Faculty Highlights & Achievements

Barnett, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Education in educational leadership studies, brings a unique combination of academic excellence and real-world leadership experience to the role. Under her leadership, the educational leadership studies program has experienced a 147% growth in enrollment over the past five years.

Austin Peay State University is positioning itself as a leader in military psychology with the addition of Dr. Stephen Truhon as consulting editor for the Military Psychology journal, a new PsyD concentration in serving military populations, and the hiring of assistant professor Dr. Erica Adkins.

New research by an assistant professor at Austin Peay State University found that a U.S. air-quality initiative from the early 2000s resulted in healthier newborns. Dr. Nahid Tavassoli, the study's author, made the discovery by analyzing birth records from 1995 to 2008.

Austin Peay State University's radiologic science program and its director, Dr. Jennifer Thompson, have been nominated for the 2025 Minnies, a national award campaign that has recognized excellence in radiology for 28 years.

Dr. Dwayne Estes, professor of biology, was recognized for his leadership of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and grassland restoration efforts across the Eastern United States.

In a recently published study, Dr. LeAnn Wills examines how rural school counselors serve as critical mental health providers in underserved communities while facing unique challenges like isolation and limited resources.

Faculty from the Austin Peay State University School of Nursing have published a study in the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing calling for holistic approaches to combat rising childhood obesity rates.

Thirty-five years ago, Dr. Mike Phillips took a risk on a new career path he never planned: becoming a professor at Austin Peay State University. His dream of corporate America, where he pursued opportunities in real estate and finance operations, ended after experiencing one particular "bolt of lightning" moment that changed everything.

Woltmann, a professor of biology, will discuss bird migration mysteries and tracking technology at the Customs House Museum's Sunday lecture series on Sept. 7.

Austin Peay's College of STEM welcomes seven new full-time faculty for 2025, expanding expertise across engineering, biology, chemistry, geology, computer science, and earth sciences. The hires enhance research, teaching, and student opportunities at Austin Peay.

Dr. Stephanie Bilderback and Dr. Eren Cifci received the prestigious 2025 A.J. Taylor Distinguished Professorship Awards for their leadership in teaching and research.

Austin Peay State University's College of STEM approved Dr. Marylu Dalton, Dr. Eugene Donev, Dr. Mir Hasan and Dr. Saeed Samadi-Dana for tenure ahead of the Fall 2025 semester.

President Mike Licari and Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Mitch Cordova recognized several exceptional faculty members for their contributions to the university and its students.

Dr. Daniel Frederick uses ground-penetrating radar technology to help Tennessee law enforcement agencies solve cold case investigations by locating potential burial sites.

Dr. Karen Meisch, dean of Austin Peay's College of STEM, has been elected to a six-year term on the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board to help advance local economic and workforce initiatives.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Leadership has received three prestigious national awards at the Association of Leadership Educators conference, including recognition for its Master of Science program and groundbreaking research on graduate admissions.

With the university's strong ties to Fort Campbell and a growing need for mental health professionals, Mongan hopes to build a program that trains excellent clinicians and serves as a trusted pipeline for agencies across the region.

A new study recently published in Explorations in Economic History suggests that early-life exposure to lead in drinking water is associated with a reduced longevity in men by approximately 9.6 months in cities with the most significant exposure.

The Southeastern Grasslands Institute plays a central role in the Emmy Award-winning PBS Appalachia Virginia documentary "The Prairie Preacher," which explores the organization's efforts to save America's most endangered ecosystem.

Austin Peay biology professor Dr. Dwayne Estes, executive director of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, was featured in The New York Times' environmental solutions series discussing Alabama conservationist Kyle Lybarger's social media success in protecting endangered southeastern plant species.

Dr. Daniel McKelvey explains how redefining masculinity and embracing emotional flexibility can improve men's mental health and challenge harmful stereotypes.

Dr. Rich Mifsud, director of APSU's Institute for National Security and Military Studies, spoke on how the California-Ukraine State Partnership Program (SPP) launched in 1993 laid the foundation for Ukraine's long-term military resilience.

Paul Collins, a professor in the Department of Art + Design, is capturing the federal corruption trial of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada through courtroom sketches for multiple Nashville news outlets.

The Honors Program is launching a new Faculty Fellows initiative to enhance student experiences through mentorship and engagement, and Dr. Dzavid Dzanic and Gina Nigro will begin working as fellows in January 2025.

Dr. Madeline Giefer is conducting groundbreaking research on Galapagos sea lions, exploring their behavior, human-wildlife interactions, and adaptations to heat.

Dr. Allison Oliver, an assistant professor at APSU, has published "The Behavior Blueprint," a new textbook on classroom behavior management. The book offers practical strategies for both aspiring and experienced teachers, focusing on proactive approaches and classroom management skills for diverse student populations.

For 35 years, Dr. John Volker has been more than just a professor of management at Austin Peay State University--he has been a guiding light, a mentor, and an inspiration to countless students and colleagues alike.

During its annual faculty awards ceremony, Austin Peay State University recognized outstanding educators across various categories. President Mike Licari and Provost Maria Cronley honored recipients of the Socrates Award, Excellence in Teaching, Hawkins Award, Community Service Award and Distinguished Professor Award for their exceptional contributions.

Dr. John Phillips, APSU political science chair, contributed to a Tennessee voting rights report as part of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' state advisory committee. The report examines SB 8005's impact on voting rights and COVID-19's effect on ballot access in Tennessee.

Dr. Rudy B. Baker and Dr. Erin Rowland Carlin, faculty members APSU's Institute for National Security & Military Studies (INSMS), recently had their work published in a collected volume of papers from a prestigious academic conference in Serbia.

Dr. Jackie Vogel, the chair of APSU's Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has made annual treks to the island as part of an outreach program at local schools.

Dr. Raymond (RS) Deeren, assistant professor of languages and literature, has been named a finalist in the 34th Annual Midwest Book Awards for his debut short story collection, "Enough to Lose." The winners will be announced during a gala on June 22, 2024, at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. 

Dr. Antonio Thompson, professor of history at APSU, has devoted decades of research to exploring how the United States' prisoner-of-war program helped defeat the Axis powers during World War II. His latest book, "Axis Prisoners of War in Kentucky: Behind Barbed Wire in the Bluegrass State, 1941-1946," highlights the complex social dynamics within POW camps and how their work supported the state's tobacco industry.