Hello, Business Govs!
I am delighted to share our 2025–26 College of Business Annual Report with you. Inside these pages, you’ll read about another remarkable year of growth, excellence, and momentum for our college.
This year, we reached a milestone that generations of Business Govs have worked toward. In April, the College of Business earned AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. This accomplishment represents something even greater than a prestigious label, though. It reflects years of intentional work by our faculty and staff to build a college where students are engaged, supported, and prepared to succeed.
As you turn these pages, you’ll discover stories of students whose lives have been transformed through opportunity, faculty whose teaching and scholarship continue to elevate our college, and community partners who make our work more impactful every day. You’ll also see measurable progress across our college. From record enrollment and increased student engagement to growing research productivity and the successful completion of our AACSB journey, our momentum is undeniable.
What excites me most, however, is not what we accomplished this year. It is what these accomplishments make possible for us next.
Every student we encourage, every discovery our faculty members make, every partnership we build, and every opportunity we create, strengthens the future of our college and the community we serve. After all, positive momentum has a way of building on itself.
We…are just getting started.
To our students, staff, faculty, and friends, thank you. Thank you for believing in our mission, investing in our students, and helping shape the future of the College of Business. Everything we celebrate in this report is only possible because of you.
In these pages, we celebrate the tremendous successes of this historic year. Just remember, though, that because of you and the momentum we have built together, I can’t help but believe our best days are still ahead of us.
There has never been a better time to #BeABusinessGov!
Mickey A. Hepner, PhD
Dean, College of Business
12.8%
Increase in Enrollment
11.7%
Student Increase in High-Impact Practices
23.7%
Increase in Degrees Awarded
21
Highly-Ranked Journal Publications
In May 2026, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) announced that Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) College of Business earned AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.
A Global Signal of Quality, Rigor, and Continuous Improvement
AACSB is the premier global accrediting body for business education and is recognized as the highest standard of quality for teaching, scholarship, learner success, strategic management and societal impact. To earn accreditation, schools undergo a rigorous multi-year evaluation process for teaching, research, curriculum development and student success.
Kameron Young arrived on campus last summer cautiously optimistic — and quickly overwhelmed. One reluctant "yes" during orientation changed that, leading him to join the Business Living-Learning Community. The LLC's shared housing, clustered coursework, and peer support helped him find his footing. By the end of his first year, he had joined the Hospitality and Tourism Society, attended industry networking events, and completed a study abroad program in London and Paris.
"It's the understanding that you're not in this alone. There is going to be a time when you're out of that transitional period, and you will prosper and do what you set out to do."
Dr. Eren Cifci had a banner year — earning both the A.J. Taylor Award for Excellence in Research and the university's Socrates Award, the highest teaching honor APSU presents to a faculty member. His research drew national media attention, demonstrating the kind of relevant, visible scholarship that keeps the College of Business connected to the broader public conversation. That same engagement carries into the classroom, where his teaching earned recognition across the university.
Daniela Díaz Campos left Cuba at 16, learning English before and after school while finishing assignments that took twice as long. At APSU, she turned that work ethic into a strategy—double-majoring in accounting and finance, earning five internships, leading Business Govs SERVE, supporting taxpayers through the VITA course, and publishing research alongside faculty mentors. She studied abroad, served on the Latino Community Resource Center executive board, and graduated as president of Phi Kappa Phi. Crossing the commencement stage, she accepted an offer from EY, a Big Four accounting firm.
"I was so in love with what I was learning that it became more important to truly learn than to be perfect."
Dr. Stephanie Bilderback was recognized with the A.J. Taylor Award for Excellence in Teaching for her leadership in student engagement across the College of Business. Beyond the classroom, she connected students to high-impact internships and research opportunities, mentored students through presentations and professional development, and helped link first-year programming to upper-division experiences. Her work reflects the college's commitment to meeting students where they are and preparing them for where they are going.
We are committed to providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences. In 2025‑2026, our students stepped up.
1,240
Total Enrollment
81%
Freshman Retention
75+
Engaged Employers
3.5
Living Learning Community GPA
"Dr. Phillips doesn’t just teach finance - he brings it to life. His classroom was never limited to textbook theory; it was a space where realworld examples, personal stories, and tangible experiences. You can tell he genuinely cares about the subject and every student under his tutelage. Congratulations on 35 years of extraordinary impact at Austin Peay!"
- Matthew O’Brien ('20)
The College of Business grows stronger through the people and partners who invest in its future—from alumni who give back to the staff who shape it.
This fall, the College of Business launches the Carroll Entrepreneurship Center, made possible through the generosity of alumnus Larry Carroll ('76). University-wide and community-facing, the center is designed to expand innovation, support new venture creation, and strengthen the regional economy—serving not just APSU students, but the broader Clarksville-Montgomery County community.
After 15 years as Student Success Director, Margaret Douglas retired in June 2026. Her philosophy shaped how the College of Business supports its students, and the Student Success Center she built will carry that work forward long after her departure. To honor her commitment, the college has established an award in her name recognizing outstanding nontraditional students, beginning Spring 2027.
Explore the current and past College of Business Annual Reports for an in-depth look at our past achievements and future goals.
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