APSU’s Health Professions Building takes shape at topping out ceremony

By: Ethan Steinquest April 2, 2024

Workers prepare to place the final girder of APSU’s upcoming Health Professions Building during a topping out ceremony. | Photo by Sean McCully

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University marked a major step toward the completion of its new Health Professions Building with a topping out ceremony on March 22.

The 114,600-square-foot project broke ground in August 2023 and aims to provide a first-class educational environment for students in Austin Peay’s health professions programs. Construction was made possible through support from the Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation and the Tennessee General Assembly.

“This facility will prepare a new generation of Governors who will go on and become some of the top health professionals in the region,” APSU President Mike Licari said. “Not only will this be the largest academic building on campus, its four levels of academic, clinical, laboratory and collaboration spaces will include public-facing clinics for hands-on student learning and patient care.”

Members of the Austin Peay community sign the upcoming Health Professions Building’s final girder during a topping out ceremony. | Photo by Madison Casey

Austin Peay’s School of Nursing and the departments of Health and Human Performance, Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Psychology, Radiologic Technology, and Social Work will be consolidated within the building.

“We have been excitedly awaiting the construction and completion of this facility,” said Kris Phillips, Austin Peay’s vice president for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy. “This milestone puts us one step closer to seeing our students, faculty and staff working and learning in this state-of-the-art space, which includes new labs, simulation environments and functional clinics.”

Community members are invited to help by donating to the Health Professions Fund of Excellence, which will support scholarships, internships and clinic services for those in need.

To learn more about APSU fundraising initiatives, contact the APSU Office of Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or give@apsu.edu.