Austin Peay State University National Alumni Association announces new slate of board members

By: Emily Evans October 15, 2026

The new members of APSU’s National Alumni Association board, starting top row from left: Montrell Besley, Tom Chester, Amanda Fryer, Jana Gilbert, Gloria Humphrey, Jonathan Jeans, Jasmine Jones, Krista Miller, Tyler Rose, Emily Tardiff, James (Jim) Walker Jr., and Zavion Williams.

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Austin Peay State University (APSU) National Alumni Association (NAA) has named 12 new members to its board of directors. Each brings a unique blend of professional expertise, leadership, and dedication that will help strengthen the Govs For Life Experience and advance the NAA’s mission.

As the board continues to grow, its members aim to expand alumni chapter engagement across more communities while creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect, serve, and support Austin Peay.

New NAA Board Members

Montrell Besley ('04, '09)

Tom Chester ('73)

Amanda Fryer ('06, '12)

Jana Gilbert ('14, '22)

Gloria Humphrey ('89)

Jonathan Jeans ('14)

Jasmine Jones ('04)

Krista Miller ('17, '18)

Tyler Rose ('26)

Emily Tardiff ('18)

James (Jim) Walker Jr. ('81)

Zavion Williams ('15, '20, '25)

Returning NAA Board Members

Twana Aiken ('17)

Beth Chancellor ('93, '09)

Kyra Hardy ('18)

Lorneth Peters ('02, '05)

Tamira Samuel ('06, '09)

Dr. Michelle Smith ('91)

Ronald Taylor ('80)

NAA Executive Board

Gretchen Hancock (‘14) - President

Celeste Malone (‘17, ‘19) - Vice President

Alexis Gatson (‘06, ‘09, ‘16) - President-Elect

Victor Felts (‘91) - Past President

Tracy Nichols (‘92) - Faculty Representative

"We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of new members to the NAA Board of Directors," said Gretchen Hancock, APSU National Alumni Association board president. "Their passion for Austin Peay, combined with the continued dedication of our returning board members, will help us grow the Govs For Life Experience and create even more ways for alumni across the country to stay connected to their alma mater. I am confident this board will help carry our mission forward as we look ahead to APSU's centennial."

The APSU National Alumni Association operates under the direction of a volunteer board of directors that meets semi-annually to discuss new ideas and vote on services and programs for alumni. Once students graduate from Austin Peay, they are automatically considered part of the NAA, with no fees or dues required to get involved with a local alumni group.

Get involved with the APSU National Alumni Association

To learn more about becoming an alumni representative or getting involved, click here or contact Aubrey Higdon, director of alumni engagement, at higdona@apsu.edu.

Invest in the future at Austin Peay

To establish an endowment, strategic partnership, or support other fundraising initiatives, contact the APSU Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or via give@apsu.edu.