Being a Clarksville native, some of my earliest memories of Austin Peay go back to childhood. I grew up in a nearby neighborhood and spent countless hours on campus with friends, rollerblading through the grounds and exploring the Woodward Library. We would look through books and pretend to give academic lectures long before we ever imagined attending a university ourselves. I also attended camps and basketball games with family, so Austin Peay was always an important part of my community. Austin Peay is home.
I stay connected to Austin Peay because it played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. It was where my leadership abilities were rediscovered and refined, where I was given opportunities to lead both on campus and in the community, where I met my amazing husband, and where I received the academic recognition, rigor and insights that helped me grow personally and professionally.
Most importantly, I learned how to be a lifelong learner.
Austin Peay was a place where people believed in me, invested in me, and challenged me to reach my highest potential. I am grateful for the diverse and supportive environment the university provided, and I hope to help create similar opportunities for future Governors.
I hope Austin Peay will continue to be known for its excellence, innovation, and commitment to student success. More importantly, I hope it remains a place where anyone with the desire and determination to earn a college education can do so without unnecessary barriers or limitations. 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.
