Office of Philanthropy

Kris Phillips ('91, '21) returned to APSU, his alma mater, in 2016 after a 16-year tenure at the University of Tennessee and the UT Health Science Center. In his role, he oversees the APSU Foundation, Alumni and Annual Giving, Philanthropy and is responsible for all university engagement and fundraising activities. Kris and his wife, Tammy, have two sons, Brayden and Parker. Parker is also an Austin Peay graduate and a former Governors baseball player. Kris and Tammy are proud grandparents to Jack, Harper, and Henry.

Kimberly Adkison ('06, '10) is a Clarksville native and an APSU graduate with degrees in professional studies and management. She serves as the Chief of Staff for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy Operations. Kimberly oversees stewardship management, scholarship compliance, communication, data and reporting analytics, prospect research, and gift processing.

Erin is a 2017 graduate of Austin Peay State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. In 2025, she completed her MBA at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, further strengthening her expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and organizational development. Prior to returning to Austin Peay in 2022, Erin held roles in community and partner relations across the greater Nashville area. She and her husband, William Morton (’16), are proud parents of their first child, Allison. At Austin Peay, Erin leads the philanthropy team, cultivating partnerships that advance the university’s strategic plan, foster student and faculty success, and generate lifelong, sustainable impact for the University.

Kendell is a 2011 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Marketing with a concentration in International Business. A native to Hendersonville, Tennessee, she is excited to be a part of the Austin Peay State University family. Kendell serves as the Director of Philanthropy for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics and College of Arts and Letters. She is also an active member and liaison of The Woodward Library Society. In her spare time, Kendell enjoys antique stores, picking at estate sales and discovering unique architecture and historical buildings.

Clarksville native Susannah holds degrees from Rhodes College in Memphis and Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, along with the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential—held by only 8,200 people worldwide. Her development career includes work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Cheekwood, and Second Harvest Food Bank. Currently, she serves as Director of Philanthropy at Austin Peay, overseeing the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, College of Education, and Woodward Library. Outside work, Susannah enjoys time with her husband and their dog Everett, reading, writing, and crafting handmade greeting cards.

Twana Aiken is a West Tennessee native and proud graduate of Austin Peay State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Communications in 2017. She later earned a master’s degree in Environmental Science from Tuskegee University in 2019. With nearly a decade of experience in fundraising, relationship management, business development, and strategic partnerships, Twana has worked alongside nonprofit leaders, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to advance mission-driven initiatives. She is passionate about connecting alumni, donors, and community partners to opportunities that strengthen student success, innovation, and the future of business leadership. In her spare time, she plays pickleball and hikes.

Emily Evans ('13) is a Clarksville native and an APSU graduate with a degree in Communication - Public Relations. She previously worked with the Nashville State Community College Foundation and as Vice President of Marketing and Communication with Tiberon Services in Clarksville, TN prior to returning to Austin Peay in 2024. She oversees press releases, email marketing, website content, social media and printed materials for the division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy.

Lynne Halliburton (’98, ’00), an APSU employee since 1990, joined the Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy on August 1, 2024. She holds a B.S. in Sociology and is a Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Little Sister, an alumnae of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, and is the on-campus advisor for the Rho Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. She is a Clarksville native and is active in the community at Trinity Episcopal Church. She is also a vocalist in two local bands - “Music for Mercy’ that performs soul, funk, R & B and rock and “American Floyd, a tribute to Pink Floyd”.

In Fall 2006, Kelley earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. She entered the arena of higher education in 2017 and worked her way to the assistant director of admissions role at Daymar College in Nashville, Tennessee, before coming to APSU. In her position, she works with stewardship and donor relations. Kelley has a son, Richard Pardue III.

Ashley Bussell is a 2012 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She also holds a Scrum Master certificate and is a professional member of the Association for Talent Development. Her career has spanned the last decade in career coaching, human resources, and organizational development. Notably, Ashley has assisted hundreds of adult learners in achieving salary gains of $2 million+ with the goal of closing the generational wealth gap. In her spare time, she loves to garden, knit, and travel. Ashley is committed to leading with clarity, focused on compliance and the stewardship of donor contributions.

Molly LaRocco graduated from Lipscomb University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership with a Business Acumen concentration. She obtained a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Global Leadership and a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Strategic Leadership in 2021 through Lipscomb University’s Master of Professional Studies program. She was raised in Hendersonville, TN and became a proud resident of Clarksville, TN in 2018. Molly is an active community volunteer, art lover and history enthusiast.

Ellie LoveGood is a proud alumna of Austin Peay State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, graduating magna cum laude in 2024. She is currently pursuing her MBA and a Grant Writing Certificate at Austin Peay. Ellie serves as a Coordinator of Philanthropy, supporting fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and strategic initiatives across the university. She brings a strong background in administrative support, communication, and operations from her experience in higher education and customer-focused roles. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with animal rescue organizations, hiking, and staying engaged in the local community events.

Shelly Iosefo is a 2008 graduate of APSU. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a concentration as an Information Specialist. She has 17 years as a government employee for the US Army. Her professional skills include uncovering client needs, service recommendations, building strategic relationships, developing processes, and data research.