The Department of Music has announced that the APSU saxophone ensemble was accepted to perform at this year's North American Saxophone Alliance conference, which will be held at The Ohio State University from March 12-15.

To qualify for this renewable scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time in the computer science or quantitative methods graduate programs and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Priority will be given to international students, and the funds can also be used to provide graduate assistant stipends if no qualified recipients are available.

Natalee (Rae) Daniels and Jessica Sun of Middle College at Austin Peay State University were recently selected from among students nationwide to present their literary research at the Sigma Tau Delta International English Convention, to be held from March 29 to April 1 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Joanne Philhower, an assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education, and Jasmin Linares, assistant vice president for Military and Veterans Affairs, met with veteran students in focus groups throughout the 2025-26 academic year to identify key takeaways. They discussed their findings during the Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, held Feb. 8-11.

Leverett, a certified Christian Leadership Coach from Newark, New Jersey, has served on the Montgomery County Commission since 2018. She authored The Four Sights of Visionary Leadership, published in February 2025, based on her TEDx Talk of the same name.

In remote mountain schools on Costa Rica's Caribbean side, children saw brass instruments up close for the first time when Austin Peay State University's Aurum Sonor Brass Quintet arrived to begin a 10-day run of concerts, master classes, and community outreach from Limón to San José.

Austin Peay State University's annual Asanbe-Eichhorn Symposium will take place at 1 p.m. on March 19 in Morgan University Center Rooms 303-305. The free public event will feature a keynote address from author and genealogy expert John F. Baker Jr., followed by a panel discussion.

While most students were still on winter break, several Austin Peay State University mathematics and biology majors were experiencing Alaska's unforgiving January weather--and loving every minute of it.

The Rural Education Conference brings together educators, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders worldwide to explore innovations, challenges and opportunities in rural education. Topics include supporting literacy in rural schools, student mental health, leveraging AI in the classroom, and more.

The Southeastern Grasslands Institute has received a significant grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's America's Ecosystem Restoration Initiative. The funding will be used to identify, restore, and reconstruct approximately 2,500 acres of grasslands in Central Tennessee over the next four years.

Written by acclaimed playwright Daniel Pearle, the production examines a married couple's struggles as they navigate their roles as parents to a gender-nonconforming child.

The event, a partnership with Convoy of Hope and U.S. Hunger, will see the meals distributed based on need to international communities facing hunger and food insecurity. Pastor Mike Burnette with LifePoint Church developed the project idea, while APSU Athletics provided the location and significant volunteer support.

The Austin Peay State University Department of Music, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, has named Giancarlos Jose Carvajal Fonseca and Tyler Orendorff as the winners of the 2025-26 Concerto & Aria Competition, with an honorable mention awarded to Cal Luzzo.

Dr. Alex Adams, an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, has published one of the first comprehensive reviews of appropriate practices for K-12 online physical education--addressing a growing need as virtual enrollment remains above pre-pandemic levels nationwide.

Madison Pertuset set her sights on Africa's highest peak with the same determination she brings to her marketing studies at Austin Peay State University, and her persistence paid off when she reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro over winter break.

Dr. Kevin Harris and Dr. Emily Pica will host a free community talk on performance psychology and skill development at Old Glory Distillery on Feb. 26, sharing how evidence-based strategies can sustain long-term growth.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provided the funding for SGI to establish a comprehensive native seed collection program across Alabama, addressing critical gaps in restoration readiness throughout the state's grassland and open woodland ecosystems.

The free public symposium will feature letterpress and typographic demonstrations along with short evening lectures from artist-designers Heather Moulder, Cory Wasnewsky, Celene Aubry, and Kathleen O'Connell.

Austin Peay State University's Zone 3 Press, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is hosting NEA Creative Writing Fellowship recipient and award-winning writer Toni Jensen for a free public reading and book signing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Art + Design Room 120. 

David Hogan of Ribbon Communications and David "Buck" Dellinger of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council (EDC) will share their real-world perspectives on leadership, innovation, and career development during this semester's speaker series.

Title III grant funding recently allowed 16 faculty members from across campus to participate in the Career Readiness Academy, an extended workshop series focused on labor market tools, curriculum development, and National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies.

The collaborative research project will explore how custom-designed drones can support communities during natural disasters and enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in areas that are difficult to access through traditional means.

Austin Peay State University has named two-time alumnus and former baseball player Jordan Harmon as the 15th Director of Athletics. A St. Louis native, Harmon returns to lead the Governors, focusing on student-athlete development and driving momentum for APSU Athletics.

APSU accounting students are ready for another successful tax season, partnering with United Way of Greater Nashville (UWGN) to provide free tax preparation services to community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The Tennessee Holocaust Commission, in partnership with Austin Peay State University, will host "Auschwitz: Investigations and Legacies" from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in APSU's Morgan University Center Room 307.

Dr. Frank Ferdik, assistant professor of criminal justice, is serving as a co-principal investigator on a $200,000 grant project awarded by the government of Canada to examine mental health, organizational stress, and leadership practices across the country's public safety sector.

Austin Peay State University's Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at the 2026 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southern Division Conference in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Professor Margaret Rennerfeldt is the artistic director for the concert, which features works by Nashville-based dance collective New Dialect, Fuse, and the Austin Peay dance faculty.

Newly released data shows that APSU candidates achieved a 64% first-time pass rate for tests taken between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, well above the statewide average of 43%.

To qualify for this scholarship, recipients must be juniors or seniors with a pre-professional health advisor and maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA. Eligible students must be majoring in chemistry, biology, mathematics, or physics and be involved in a campus or community organization.

This semester's Science on Tap series will feature faculty presentations on topics ranging from mathematics and environmental conservation to organ donation and the intersection of science and art.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) is mourning the loss of President Emeritus Dr. Sherry Hoppe, the university's first female president and a leader credited with steering the institution through some of its most precarious financial chapters toward an era of unprecedented growth.

In a recently published study, APSU nursing researchers examined how unresolved grief affects physical health, linking prolonged loss to immune dysfunction, inflammation, and increased risk of chronic disease.

The two-day event, co-organized by the Institute of International Politics and Economics (IIPE) in Belgrade and the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) in Beijing, brought together more than 130 scholars and officials from 34 countries, including participants from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Through this fellowship, Booker will receive $5,000 to create new artwork and additional funding to present a free artist lecture at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 12, at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville.

New research from Austin Peay State University challenges assumptions about childhood adversity, finding that children's developmental outcomes are shaped more by broader environmental factors and sustained family support than by single experiences like parental incarceration.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must be enrolled in APSU's College of Business undergraduate program, a graduate program in business administration, or a comparable business graduate degree and be a graduate of any Tennessee high school.

Hospitality management student Kameron Young transformed from a hesitant newcomer to a confident campus participant through the College of Business's Living Learning Community.

Kershner, an associate professor in Austin Peay State University's Department of Languages and Literature, recently earned the 2025 Award for Excellence in Teaching at the College Level from the Society for Classical Studies (SCS).

The Eriksson College of Education recently launched Tennessee's first Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program (PRAP), a groundbreaking initiative to train the next generation of school leaders through a federally approved "earn while you learn" model.

The Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy is offering free stargazing opportunities throughout the semester, with the first event scheduled for Jan. 24.

As a first-generation college student originally from Paso Robles, California, Teen Tennessee Petite winner Rylei Johnson is using her time at Austin Peay State University to maximize her impact through community outreach and education.

For the second consecutive year, Austin Peay State University (APSU) and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will sponsor two drone shows at the New Year's Eve Party, hosted by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation at the Downtown Commons.

As holiday stress rises for many Tennesseans, Austin Peay State University's Dr. Debra Rose Wilson says one of the simplest forms of relief may already be curled up on the living room floor.

Alumna Ginny Gray Davis and her husband Craig establish the Virginia Rosenbalm Gray Future Educator Endowment at Austin Peay State University to support education majors in honor of Davis's mother, a longtime Dickson County Schools educator.

Participants connected with student volunteers, discussed potential internship programs, and learned about upcoming opportunities including the annual Peayple in the Community - Day of Service.

The Graduating Class Gift Campaign, established in 2018, helps support college-specific funds and essential student resources across campus.

The event, held in the Morgan University Center Ballroom, brought together students from Teaching as a Profession (TAP) programs across Middle Tennessee for a morning of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and networking opportunities.

Two hours after his interview with the Clarksville Police Department (CPD), Army veteran Dustin Zook had a job offer in hand--a swift result powered by the preparation he built through Austin Peay State University's Military-Affiliated Professionals Program (MAPP).

Graduating seniors from Austin Peay State University's Eriksson College of Education achieved the program's highest edTPA passing rate and scores since the university adopted the assessment in 2013, positioning these newly licensed teachers to succeed in Tennessee's classrooms.

Austin Peay State University Middle College students are leading campus-wide bird strike research through the Bird Alliance, documenting window collisions and contributing to ongoing conservation efforts that have significantly reduced bird deaths on campus.

A generous gift from the estate of Joe Bryan Robertson will support the operations of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI), part of Austin Peay State University's Center of Excellence for Field Biology.

Mary Lee McCreary Rugraff ('41) attended Austin Peay State College on a music scholarship and performed as a soprano soloist. Music was her lifetime passion, and in addition to funding APSU music scholarships, she supported the music program at her church with gifts to the endowment.

The award from the Tennessee Department of Education will provide funding for teacher apprentices through July 2027. The Grow Your Own Teacher Residency provides a no-cost pathway to a teaching career and was named the first federally-registered teacher apprenticeship in the nation.

The naming recognizes the Millan Foundation's transformational gift-in-place donation--APSU's first privately-funded donation of this type--which will expand the food pantry's capacity to serve 35% more students facing food insecurity.

This semester's graduating class includes approximately 1,157 students. Undergraduate and graduate students from each of the university's academic colleges will be recognized.

All 17 GOVing Tuesday fundable projects were fully funded by the close of the campaign on Dec. 2--with an additional $12,000 raised beyond the goal to support Funds of Excellence across participating areas. In total, the campaign raised $75,670.36--the highest dollar amount and the greatest number of gifts in GOVing Tuesday history.

Austin Peay State University's AI Symposium broke new ground this year by featuring student presenters alongside faculty and staff, with participants leading a campus-wide conversation about artificial intelligence.

APSU has received the NCAA's Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant for the third straight year and is among 19 Division I institutions receiving funding for the 2025-26 cycle. Funding will be used to significantly expand the university's laptop loaner program for student-athletes.

Barnett, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Education in educational leadership studies, brings a unique combination of academic excellence and real-world leadership experience to the role. Under her leadership, the educational leadership studies program has experienced a 147% growth in enrollment over the past five years.

Utilizing marketing faculty expertise for common holiday shopping challenges, APSU's Dr. John Volker has developed practical AI prompts that can be used for budgeting, product comparison, and gift recommendations to help shoppers avoid falling prey to sales tactics and overspending.

Aakhu is a founding member of the Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT) and has developed several critically acclaimed works for the organization. He also writes for television and feature films.

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

The day will begin with the board's Academic Affairs Committee meeting at 8:15 a.m., followed by the Student Affairs Committee, Business and Finance Committee, and Audit Committee meetings consecutively thereafter.

The campaign, APSU's version of the national Giving Tuesday movement, is raising money for 17 campus projects through Tuesday, Dec. 2. Donors can contribute to fundable projects spanning every academic college and unit.

The funding allowed students to take on projects ranging from international music masterclasses to animation development and dance performances.

Austin Peay State University's College of STEM has named Dr. Chris Gentry as its first professionalized associate dean, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Gentry, former chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences, will oversee student success, faculty development and college operations.

To qualify for the scholarship, recipients must be football players enrolled full-time at APSU. The scholarship is renewable and gives preference to students from Georgia, followed by Montgomery County, Tennessee.

Dr. Jennifer Thompson, Austin Peay State University radiologic technology professor and program director, won the national Minnies Award for Most Effective Radiologic Science Educator from AuntMinnie.com, recognizing her 17-year commitment to student success and innovation in medical imaging education.

Calleway Schmidt spent six weeks in Rzeszów working alongside Ukranian and Polish students through the International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, continuing a partnership that APSU began in 2022.

Mwangi has more than 15 years of branding and design experience, and is the founder of the Memphis-based Cheers Creative. She also serves as a consultant, website strategist, and public speaker. Her visit was made possible through the Department of Art + Design and the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA).

The Department of Languages & Literature is hosting its 31st annual Bread and Words reading on Nov. 24, featuring student and faculty performances. Proceeds from the event will support the APSU Food Pantry.

From scholarship loss to student-investment chief, Austin Peay senior Citlali "Cici" Dominguez juggles RA duty, three internships and mentoring her brother, using grit to find opportunity.

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.

Arielle Lawrence was always fascinated by programming, and her dedication led her to attend APSU as a first-generation college student. Now she's applying her skills as a cybersecurity intern with the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration.

New research by an assistant professor at Austin Peay State University found that a U.S. air-quality initiative from the early 2000s resulted in healthier newborns. Dr. Nahid Tavassoli, the study's author, made the discovery by analyzing birth records from 1995 to 2008.

Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design will offer free hands-on workshops, campus tours, and portfolio reviews during the event.

Dr. Edward W. Chester has established the Sr. Airman Gage Dean Chester Agriculture Endowment, which will provide two annual scholarships for students in the Department of Agriculture starting in Fall 2026.

Austin Peay State University's radiologic science program and its director, Dr. Jennifer Thompson, have been nominated for the 2025 Minnies, a national award campaign that has recognized excellence in radiology for 28 years.

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.

The show will run from Nov. 13-16 in the Mike and Sara Gotcher Theatre, located in the Trahern Building at APSU. Playwright Gina Femia and Farm Theater Executive/Artistic Director Padraic Lillis will also host a free playwriting masterclass on Nov. 13.

Zone 3 Press is hosting Molberg for a free public reading and book signing on November 13, 2025. She is the author of three poetry collections: Marvels of the Invisible; Refusal; and The Court of No Record.

The event also achieved another milestone by fully funding the Valerie Hunter-Kelly Endowment, ensuring permanent scholarship support for APSU health and human performance students.

The Department of Criminal Justice is integrating virtual reality into its curriculum this semester, and students recently used VR technology to practice interrogation techniques with AI-powered suspects.

To qualify for the scholarship, recipients must be enrolled in the Eriksson College of Education with an elementary focus, maintain full-time enrollment status, have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need.

Austin Peay State University's Institute for National Security and Military Studies has partnered with the Research Institute for European and American Studies to offer students a four-week intelligence internship in Athens, Greece.

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.

The three-minute film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two cryptid creatures. It was screened alongside nearly 140 selections from around the world during the festival, which ran from Sept. 18-24.

Senior engineering physics major Steven Warth is advancing fusion energy research through his participation in the prestigious Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he worked on faster computational methods for fusion reactor simulations.

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.

Hospitality management student Hailey Dorsey represented APSU as one of 10 student ambassadors at the Tennessee Governor's Conference on Hospitality and Tourism, gaining behind-the-scenes experience in the state's $31.7 billion tourism industry.

A generous donation from Bristol S. Gannaway has established the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment for APSU students. The fund, which she created before her passing, now memorializes two lifelong educators and historians.

Dr. Dwayne Estes, professor of biology, was recognized for his leadership of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and grassland restoration efforts across the Eastern United States.

Phi Alpha Theta history received the Best Chapter Award in Division IV for the 2024-25 academic year, building on a long history of recognition at the organization's national level.

Austin Peay State University has received an estate gift from 1971 alumnus Richard G. Fraser to establish a tennis scholarship for student-athletes.

The Governor's Guard recently saw 12 cadets earn the Distinguished Military Graduate designation, marking the highest number in university history and placing it among top ROTC programs nationwide.

The Department of Music will present its free Choir Fest featuring performances from regional high schools and university ensembles on Oct. 29 in the Mabry Concert Hall.

A Brief* History* of Manmade* Spacefaring* Objects* (*Mostly) ran from Oct. 2-5 as part of APSU's New Musicals Project, with Gibson as assistant director. The one-act production sees personifications of Entropy, Curiosity, Hope, and Inevitability gather around a campfire at the end of the universe to reflect on humanity.

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.