A native of Bay Springs (Jasper County) Mississippi, Rev. Dr. Llewellyn Peyton received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Alcorn State University in 1970. He received his Master of Science degree in Surgery from Colorado State University in 1978 and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1974.
Rev. Dr. Peyton was a leader in the Veterinary Medicine profession, becoming: the first African-American to graduate with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota; first African-American to complete an internship in large animal surgery at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; first African-American to complete residency in large animal surgery and earn a Master’s degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University; first African-American to be hired as a faculty member at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, and the first African-American to receive adjunct appointment to the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Florida. In addition, he is a licensed minister and the owner of Mama’s Kitchen, a restaurant in Bay Springs, MS. His restaurant regularly feeds the elderly, homeless and displaced members of the community.
In his spare time, Rev. Dr. Peyton partners with Conservation Initiative to educate livestock producers on how to maintain and improve the management, productivity and health of their livestock. He has presented at various professional meetings in the United States and abroad, including Puerto Rico, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Australia. He has also published numerous papers in his area of expertise. Throughout his career, he has mentored students from Alcorn State University and around the world to increase the number of African-American students in Veterinary Medicine.
Rev. Dr. Peyton is actively involved in various capacities with professional, civic, social and religious organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Community United Scholarship Program (CUSP); and serves as Pastor of Blue Ridge United Methodist Church in Jasper County, Smith Chapel United Methodist Church in Jones County, Mallalieu United Methodist Church, and The Spur Cowboy Church.
Rev. Dr. Peyton has three adult sons: Dedrick, Tarrick and Erick. He resides in Bay Springs, MS.