In the News: Austin Peay alum promoted to lead Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Austin Peay State University physics alumnus Billy Teets (’04) has been promoted to director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Teets has worked at Dyer for more than 14 years and took the helm there as interim director last summer after the retirement of longtime director Rocky Alvey. Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations Nathan Green told Vanderbilt News, “Billy has enthusiastically contributed to the Dyer legacy in his many roles at the observatory. He is the unique person to advance Vanderbilt’s mission through community engagement with an academic focus at Dyer. He knows, loves and can lead the observatory into a bright future.” Teets earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Austin Peay and a doctorate in physics with a concentration in astronomy from Vanderbilt in 2012. He is also a Clarksville native. “As so many people have said before, Dyer Observatory is a very special place,” Teets told Vanderbilt News. “It is a great honor and privilege to hold the same position as someone like Professor Seyfert, and I am excited to continue in this rich legacy.” Dyer was the brainchild of Vanderbilt astronomer Carl K. Seyfert, who is renowned for his discovery of a class of galaxies that still bear his name. To read the full story, click here. To see a video displaying Teets’ passion at Dyer, click here. To learn more For more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy at Austin Peay, visit www.apsu.edu/physics.

Teets during a Vanderbilt outreach program. (Vanderbilt University photo)

(Posted Jan. 14, 2021)

Austin Peay State University physics alumnus Billy Teets (’04) has been promoted to director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.

Teets (Vanderbilt University photo)

Teets has worked at Dyer for more than 14 years and took the helm there as interim director last summer after the retirement of longtime director Rocky Alvey.

Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations Nathan Green told Vanderbilt News, “Billy has enthusiastically contributed to the Dyer legacy in his many roles at the observatory. He is the unique person to advance Vanderbilt’s mission through community engagement with an academic focus at Dyer. He knows, loves and can lead the observatory into a bright future.”

Teets earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Austin Peay and a doctorate in physics with a concentration in astronomy from Vanderbilt in 2012. He is also a Clarksville native.

“As so many people have said before, Dyer Observatory is a very special place,” Teets told Vanderbilt News. “It is a great honor and privilege to hold the same position as someone like Professor Seyfert, and I am excited to continue in this rich legacy.”

Dyer was the brainchild of Vanderbilt astronomer Carl K. Seyfert, who is renowned for his discovery of a class of galaxies that still bear his name.

To read the full story, click here.

To see a video displaying Teets’ passion at Dyer, click here.

To learn more

For more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy at Austin Peay, visit www.apsu.edu/physics.

News Feed

View All News

'A deeper sense of purpose': APSU students volunteer in Puerto Rico

Austin Peay State University students and a staff member traveled to Puerto Rico this summer through the Alternative Break Trip program, assisting the nonprofit Centro Esperanza with hurricane relief efforts, grounds restoration, and groundwork for a revitalized outdoor learning facility.

20260508-commencement-cam-2-1-pm-processional-5169

APSU raises over $23M during 2026 fiscal year

Austin Peay State University raised more than $23 million during the 2026 fiscal year -- its second-highest fundraising total in 99 years and a 47% year-over-year increase -- through 7,240 gifts from 2,861 donors as the university approaches its centennial.

APSU's Full Spectrum Learning introduces Mobile Sensory Carts

The Full Spectrum Learning program is launching two Mobile Sensory Carts this fall, bringing noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, and other sensory supports to classrooms and events across campus for students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and anyone needing extra sensory support.