2026-27 Student Handbook 

About Austin Peay State University

Dear Govs,

Welcome to Austin Peay. You are now a Governor, which means you’re part of a network of students, faculty, staff and alumni that is dedicated to your success! This year is a special one: in 2027, Austin Peay is celebrating its 100th anniversary. For nearly a century, our campus has provided a safe, nurturing home for generations of students to discover who they are and where they belong in this larger world. You are starting your journey at a milestone moment, and the next 100 years will be shaped by the story you write here.

Austin Peay is a place where talents are discovered, careers are launched and memories are forged. Please make the most of your time here. Get involved in campus life, make new friends and challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Make this academic year a time of wonderful new experiences; make it the foundation of the life you want. Have a great year, and if you see me or my wife, Kirsten, please make sure to say hello.

Let’s Go Peay!

Mike Licari
APSU president

The Basics

Gov. Austin Peay

Austin Peay was the governor of Tennessee from 1923-27, and one of Clarksville's favorite sons. He signed a law establishing Austin Peay Normal School on April 26, 1927. Although APSU itself has a nearly 100-year history, institutions of higher learning have occupied the campus's location since 1806.

Campus and Enrollment

Austin Peay State University consists of more than 75 buildings on three sites occupying 637 acres. These include downtown Clarksville, the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell and the Coleman Tractor APSU Farm Powered by Kubota.

Austin Peay continues to be a leader in growth and is currently among the fastest-growing public universities in Tennessee, as well as the state's top choice for military-affiliated students. We serve students from every region of Tennessee, many of the 50 states and several countries.

The Govs

In the infant years of intercollegiate competition, Austin Peay’s athletic representatives were often called “Normalites” or “Warriors.” The present “Governors” tag surfaced around 1937, probably as a tribute to Gov. Austin Peay.

History

Austin Peay State University is located on an urban campus that has been used for educational purposes for more than 220 years. Seven colleges previously called the campus home:

A Legacy of Leadership

The university began as Austin Peay Normal School when it was created as a two-year junior college and teacher-training institution by Act of the General Assembly of 1927 and named in honor of Gov. Austin Peay, who was serving his third term in office when the school was established.

In 1939, the state board of education authorized the school to inaugurate a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The degree was first conferred on the graduating class at the 1942 spring commencement. By Act of the Tennessee Legislature of Feb. 4, 1943, the name of the school was changed to Austin Peay State College. In 1951, the state board authorized the college to confer the Bachelor of Arts degree and, in 1952, to offer graduate study leading to a Master of Arts in education. It evolved over the decades into a college before eventually becoming a university in 1967. Today, Austin Peay has transformed into a major regional provider of higher education, with the university offering two doctoral degrees – a Doctor in Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in counseling psychology. The university is also home to a growing Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that offers Tennessee's first academic concentration in artificial intelligence.

During its history, 11 presidents and four acting presidents have served the institution:

Mission Statement

Austin Peay State University is a mission-driven, community-minded institution that provides transformational experiences through innovative, creative and scholarly activities. We welcome and inspire a community of learners to make a positive impact regionally and globally.

Vision Statement

We will be the region’s university of choice for those seeking to improve their lives. We will achieve this vision through student-centered teaching, unique developmental opportunities and our focus on innovative research and public service.

Values

We are a collaborative community that values personal growth and life-long engagement through the promotion of integrity and academic excellence.

Alma Mater

All Hail our Alma Mater,
All Hail to Austin Peay,
Forever faithful to thy standards will we ever be,
We love thy campus beauty, serene in dignity,
And so we proudly sing this song in praise of thee,
All Hail, All Hail,
We sing in praise of thee,
We love our Alma Mater,
All Hail to Austin Peay.

Words and music by Dr. Aaron Schmidt, professor of music and band director from 1956 to 1987.

Fight Song

Smash! Bang! To victory
Go the Governors of Austin Peay
Clash! Clang! It’s misery
For the minions of the Enemy
Fight on and
Smash! Bang! to Score Again
For it’s ready, set 1, 2, 3!
Smash Bang! Biff Bam! Clash Clang! Rim Ram!
Dash along to Victory!
Let’s Go Peay! 

Govs Creed

Contact Information