Welcome to University Advancement

This is an exciting and challenging time for our University family.

Great things are happening on our campus. Enrollment increases have been the largest of any university in Tennessee over the last several years. The enrollment this year will be an APSU record of 9,500 students.  We now have 13 degree programs totally on-line and more than 3,000 students per semester taking on-line courses.  Many of these students are also taking courses on campus.  The renovation of the McCord Building was completed in the summer of 2006 and now provides us one of the finest nursing schools and science complexes in the nation.  January 30, 2007 we opened the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center.  This complex is a tremendous addition to the campus and is made possible by the generosity of one of our alums and students’ fees.  Fall of 2008 brought about the opening of the Foy outdoor pool.

The regional Peay Pride campaign continues to bring awareness of what Austin Peay State University provides for our region. Individuals are amazed at the economic, civic, cultural and educational value that Austin Peay provides.  Austin Peay State University puts more than $190 million per year into the regional economy.

Our first Capital Campaign closed March 31, 2008, with commitments and gifts of more than $39 million, supporting our goal to raise $35 million. We are thankful for all who helped in the challenge of “Changing Minds, Changing Lives.” The needs of higher education are tremendous, especially in our region. Education is the key to bringing more and better job opportunities, encouraging our outstanding young people to remain in Tennessee.

We have great needs for more scholarship funds to attract and retain quality faculty and many other worthwhile goals. Every gift made to the Austin Peay State University Foundation truly makes a difference for students, faculty and staff.

As a friend of Austin Peay, you are directly responsible for our past and future successes. We appreciate very much what you do for us. Our challenge in University Advancement is to promote the vision of Austin Peay State University. We are committed to building and strengthening relationships with alumni, friends, businesses, industry, faculty, staff and students. We are working each day to bring new friends and supporters to APSU.

It is vital that Austin Peay continue to offer excellence in education and a lifetime of opportunities. We must have the help of our friends and partners to ensure the prosperity of our University. When you make a contribution to APSU, you are making a difference in the lives of students as well as in the growth of our University. Your support has never been as critical as it is today. We are facing unusual challenges in the funding of higher education. Your financial contributions as well as the gifts of your time, talent and leadership are especially important to Austin Peay State University.

You may ask “What can I do?” You can do a lot to support Austin Peay State University. You may be able to write a large check or give a gift of stock. You may not be able to give that million-dollar gift, but you might give a smaller amount. We need a higher percentage of our Alum and Friends giving something.  We are in a great need for more of our stakeholders to participate in our annual giving program.  Imagine what could be raised if all our alumni and friends gave something. Other ways that you can help include volunteering your time, putting APSU in your estate plan, writing a note to your legislator and governor asking them to support higher education and thanking them for their support, recruiting a student to APSU, and simply telling your story of Austin Peay State University.

I am excited about the future of Austin Peay and hope to see you on campus in the near future. Thank you for your support and interest in your University. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you.

Roy Gregory
Executive Director for University Advancement