia’ Fleming, Jake Kirkland, Jr. and my own family—my daughter Jaden and my wife, Ms. Steph, a lifelong educator. Their guidance and example continue to shape how I show up for others.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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