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Innovative. Collaborative. Impactful.

The Proposed Military Academic Building (MAB)

The new Military Academic Building (MAB) will bring together some of Austin Peay’s most dynamic and in-demand programs under one roof. Designed as a hub for innovation and collaboration, the MAB will serve:

Spanning four different academic colleges, these programs represent the best of Austin Peay’s hands-on, career-focused education. From preparing future leaders in national security, to training top-tier hospitality and culinary professionals, to developing skilled communicators on and off the field, the MAB will be a centerpiece for student success.

 

Impact Stats

34.8%

Culinary job growth in Tennessee by 2033

11-35%

Sports comm job growth in Tennessee by 2035

26K+

National Security jobs posted in Tennessee from 2021-2024

67.91%

Increase in full-time enrollment in these programs by 2028-2029

aerial view of the Fortera Stadium showing the East side.

This project will renovate the existing underutilized East Fortera building into a vibrant academic center for career-centric programs. This approach will ultimately save the state and university costs by taking an existing building that is primarily used for no more than six Saturdays per year and turning it into a full-time academic space. The improved building, while new for E&G, would turn an existing underutilized building into a facility to feed growing career demands in the state, through the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

Meeting the region's workforce needs

Students getting hands on experience in the kitchen

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts is a rapidly growing field, and the numbers prove it. Employment is projected to rise nearly 35% by 2033, creating thousands of new opportunities across Tennessee and beyond. With more than 2,200 job postings each month in the state—most in restaurants, but also in catering, bakeries, hotels, grocery, and institutional dining—the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. The MAB at Austin Peay is designed to prepare students to step confidently into this expanding industry and take advantage of the many career paths it offers.

By increasing program enrollment, improving student retention, and boosting degree output, this facility will help APSU supply more skilled professionals ready to serve in hotel operations, culinary services, guest relations, retail management, and more.

- Philip Welker, Principal, Oliver Hospitality
Cafe owner standing infront of their counter

Hospitality Management

Tennessee's hospitality and tourism sector is booming—and that translates into significant opportunities for hospitality management professionals. The Leisure and Hospitality industry saw the fastest job growth in the Southeast over the past five years, expanding by 7.3%, and ranking fifth nationwide in growth rate. In 2024, this sector generated an impressive $30.6 billion for the state’s economy, underscoring its vital role in job creation. Additionally, Tennessee stands out nationally as the top state for hospitality professionals, thanks to its affordable cost of living, strong wages, and projected industry job growth of 25% by 2030.

APSU's Military Academic Building would directly support growing workforce needs by expanding program capacity, improving student persistence, and increasing degree yields in disciplines critical to hospitality—such as management, events, and service leadership. The students nurtured in this facility would be equipped to step into the many roles our city demands, contributing to event planning, hotel operations, guest services, and more.

- Sherry Franklin, Director of Sales & Marketing, Renaissance Nashville Hotel
ROTC students walking on campus

Military Science and ROTC

Military Science and ROTC programs across Tennessee benefit significantly from enhanced facilities—investments that not only boost cadet recruitment and training effectiveness but also elevate commissioning rates. Austin Peay State University leads the state in military-affiliated education, serving more military-connected students than any other Tennessee institution. APSU’s Newton Military Family Resource Center—the largest of its kind in Tennessee—has become the hub of veteran support, further underscoring the university’s unmatched commitment. Additionally, its designation as the state’s first VETS Bravo Campus, the highest recognition under the Tennessee VETS Act, reflects a sustained excellence in veteran-focused programs, peer support, and career transition services. Coupled with modern ROTC facilities, this robust support framework positions APSU to attract more cadets, enrich their educational and leadership development, and ultimately contribute to stronger commissioning outcomes for officers across the state.

"This alignment of academic and military training space will foster collaboration, enhance faculty and student research, and provide a modern, centralized environment for cadet development....one that is vital not only to Clarksville and Fort Campbell but also to Tennessee and the nation."

- Jack B. Turner, Jack B. Turner & Associates, Inc.
Students listening to a guest speaker for the Institute of National Security and Military Studies

National Security Studies

National Security Studies offers a very strong career outlook, with high demand for graduates in security, intelligence, law enforcement, and management. Between 2021 and 2024, Tennessee recorded more than 26,400 job postings from over 4,600 employers statewide. The most in-demand roles include intelligence and security analysts, investigators, compliance managers, and program or project managers. Leading employers such as Amazon, Deloitte, HCA, KPMG, Vanderbilt, the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the State of Tennessee highlight the breadth of opportunities available in this growing field.

"The placement of INSMS in the pojected MAB with other military and securty-focused programs, along with APSU's award winning ROTC program, will foster greater collaboration, expand enrollment, and provide student with modern learning environments that directly support persistence, retention, and degree attainment."

- William J. Walker, Major General, U.S. Army, Retired
Student operating a camera at a home football game.

Sports Communication

Sports Communication is a fast-evolving field fueled by broadcasting, digital platforms, and live coverage. Jobs in announcing, producing, reporting, and editing are projected to grow between 11% and 35% by 2035, creating strong opportunities for graduates. From 2023 to 2025, Tennessee saw more than 6,500 job postings from major employers such as Nexstar, Gannett, Gray TV, TEGNA, and universities. Students with skills in journalism, broadcasting, video production, and storytelling are in high demand and highly employable in this expanding industry.

Source: Lightcast 2024, Quarter 1 Job Posting Analytics and Lightcast Occupation Overview 2024, Quarter 1 2024 reports
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