Military and Veterans Affairs News

Senior kinesiology major Ben Grandchamp recently won a strongman competition and earned the prestigious Ricondo badge at ROTC training while pursuing his degree.

Austin Peay State University is positioning itself as a leader in military psychology with the addition of Dr. Stephen Truhon as consulting editor for the Military Psychology journal, a new PsyD concentration in serving military populations, and the hiring of assistant professor Dr. Erica Adkins.

Larry ('97) and Barbara Goolsby have established two endowments at Austin Peay State University to support athletic nutrition for all student-athletes and provide scholarships for military spouses pursuing higher education.

BMW of Nashville has expanded its partnership with Austin Peay State University as presenting sponsor of Veterans Week 2025, deepening support for military-affiliated students through enhanced programming and year-round engagement initiatives.

Austin Peay State University will cover tuition for military spouses affected by MyCAA funding delays during the federal government shutdown. The expanded support follows APSU's commitment to cover Military Tuition Assistance for active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard students.

Four distinguished military veterans will be inducted into the APSU Governors Military Hall of Fame Class of 2025, with a reception and dinner scheduled for Nov. 7.

The university will provide TA-equivalent assistance to eligible students who have enrolled in Fall B classes as of Oct. 15 and were expecting to use TA for the term.

The university will recognize military service ranks as equivalent to college degrees for most staff positions, opening new career pathways for veterans whose service duties align with posted job descriptions.

With the university's strong ties to Fort Campbell and a growing need for mental health professionals, Mongan hopes to build a program that trains excellent clinicians and serves as a trusted pipeline for agencies across the region.

Austin Peay State University social work graduate Aarionna Williams turns childhood trauma into a mission: mentoring peers, interning with Minds Matter, and advocating systemic reform. Her journey from instability to leadership shows how therapeutic play and determined scholarship can rebuild futures and communities.

The inaugural FCSC-APSU Spouse Scholarship provided $6,500 to help a student complete her nursing degree, and applications for the next award will open in January 2026.

Austin Peay State University has received Tennessee's first VETS Bravo Campus designation, emphasizing outstanding support for military-affiliated students, who make up 30% of the enrollment. This recognition highlights APSU's commitment to dedicated programs, mentorship initiatives, and career services for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

Austin Peay's 4th Annual Education Summit connected women veterans with educational opportunities and support services. The March 29 event offered networking and resources, celebrating Women's Empowerment Month and bridging the gap between the military community and available campus support.

The Military Alumni Chapter has established the CW4 (R) Joe Shakeenab Military Scholarship Endowment to support Special Forces soldiers and their families who are pursuing higher education at APSU.

Elizabeth Daniel, an online military student at Austin Peay State University, led a fireside chat with retired Marine Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey during the university's third annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast, showcasing her journey from military service to academic achievement and community engagement.

Austin Peay State University celebrated its second annual Veterans Week with BMW test drives, resource fairs, and more, highlighting the university's commitment to its military-affiliated students.

Whitney Joseph, an APSU veteran and senior accounting major, is excelling as a Tennessee Society of CPAs student ambassador while navigating her academic journey.

APSU will host two signature events during its second annual Veterans Week, including a BMW Block Party and Test Drive and a BMW Tailgate Party before the Governors football game.

Cadet Bradley Dardas recently received the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest honor for peacetime heroism, for rescuing a drowning man from the Cumberland River in April 2021.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) has announced seven inductees into the APSU Governors Military Hall of Fame Class of 2024, to be honored during a reception and induction dinner on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Morgan University Center ballroom.

Alacea Thompson, a U.S. Army veteran, has become the first APSU student to earn the National Association of Veterans Upward Bound Scholarship. This prestigious award recognizes Thompson's outstanding achievements and highlights APSU's commitment to supporting veteran students through programs like Veterans Upward Bound.

Austin Peay State University's Board of Trustees approved in-state tuition rates for all military-affiliated students during its quarterly meeting on Friday, June 7.

Joseph Brunner, a member of the Boy Scouts of America's Troop 365, has left a lasting impact on Austin Peay State University through his Eagle Scout project to install a Gold Star Memorial on campus.

Explore Chelsae Thompson's inspiring 14-year journey to a college degree at Austin Peay State University, balancing motherhood, military life and mental health. A compelling story of resilience, determination and academic success.

Jennifer Lindahl, a mother of three, found her passion for sports journalism at Austin Peay State University. Despite challenges, supportive professors and a tight-knit community helped her succeed. Set to graduate in May, Lindahl is ready to pursue her dream career.

Austin Peay State University's Army ROTC program, the Governors Guard, has earned a spot in the prestigious Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point, where they will compete against top military colleges, ROTC programs, and international militaries.

Austin Peay State University's Military and Veterans Affairs Division and Women Veterans of America Chapter 47 drew a record turnout for the event, which aims to provide resources, support and a sense of community for women veterans in the Clarksville area.

Cadet Janine Broxson, a standout senior at Austin Peay State University, recently represented the university at the esteemed George C. Marshall Leadership & Awards Seminars held at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Austin Peay State University honors military sacrifice with the establishment of the first Gold Star Family scholarship endowment, made possible by alumni Johnny and Janet Rudolph, in tribute to Janet's parents and their enduring military legacy.

Austin Peay State University partners with Belgrade's Institute of International Politics and Economics to enhance global security and academic exchange, marking the first formal collaboration between an American higher education institution and the Serbian research body.

Austin Peay State University is gearing up for an evening of basketball, camaraderie and special recognitions on Feb. 10 during a thrilling doubleheader at F&M Bank Arena. The women's basketball team will face off against Jacksonville at 2 p.m., followed by the men's game against Queens at 4:15 p.m. In addition to the on-court action, this event will also shine a spotlight on several of the University's military-affiliated students.

Austin Peay State University business management major Brian Meredith, who previously served as a sergeant first class with the U.S. Army, was named a finalist for the prestigious Student Veteran of the Year Award during the 16th Annual Student Veterans of America National Conference.

Austin Peay State University's Military and Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD) celebrated six months on campus with Veterans Celebration Week from Nov. 6-11. The series of events welcomed Austin Peay's military-affiliated students and invited them to take advantage of the division's resources with celebrations, lunch-ins, an appreciation game and more.

On Thursday, Oct. 12, Austin Peay State University's Latino Community Resource Center (LCRC) and APSU's new Military and Veteran Affairs division invited two retired veterans, Edgar Maldonado and Hector Santos, to share their life stories and experiences in the military to the Honoring Latino Military Heroes panel.

Austin Peay State University recently hosted the Tennessee Higher Education Commission's (THEC) Veteran Reconnect Conference 2023 after winning the event's namesake grant for the third year in a row. This year's conference focused on "Maximizing the Military Experience for College Credits."

Austin Peay State University (APSU) recently hosted eight senior leaders from across Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during its inaugural Leadership Exchange. Soldiers learned about APSU's new Military and Veterans Affairs Division, the Institute for National Security and Military Studies, the University's in-state tuition rates for all military-affiliated students and other opportunities for service members.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) has announced six inductees into the APSU Governors Military Hall of Fame Class of 2023, and they will be honored during a reception and induction dinner on Nov. 10 in the Morgan University Center ballroom.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) has formed a new division to unify its military-affiliated student efforts. The Military and Veterans Affairs division is a reorganization to bring the University's military focus under one umbrella, establishing a new vice president position that will be assumed by retired Maj. Gen. Walt Lord, who has served as the University's military advisor in residence for the last two years.

The Second Annual Women Veterans Education Summit, also known as the "Pathway for SHEroes," will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at APSU's Newton Family Resource Center, 426 College St.

The ceremony is the capstone leadership development event for U.S. Army Cadet Command, with the seminar recognizing the top cadet from each of the 274 Senior ROTC programs across the country.

The University received this honorable award because of its longstanding support of the TNG and for Austin Peay's strong support of its military students.

What was once a 700-square-foot office space behind Austin Peay State University's post office, is now the largest military student center in Tennessee, measuring 5,200 square feet.

"The Austin Peay State University Governor's Military Hall of Fame is now a permanent addition to this campus, where it will inspire future generations of students, faculty, staff and visitors," APSU President Mike Licari said.

APSU will embed specialized counselors on campus, at Fort Campbell and in the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to provide veteran students with free mental health, academic and career counseling.

APSU also is reducing the cost of its military student, graduate-level tuition to the Federal Tuition Assistance rate of $250 a credit hour, which will save uniformed military graduate students over $600 in out-of-pocket expenses per course.

These special visits will take place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, in APSU's Newton Military Family Resource Center.

The 5,200-square-foot building at 426 College St., next to Johnny's Big Burger, is now open, making Austin Peay State University home to the largest military student center in Tennessee.

To qualify, students must be active duty Special Forces soldiers, honorably discharged Special Forces soldiers, or spouses or dependents of Special Forces soldiers.

Events this fall include the kick-off of a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of APSU's ROTC program and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Newton Military Family Resource Center.

Qualified applicants will include any active duty or honorably discharged Special Forces Support soldier, spouse or dependent of a Special Forces Support soldier.

In his previous role leading the Pentagon's Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) staff, Lord and the Chairman of the RFPB provided advice directly to the U.S. Secretary of Defense on policy issues that impact the nation's seven military Reserve Components.

On Thursday, April 29, the Tennessee General Assembly approved funding for both projects at Austin Peay State University as part of the state's 2021-2022 annual budget.

The event provided educational leaders - including several college and community college presidents - with resources and training for supporting military-affiliated students on their campuses.

Blackburn spoke at the Summer 2019 Military and Veteran Graduate Recognition Ceremony, which honors graduating veterans, National Guard, reservists or active-duty military personnel.

Peeler will provide career counseling to the University's military-affiliated students, as well as assist students and alumni with career exploration, internship opportunities and job preparation.

Military-affiliated students have an opportunity to earn a $3,000 scholarship at Austin Peay State University through the President's Emerging Leader Program for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Chef Kelley Price, a former U.S Marine Corps Military Police Officer, bottles her creations under the label Twisted Wines and has won several Tennessee Viticultural Oenological Society awards.

University officials have strategically recruited former top-level military leaders to ensure Austin Peay's military-friendly culture remains secure for generations to come.

The conference, "Bridging the Gaps: Tennessee Institutions Leading the Change for Military/Veteran Transition," will take place Oct. 14-15 at the University's Morgan University Center.

Austin Peay State University and the Tennessee Army National Guard on Monday announced they're partnering on a special tuition deferment program for Guard members.

Austin Peay's ROTC Ranger Challenge team represented the University well in its first-ever trip to the Sandhurst military skills competition, one of the most prestigious such challenges in the world.

The class - Writing for Military and Families - serves active-duty and veteran military personnel and their families and offers them a chance to write about their lives. The writing fosters self-expression and healing.

Pending approval by the APSU Board of Trustees, the proposed name for the center will be the William E. & Sadako S. Newton Military Family Resource Center.

The ceremony, set for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the Morgan University Center Ballroom, honors Austin Peay's graduating students who are veterans, reservists or active-duty military personnel.

On Saturday, Nov. 17, during Austin Peay's Military Appreciation Football Game, the University officially dedicated a POW-MIA chair in the stadium.

Austin Peay ROTC's latest achievement - finishing runner-up in the 7th Brigade ROTC Bold Warrior Challenge Nov. 2-4 at Fort Knox, Kentucky - strengthens the battalion's claim to an eighth Gen. Douglas MacArthur Award.

The grant will support a new Military Pathway Pilot Project designed to help military and veteran students transition quickly and easily into college or new career fields.

Austin Peay's dedication to students like William Cody is part of the reason why it's the state's largest provider of higher education to individuals connected to the military.

Bailey received the inaugural Govs Who Lead Through Military Service Award, established by Austin Peay State University's Board of Trustees

Austin Peay State University holds special graduation ceremonies for its military students each spring, summer and fall.

Austin Peay State University has a long history of supporting veterans on campus and within the community. This month, the University is hosting several events in honor of these individuals.

The new grant will allow the University to open a Veterans Upward Bound office on campus to serve 125 veterans from Fort Campbell and Houston, Montgomery, Robertson and Stewart counties.