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Greetings from the Provost

Dr. Mitch Cordova
Dr. Mitch Cordova

Greetings from the Provost

Welcome to Austin Peay State University! I’m Dr. Mitch Cordova, and I am honored to serve as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is a privilege to lead an academic community that has, for more than 90 years, been dedicated to delivering a high-quality education and enriching the cultural, intellectual, and economic life of the greater Clarksville region.

At Austin Peay, our legacy of distinction is anchored by innovative and nationally recognized programs, including the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts and the Center of Excellence for Field Biology. These signature centers reflect our belief that higher education should not only prepare students for rewarding careers, but also enhance the communities we serve.

Our commitment to experiential learning empowers students to go beyond the classroom and gain the real-world skills and confidence they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global workforce. With more than 125 undergraduate programs and concentrations, 50+ graduate degree programs, and recently launched doctoral programs in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) and Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.), Austin Peay continues to expand access to cutting-edge academic opportunities. We’re also proud to offer the state’s first rotor-wing (helicopter) flight school tied to a bachelor’s degree—an example of how we remain responsive to the needs of both students and industry.  Moreover, we greatly look forward to opening our new state-of-the-art Health Professions building this Fall that will support all of health-related programs.

Austin Peay is recognized as Tennessee’s leader in serving military-affiliated students, and our Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell,—with flexible eight-week terms—delivers convenient, career-ready education to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

As Provost, I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of academic distinction, faculty excellence, and student success. Our dedicated faculty are the heart of this institution. They engage, mentor, and inspire students while advancing scholarship and innovation that brings national attention to our campus.

Equally important, the Division of Academic Affairs is steadfast in its commitment to serving the greater Clarksville region. We are continuously working to ensure that our academic programs remain innovative, cutting-edge, and aligned with regional workforce needs, so that Austin Peay continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and community vitality.

There are countless exciting developments happening at Austin Peay, and I welcome the opportunity to share more with you. If you would like to learn more about the high-quality, transformative education we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Let's Go Peay!


Mitchell L. Cordova
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs