University College Advisors

Ajay Thompson Student Success Director (931) 221-7695 thompsonaj@apsu.edu College: College of Education, Academic Focus, University Studies (freshmen, undecided/none) Education: Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University, Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Austin Peay State University Location: McReynolds 111 Schedule Appointment

Ajay Thompson joined the Student Success team in 2019. Though originally from Minnesota, she’s lived down south and Italy before calling Clarksville home. She has over 7 years of experience working in higher education and has previous experience in academic advising, student affairs, and admissions. Ajay shares, "I love that I have the opportunity to support students as they make their transition into the University, help them overcome challenges, and connect them with opportunities to make their first-year experience at Austin Peay great. It’s always a good day being a Gov!" In addition to leading the Academic Focus and College of Education advising team, she serves as an adjunct instructor for UNIV 1000, APSU 4010, and PASS 0900. In her free team she enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, reading, and traveling! Where do you recommend she visits next? 

Asia Pace Academic Advisor (931) 221-6622 paceak@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science from Austin Peay State University, Bachelor of Professional Studies in Leadership and Organizational Administration from Austin Peay State University, Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Austin Peay State University, Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education from Morehead State University Majors Advised: University Studies - with an academic interest of undecided or none  Location: McReynolds 113 Schedule Appointment

Asia is an APSU alumna and native of Clarksville! After completing her undergraduate degrees in 2020, she joined University Student Success as a College Possible Student Success Coach. Asia served as a Success Coach for two and a half years before becoming an Academic Advisor in 2023. Asia feels that her experience as a former Austin Peay student allows her to relate more closely with students and she is motivated by a strong desire to help her advisees make the most of their college experience. Asia gives this advice to new Govs, “Get involved! College is full of unique experiences that you won’t get to have anywhere else”. What she loves the most about Austin Peay is that there’s always something fun to do on campus for anyone, regardless of their interest. Asia enjoys reading, shopping, gaming, scrapbooking, and hanging out with her cats in her free time.

Cassidy Barnes Academic Advisor (931) 221-6586 barnesc@apsu.edu  College: College of Education Education: A.S. Liberal Arts -Austin Peay State University, Bachelor of Arts in English from Austin Peay State University, and Master of Arts in English (May ‘23 grad) from Austin Peay State University. Majors Advised: Academic Focus, Education, Special Education, and University Studies with an education-related academic interest.  Location: McReynolds 202 Schedule Appointment

Cassidy is a new team member to Student Success! Cassidy is an APSU alumna and native to Tennessee. She is currently finishing her Master of Arts in English with a focus in creative writing. What she loves most about being an academic advisor supporting students through all endeavors. Cassidy shares this word of advice to new Govs, “Don’t be afraid to try different things if they interest you”. She will be supporting future teachers and exploring students! Cassidy enjoys spending time outside, painting, writing, and going thrifting.

Melanie Moore College Possible Coach (931) 221-6614 moorema@apsu.edu  Location: McReynolds 109

Melanie Moore is a first year serving College Possible Success Coach. She graduated in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Graphic Design. While attending Austin Peay, Melanie was able to use the skills she learned from her experience in service learning to communicate with her professors and peers in the most effective way. She loves to analyze and experiment different ways to go about various situations. Melanie is excited to meet the new students and help them be their best throughout their collegiate careers.