E. Faye Peterson
OTHER EDUCATION:
- Jackson State University
- Mississippi College School of Law
Judge Eleanor Faye Peterson is a 1982 graduate of Callaway High School. At Callaway, Judge Peterson participated in many extra-curricular activities. She was a member of the JROTC program and served as battalion commander. “JROTC taught me leadership skills, which eventually I learned I would need,” she stated. Judge Peterson also served on the Mayor’s Youth Council for three years.
After graduating from Callaway, she attended Jackson State University and obtained a degree in physics. She went on to obtain her law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. In 2001, Judge Peterson was appointed as the first African-American district attorney for Hinds County (and in Mississippi) and served in that capacity until 2007. In 2008, she opened the Peterson Group, LLC. From there, she would go on to serve as a family master, an attorney appointed by a judge, to hear cases in Hinds County Chancery Court. In 2018, Peterson was sworn-in as Circuit Court Judge for Hinds County District 4. “When God laid on my heart, ‘Faye, you should run,’ it wasn’t because anybody asked me to, it was because I felt the need of a county that I love,” she said.
Some of her fondest memories as a JPS student were the Friday night football games, the District Science Fair, French Bowl, and other summer activities that were offered. When asked about what people can obtain from a public-school setting, Judge Peterson said, “I am proud to be a graduate of Jackson Public Schools because it gave me the educational foundation I needed to succeed. I believe that this community serves a purpose. It has broad diversity and a strong history, and JPS is a shining example of that. I dare anyone to say differently. I’ve seen students excel at all levels.”
“My advice to JPS students is to take advantage of every opportunity that’s available to you, both inside and outside of the classroom. You’ll find that there are many doors open to you if you just take the chance.”
