A Centennial of Excellence
A Centennial of Excellence
Austin Peay State University was founded in 1927, honoring Governor Austin Peay’s vision for expanded education and opportunity in Tennessee. In 2027, we launch our centennial celebration—a historic milestone to honor our proud Gov heritage, recognize our collective impact today, and ignite the limitless potential of our next 100 years.
Harned Hall, pictured top right, is the only building still standing from this aerial image circa 1945.
The Tennessee Historical Commission Sign for Austin Peay State College reads, “Established in 1929, as a normal school named for one of Tennessee’s governors, its present title dates from 1943. The seven educational institutions preceding it here were: Rural Academy, 1806-10; Mt. Pleasant Academy, 1811-24; Clarksville Academy, 1825-48; Masonic College of Tenn., 1849-50; Montgomery Masonic College, 1851-54; Stewart College, 1855-74; Southwestern Presbyterian University, 1875-1925.”
An architectural wonder that stood in the location of the Browning Building on campus from 1850 until its collapse in 1946.
John S. Ziegler served as Austin Peay State University’s first president from 1929 to 1930.
The original faculty of Austin Peay Normal School in 1929.
Built in 1931 as a women’s dormitory, Harned Hall has survived a tornado, a wartime military occupation, and a century of campus change — and still stands today.
APSU has served Fort Campbell since 1972 with the establishment of “Eagle University.” In 2009, the APSU Fort Campbell Center was opened, continuing to provide educational services to military personnel and their families.
“The Sentinel,” a public art installation affectionately referred to as the Green Man, was created by APSU Professor Emeritus Olen Bryant and unveiled in Spring 1980.
On January 22, 1999, an E3 tornado stripped the cupola from Browning Building and uprooted century-old trees across campus — damage the Tennessean called the largest single property loss in state history.
On August 21, 2017, totality arrived over Clarksville — and APSU was in the prime location, drawing nearly 3,000 visitors to Fortera Stadium and the Farm for “PeayClipse.”
As a three-time Player of the Year, two-time Male Athlete of the Year, three-time first-team All-OVC choice, and one of the program’s all-time leading scorers for over two decades, Bubba Wells remains a towering icon in a century of Governors excellence.
Fortera Stadium reopened in 2014 following a $16.9 million renovation — transforming a facility that has anchored the corner of Marion and Henry Streets since 1946 into one of the premier venues in FCS football.
In 1927, on a quiet stretch of land where many schools came before, a bold new vision took root in Clarksville. Named for a governor who championed the transformative power of education, Austin Peay Normal School opened its doors to those who believed that excellence wasn’t a privilege, but a pursuit.
A century later, that pursuit has become our legacy.
What began as a dedicated mission to train the region’s teachers has evolved into a Centennial of Excellence. We have grown from a small teacher’s college into a vibrant university that serves the heartbeat of Middle Tennessee—a place where the “Governor” spirit is not just a title, but a standard of leadership and grit.
From the historic white columns of Harned Hall to cutting-edge laboratories, the last 100 years have proven that our strength lies in our community. Our researchers, artists, and educators carry forward the same determination that defined our founding.
We don’t just observe the world; we lead it.
We have weathered the changing tides of a century, turning every challenge into a milestone and every student’s potential into a professional triumph.
As we celebrate 100 years, we look back with pride on the thousands of lives changed and the traditions that bind us. But a Centennial of Excellence is more than a look at the past—it’s a launchpad for the future.
The red and white fly higher than ever. Here’s to the next century of leading the way.
Hotspot description.
"Austin Peay has played such a major role in my life. It’s where I built lifelong relationships, earned my degree, and had the opportunity to play baseball from 2008–2011. The university has always taken care of me, and it has continued to feel like home long after my playing days ended."
Read More »Ryne Harper
'17 Alumni
"[The 6-week summer Physics program] began my enduring relationship with the Physics department and the College of STEM."
Read More »Barry Kulback
'79 Alumni
"Austin Peay has long been a gateway of opportunity for people from all backgrounds, and I hope that legacy continues for generations to come. I also hope it will be recognized for producing successful alumni who overcame challenges, defied expectations, and used their education to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond."
Read More »Candy Johnson
'05, '06 Alumni
"[Dick Littleton] came to Motlow State and met with me and convinced me this is where I needed to be. He was so right!"
Read More »Maggie Kulback
'77 Alumni
100 years of Governors changing their communities, careers, and the world. Help us honor them — nominate an APSU alum or friend today.
Honor our past by fueling our future. Celebrate 100 years of excellence and empower the next generation of Governors to lead the way.
“For 100 years, Austin Peay has transformed lives, opened doors and strengthened communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the generations who built our foundation and look ahead with confidence. Our history inspires us, our future motivates us, and together, we will define what comes next.”
Dr. Michael Licari
Austin Peay State University's 11th President
