Austin Peay State University celebrates opening of O'Malley Family Welcome Center

By: Emily Evans May 5, 2025

Members of the APSU community during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the O’Malley Family Welcome Center. | Photo by Sean McCully

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University (APSU) celebrated the grand opening of the new O'Malley Family Welcome Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 11. The 5,800-square-foot facility, transformed from a former car dealership, will serve as the primary gateway for prospective students and visitors to the university.

Located strategically to connect the APSU campus with downtown Clarksville, the O’Malley Family Welcome Center will function as the starting point for campus tours and house admissions officers who will guide future students through their college journey.

"This Welcome Center will serve as an anchor for the university's continued growth and deepen our connection to downtown Clarksville as a beacon of red in our community," APSU Vice President for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy Kris Phillips said during the ceremony.

The facility is named in honor of the O'Malley family, including Mike O'Malley, his wife Jane, and their sons Shawn and Ryan, whose significant contributions made the project possible. In addition to an exceptional record of giving spanning 30 years, Mike O'Malley served as the inaugural chair of the APSU Board of Trustees, as vice-chair from 2023 to 2025, and will serve again as chair effective July 1, 2025.

APSU President Dr. Mike Licari highlighted the university's recent achievements during the event, noting that Austin Peay is now the fastest-growing public university in Tennessee with an 8.2% enrollment increase over the past year.

"Our total student population has grown quickly, outpacing all other public institutions in our state," Licari said. "This Welcome Center will continue that upward trajectory by creating an outstanding first impression on future students and their families."

Assistant Provost for Enrollment Management Amy Corlew emphasized the importance of campus visits in students' college decision-making process.

"This beautiful state-of-the-art center creates the perfect environment for that crucial first impression," Corlew said. "From this center, visitors will embark on campus tours where they'll experience firsthand the vibrant community that makes Austin Peay special."

The O'Malley Family Welcome Center aligns with APSU's strategic plan to be the region's university of choice and will play a key role in the institution's continued enrollment growth and community engagement efforts.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees were invited to tour the new facility and learn more about how it will welcome future Governors to campus.

To support fundraising initiatives at Austin Peay, contact the APSU Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or via give@apsu.edu.