Aakhu is a founding member of the Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT) and has developed several critically acclaimed works for the organization. He also writes for television and feature films.

The funding allowed students to take on projects ranging from international music masterclasses to animation development and dance performances.

Mwangi has more than 15 years of branding and design experience, and is the founder of the Memphis-based Cheers Creative. She also serves as a consultant, website strategist, and public speaker. Her visit was made possible through the Department of Art + Design and the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA).

The Department of Languages & Literature is hosting its 31st annual Bread and Words reading on Nov. 24, featuring student and faculty performances. Proceeds from the event will support the APSU Food Pantry.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design will offer free hands-on workshops, campus tours, and portfolio reviews during the event.

The show will run from Nov. 13-16 in the Mike and Sara Gotcher Theatre, located in the Trahern Building at APSU. Playwright Gina Femia and Farm Theater Executive/Artistic Director Padraic Lillis will also host a free playwriting masterclass on Nov. 13.

Zone 3 Press is hosting Molberg for a free public reading and book signing on November 13, 2025. She is the author of three poetry collections: Marvels of the Invisible; Refusal; and The Court of No Record.

The three-minute film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two cryptid creatures. It was screened alongside nearly 140 selections from around the world during the festival, which ran from Sept. 18-24.

Phi Alpha Theta history received the Best Chapter Award in Division IV for the 2024-25 academic year, building on a long history of recognition at the organization's national level.

The Department of Music will present its free Choir Fest featuring performances from regional high schools and university ensembles on Oct. 29 in the Mabry Concert Hall.

A Brief* History* of Manmade* Spacefaring* Objects* (*Mostly) ran from Oct. 2-5 as part of APSU's New Musicals Project, with Gibson as assistant director. The one-act production sees personifications of Entropy, Curiosity, Hope, and Inevitability gather around a campfire at the end of the universe to reflect on humanity.

The Harnsberger/Jones Duo, featuring acclaimed marimba soloists Andy Harnsberger and Dr. Caitlin Jones, will perform a free public concert on at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, in Mabry Concert Hall.

Joe and the late Cathi Maynard have created the JoAnn and Frank Hindsley Endowment to support APSU students affiliated with the U.S. Army who are pursuing arts degrees.

Holloway, an active national mixed media artist, will give a lecture at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Art + Design Building Room 120, and a gallery talk at noon Oct. 29 in The New Gallery.

Rachel Bush, a graphic design professor at Austin Peay State University, cofounded the Say Yes to Recess advocacy group with Clarksville mothers Morgan Garner and Kathryn Truman. Now, they're building chapters across the U.S., championing recess in grades 6-12, and working to fund playground equipment for low-income schools.

The Department of Art + Design and CECA will host an exclusive prerelease screening of selections from Art21's "Artists and the Unknown" series followed by a panel discussion on Oct. 15.

Austin Peay State University's Symphony Orchestra performs Michael Shapiro's live score to the 1931 film "Frankenstein" on October 9, 2025. The Halloween concert features Grammy winner Shapiro's contemporary score plus "The Baby in Yellow" game music. Tickets: $5-$10.

Clarinet Day is an opportunity for local clarinet students to engage in masterclasses and performances on APSU's campus. The evening recital, in Mabry Concert Hall at 6 p.m. on Sept. 28, is free and open to the public.

Abas, who worked live on campus as The New Gallery's first artist-in-residence over the summer, will discuss her exhibition "New Beginnings" and present a gallery talk on Sept. 25-26.

Animation duo Tom and Tony Bancroft, who have worked on iconic Disney films such as The Lion King, Mulan, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast, will speak at Austin Peay State University during a free public event at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in Art + Design Room 120.

Austin Peay State University's Zone 3 Press, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is hosting Pulitzer Prize nominee Rebecca Makkai at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Mabry Concert Hall for a reading and book signing.

The College of Arts and Letters is hosting the free Govs Creative Arts Festival at the Downtown Commons on Sept. 13, featuring live performances, hands-on art activities, and community partners.

Nearly a decade ago, Austin Peay State University alumnus Dr. Thom Murphy found his calling when he accidentally signed up for a French course. Now, he is teaching early modern French through a Career Development Fellowship at New College Oxford.

The Dr. Solie Fott Strings Scholarship Endowment will benefit Austin Peay State University music students whose primary instrument is the violin, and was established through a gift from Michael Humnicky.

Austin Peay State University has announced that two recent graduates, Jacob Gunter and Christian Taliento, have been selected for the highly competitive Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.

Austin Peay State University's Community School of the Arts recently hosted two space-themed summer camp sessions, offering local youth hands-on experience in theatre, ceramics, dance, and painting.

A generous donation from Atlanta residents Bill and Anne Newton honoring long-time Austin Peay State University community members Jim and Dorothy "Dottie" Mann has been designated to create the James T. Mann, Sr. and Dorothy Newton Mann Family Endowment Scholarship in the College of Arts and Letters.

Syrian-born painter and printmaker Soulaf Abas will be working live on campus in the New Gallery through Aug. 9, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7 as part of the First Thursday ArtWalk. 

APSU students traveled to South Carolina on a study away trip with Associate Professor Eboné Amos to explore African American history through visits to museums, plantations, and historic sites.

The group immersed themselves in Native American art, literature and culture while traveling approximately 1,800 miles across the state, making connections with Indigenous people and visiting sacred sites.

Austin Peay State University alumna Christina Reyes ('17) spent the early part of her college journey confined to a hospital bed, battling a rare bacterial disease while finding herself. Now she is sharing her battle for survival, self-discovery, and faith in her first book, "Heartbeat."

APSU alumna Maggie Lehtola rekindled her academic journey at APSU after being inspired by a Nashville Shakespeare Festival production and is now heading to London for her MFA.

Austin Peay State University, APSU, Department of Art+Design, CatalogIt, digital collections management, Michael Dickins, Dan Rael, Howard Burrows, The New Gallery, University Art Collection, art museum, cloud-based CMS, Clarksville Tennessee, museum technology, digital art collection, online art gallery

The Johnson Family Letters Endowment, created by Austin Peay State University alumni Cecelia ('71) and the late Mitchell ('71) Johnson, is now fully funded and will provide ongoing support to history and English majors at APSU.

Six accomplished alumni - Scotty Peek, Dr. Thomas Murphy, Jim Thweatt, Dr. Mike Gotcher, Dr. Rich Ripani, and Drew McCollum - have been recognized for their professional achievements and contributions to their fields.

The university has also established two new professorships supporting arts education: the Dr. Mike Gotcher Communications Professorship and the Dr. Sara Gotcher Theatre and Dance Professorship.

Sara Lusk will attend Princeton Theological Seminary this fall on a top scholarship, pursuing her passion for ministry after graduating with degrees in philosophy and classics.

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.

Six outstanding student leaders were recognized during the college's third annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony on April 17.

Four APSU creative writing graduate students attended the AWP conference in Los Angeles, gaining invaluable experience through panels featuring prominent writers like Roxane Gay and Camille Dungy, with financial support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts.

Austin Peay State University will welcome Domee Shi, the director of "Turning Red," "Bao," and co-director of Pixar's upcoming feature film "Elio," to campus on April 24 for the inaugural CECA Interdisciplinary Director's Series.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design hosted students from Barksdale Elementary School's Spanish Immersion Program for an interactive field trip featuring hands-on art activities.

The event will feature a large-scale choral performance with students from University Heights Academy, Rossview High School, and Northwest High School.

Directed by Dr. Penelope Shumate, director of APSU Opera Theatre and associate professor of voice, this performance features a narrative based loosely on the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his marriage to Zelda Fitzgerald.

This free public exhibition will be in The New Gallery and features 55 student works of art selected by juror Kariann Fuqua, an instructional assistant professor of art and the director of museum studies at the University of Mississippi.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time in the College of Arts and Letters and have at least a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship is meant to cultivate success among Austin Peay students interested in communications, literature and writing. 

Austin Peay State University's animation program has been ranked among the top animation schools in the southern United States, securing the No. 24 spot in Animation Career Review's 2025 regional rankings.

The Community School of the Arts is hosting a space-themed Summer Arts Camp with two weeklong sessions in July, and families can register now through May 23.

Austin Peay State University will host its inaugural Zone 3 Writers' Festival featuring readings, panels, and workshops from April 10-12, welcoming writers from across the country.

This year's event features performances by the APSU Jazz Collective, Cumberland Winds Jazz Project, and the Bobby Watson Group.

Austin Peay State University has installed "Cracked Earth," a new outdoor public sculpture by artist Araan Schmidt, on the campus's Arts Quad as part of an initiative to transform the university into a public sculpture park.

APSU's revamped Zone 3 internship gives students hands-on experience in publishing and event planning, culminating in the inaugural Zone 3 Writers' Festival this April. This innovative program provides transferable skills for creative writing students while elevating student voices in literary arts.

Registration is now open for the Tennessee Young Writers' Workshop at Austin Peay State University, a week-long creative writing summer camp for ages 14-18. Join us June 15-22, 2025, for workshops, activities, and creative growth.

McArthur Genius Fellow and nationally acclaimed author Kiese Laymon will speak at Austin Peay State University at 7 p.m. on March 20, in the Mabry Concert Hall.

The Living Gallery at Austin Peay State University has announced its Spring 2025 artists in residence, and community members can visit to enjoy diverse works from 11 talented students.

This year's event will feature performances by the Maharajah Flamenco Trio, Colin Isotti, McKelvey Duo, Juanito Pascual, and Montrose Duo from March 16-19.

Austin Peay State University will host the annual Asanbe-Eichhorn Symposium on March 20, 2025, featuring keynote speaker James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, who will discuss "The Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings."

A semi-autobiographical musical written by and based on the life of Jonathan Larson, "Tick, Tick...Boom!" is directed by Zakk Mannella with musical direction by Austin Shaw.  Tickets are on sale now for the show, which will run from Feb. 27 - March 2.

Adjunct professor and former Washington Nationals broadcaster Phil Wood uses his rare collection of baseball memorabilia, including a century-old Washington Auditorium pass, to bring America's pastime to life in the classroom.

Austin Peay State University has announced the inaugural Tennessee's Emerging Creative Writers Contest for high school students, offering recognition across multiple categories and two $1,500 scholarships for seniors who plan to attend APSU.

From immersive cultural experiences in South Korea to service projects in the United Kingdom, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship offers countless opportunities for military dependents - but only four Austin Peay State University (APSU) students have earned the award in the last 15 years.

Austin Peay State University's Writing Center and its director, Dr. Allie Johnston, will receive the prestigious SWCA CARE Certification in February for excellence in student support and innovative writing assistance.

Austin Peay State University's Community School of the Arts will provide Spring 1 term classes in art, music, dance, and theatre from Jan. 27-March 7, with new offerings including Melody Makers and Music for Children courses.

Dr. Karen Sorenson, professor of French at Austin Peay State University, has been selected as one of 14 educators to participate in a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad to develop educational resources at the University of San Pedro in Côte d'Ivoire this summer.

APSU and its College of STEM will sponsor two drone shows at Montgomery County's New Year's Eve Celebration at Downtown Commons, featuring student-designed animations and offering pre-event drone workshops to the community.

Austin Peay State University senior Courtney Gatewood, a mother of three graduating with a BFA in studio art, secured a prestigious Arcade Arts residency in downtown Nashville. She is the only recent graduate among 12 selected artists for the six-month program. 

Austin Peay State University's Community School of the Arts will present the Clarksville Youth Theatre's performance of "Lord of the Flies" on December 13 at the Margaret Fort Lab Theatre.

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.

Austin Peay State University's Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) has named photographer Stacy Kranitz of Smithville, Tennessee, as the 2024-25 Tennessee Artist Fellow, awarding her $5,000 to support the creation of new artwork.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Music, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is presenting American Opera Adventures at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, in the Mabry Concert Hall. This event is free and open to the public, and the department will livestream the event on its YouTube channel.  

The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) at APSU has announced a new public art installation in collaboration with the Department of Art + Design, the Center of Excellence for Field Biology (CEFB), and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

Stefanie Miller from Main Street Media's "Mornings on Main Street" showcased Austin Peay State University's upcoming production of "White Christmas." Miller delves into the behind-the-scenes magic by interviewing key figures, including lead performers Allie Pyka, Kaiya Richmond, Justin Tinker, and Nicolas Sperandeo, and director Victoria Matlock Fowler.

This free public performance, directed by Dr. Korre Foster, will also feature the APSU Choirs and musical accompaniment by Jeffrey Thomas. Jan Corrothers will accompany the CCC on piano.   

The Department of Music will present its first-ever HapPEAY Holidays Showcase on Dec. 3, featuring seasonal favorites performed by 14 university ensembles. There are two showtimes, and admission is available for $5 or two pantry items.

Austin Peay art students Kamau Hargrow and Lily Goodowens completed prestigious summer internships at Camp Nevernice and Hatch Show Print in Nashville. They gained valuable experience in letterpress printing, enhancing their skills for future careers in fine art and printmaking.

Austin Peay State University's Theatre & Dance Department presents Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" from November 21-24. Directed by Victoria Matlock Fowler, this holiday classic features student performers, spectacular set design, and nostalgic music. Tickets available for $5-$10 at APSU's Trahern Theatre.

APSU's Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts recently awarded Transformative Student Experience Grants to students in four departments, enabling them to participate in enriching summer projects and workshops.

Professor of Art + Design Paul Collins is starting conversations about voting through colorful animal-themed signs that can be spotted throughout the greater Nashville area.

IPH will host a free panel discussion spotlighting Clarksville's 20th-century artistic legacy at the Customs House Museum on Oct. 29, featuring stories from family members of Tom Malone, Thomas Mabry Jr., and Peg Harvill.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design will welcome Cuban American artist Sarah Sudhoff to discuss her solo exhibition, "Not a Drill," during a free public lecture on Oct. 29.

Austin Peay State University sports communication students recently produced the official live broadcast for the Govs Hockey Club's inaugural season opener, kicking off a partnership to cover home games throughout the season.

Austin Peay State University freshmen Arianna Allen and Kaylee Hansen are balancing their Division I soccer careers with academic pursuits in the Honors Program, showcasing the university's commitment to supporting well-rounded student-athletes.

Austin Peay State University has announced that Paris-based graphic designer Danielle Duncan will deliver a free public lecture as part of the CECA Visiting Artist Speaker Series on Oct. 22.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design is inviting high school students to experience College Art + Design Day on Nov. 2, featuring workshops, tours, portfolio reviews, and more.

Austin Peay State University's Choir Fest 2024 will feature the world premiere of a new spiritual arrangement by acclaimed composer Stacey V. Gibbs during a free concert on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Austin Peay State University's folk ensemble Fiddlin' Peayple recently opened for rapper Moneybagg Yo at F&M Bank Arena, winning over thousands of fans with their "folkified" arrangements of pop hits.

APSU will display Unbannable Library, featuring giant book installations to combat censorship, during Banned Books Week 2024 from Sept. 22-28. The exhibition showcases collaborations between Middle Tennessee artists and writers that highlight voices and stories subject to censorship.

From the sidelines of Clarksville High School's football field to the broadcast booth at Austin Peay State University, Ethan Schmidt has always had a gift for public speaking. This semester, he's returning to his roots as a visiting professor in Austin Peay's Department of Communication after working as an adjunct professor since 2017.

Oscar-nominated animator Erick Oh, known for "Namoo" and his work at Pixar, will deliver a free public lecture at Austin Peay State University on September 24. The event, part of the CECA Visiting Artist Speaker Series, offers students and the community insights into animation and storytelling.

The Govs on the Go: Legacy Series podcast has announced the upcoming release of new episodes spotlighting three esteemed retirees from APSU: Solie Fott, Jim Diehr, and Ellen Kanervo.

Austin Peay faculty members share personal memories of 9/11 in The All State article. Jennifer Lindahl recounts diverse experiences from the tragic day, including hijacked flights and impacts on various locations. The piece explores the immediate aftermath, prejudice faced by some, and the surge of patriotism following the attacks.