APSU Center for Rural Education
MISSION
The Center for Rural Education is dedicated to empowering Tennessee’s rural educators with innovative training, vital resources, and strong partnerships that transform classrooms, inspire students, and strengthen entire communities.
VISION
The vision of the Center for Rural Education is to transform the educational experience of children in rural Tennessee by developing comprehensive systems of support and innovative professional development for educators. We strive to identify, prepare, and empower effective teachers who will inspire students and strengthen rural communities for generations to come.
2026 Rural Education Conference
KEY INITIATIVES
Expand APSU’s reach into rural communities by building strong partnerships with schools, families, and local organizations to increase access to resources, support services, and educational opportunities.
Empower rural educators through innovative professional development, mentoring, and classroom resources that improve teacher effectiveness and student success.
Connect rural school districts, local industries, and community organizations across the region to strengthen education pipelines and workforce readiness.
Advance research on rural education by studying best practices, measuring program outcomes, and sharing insights that inform policy, drive innovation, and shape the future of rural learning.
Partner with Us
Dr. Erica Boone was named the Center for Rural Education director in August 2025. A native of west
Tennessee, she has taught in both rural and suburban school districts more than 16
years, including the West Carroll Special School District and Clarksville-Montgomery
School System. Boone began teaching at Austin Peay in 2021, where she earned two degrees.
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker,
nonprofit leader, or industry professional, there are countless opportunities to partner
with us in advancing rural education. From research collaborations and mentorship
programs to workforce development initiatives and advocacy efforts, your involvement
helps drive meaningful change. Together, we can create stronger educational pathways
that empower students and uplift communities. Connect with us today to explore how we can make an impact — together.
Our History
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – In his retirement, Dr. Philander Claxton, the former U.S. Commissioner of Education under Presidents Taft, Wilson and Harding, felt a lingering nostalgia for his time in Clarksville, where he served as the second president of Austin Peay Normal School. He retired from the school in 1946.
“I accepted the presidency of Austin Peay Normal School because it had been founded for the purpose of preparing teachers for the rural schools,” the 90-year-old Claxton wrote in 1953. “As long as I was president, I did all I could to hold it to that purpose, which was and still is the most difficult and important part of an educational system.”
More than half a century later, Claxton’s passion for rural schools remains intact at Austin Peay State University with the creation of a new Center for Rural Education.