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Articles by Ethan Steinquest
Peayple in the Community: APSU contributes 3,100 volunteer hours during day of service
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s fourth annual Peayple in the Community kicked off the semester with a commitment to making a difference, as more than 1,300 campus volunteers contributed 3,105 service hours across Clarksville and the surrounding area. Alexandra Wills, Austin Peay’s director for Community Engagement and Sustainability (CES), coordinated the volunteers as they worked to assist 33 nonprofits.
‘She looks after the veterans’: APSU’s Shirley Conner guides hundreds to student success through Veterans Upward Bound
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University is Tennessee’s leading provider of higher education for military-affiliated students, and to many veterans among them, college would not have been possible without Shirley Conner. Conner is the assistant director of the university’s Veterans Upward Bound program, which helps eligible veterans transition into higher education.
APSU’s Peer Leader Program recognized with top international certification
Students from Austin Peay State University’s Peer Leader Program during a Fall 2025 reception. Peer leaders assist with freshman seminar courses and provide support for incoming students. SUBMITTED Austin Peay State University’s Peer Leader Program supports thousands of new students every year, and it earned international recognition from the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) in June.
APSU’s Barbara Tucker turns brain cancer survival into children’s book series
Dr. Barbara Tucker, APSU’s director of technical services, with one of the books from “The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux,” series. SUBMITTED When doctors diagnosed Dr. Barbara Tucker with a rare brain cancer in 2020, they couldn’t promise she would live to see her son RJ graduate high school. She made it to the ceremony in May 2021 and kept going.
APSU Food Pantry expands resources through partnership with Second Harvest
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Austin Peay State University Food Pantry has announced a major partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, increasing the volume of resources available for students as they prepare to move into the Millan Foundation Impact Center next year. As a community partner, Austin Peay can order from Second Harvest online or pick up items from their free store, including frozen foods and fresh produce.
Dr. John McConnell named dean of APSU’s Eriksson College of Education
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University has named Dr. John R. McConnell, a nationally recognized scholar with more than 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, educator preparation, and data-informed continuous improvement, as the next dean of the Eriksson College of Education. McConnell, a former secondary science teacher, has served the Eriksson College of Education in multiple leadership roles, most recently as interim dean.
Conquering Kilimanjaro: APSU graduate student scales Africa’s highest mountain
CLARKSVILLE, TN – 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. The weeklong trek to the 19,341-foot summit tested Pertuset in ways she had never experienced, demanding she dig deeper—mentally and physically—as she journeyed through five distinct climate zones.
APSU’s Career Readiness Academy inspires new strategies for student success
CLARKSVILLE, TN – From group projects and presentations to lab work and case studies, Austin Peay State University has always provided opportunities for career readiness — but now, professors are directly embedding key job competencies into their courses as part of a larger $2.5 million federal grant awarded to the University College.
Austin Peay’s Dr. Stephen Kershner wins national award for classics education
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Dr. Stephen 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), North America’s leading organization for the study of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Future teachers get boost from Austin Peay
ETHAN STEINQUEST Austin Peay State University CoE, MUC ballroom, awards, ceremony, college of education, eriksson college of education, rececption 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.
APSU’s Eriksson College hosts Aspiring Teacher Day
CoE, MUC, MUC ballroom, apsiring teachers, college of education, eriksson college of education, high school studentsCoE, MUC, MUC ballroom, apsiring teachers, college of education, eriksson college of education, high school students Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education recently welcomed more than 100 high school students to campus for its inaugural Aspiring Teachers Day, providing participants with an interactive introduction to the teaching profession and the...
APSU’s Leadership Exchange connects local nonprofits with volunteer resources
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University recently welcomed representatives from several nonprofit organizations to campus for its ongoing Leadership Exchange program, a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening community partnerships. Participants connected with student volunteers, discussed potential internship programs, and learned about upcoming opportunities including the annual Peayple in the Community – Day of Service.
Austin Peay State University’s teacher candidates achieve record-high edTPA scores
CLARKSVILLE, TN – 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. The edTPA (Educative Teacher Performance Assessment) is a nationally recognized three-part portfolio that evaluates teacher candidates’ lesson planning, instruction, and assessment capabilities.
Students take center stage at Austin Peay State University’s 2025 AI Symposium
CLAKRSVILLE, TN – 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. The daylong event drew participants from across campus for 16 interactive sessions and a keynote address exploring AI’s potential in education, research, and professional practice.
Austin Peay receives $100K NCAA grant to fund student-athlete success initiative
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University has been awarded a $100,000 NCAA 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. Austin Peay Athletics will use the grant to expand its laptop loaner program, strengthening academic and career support for student-athletes and removing access barriers for nontraditional, first-generation, international, and limited-resource students.
APSU sophomore lands cybersecurity internship with state government
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Arielle Lawrence was always fascinated by programming, and she taught herself how to code in high school by designing software like a Hangman clone, citation generator, and memory card matching game. Her dedication led her to attend Austin Peay State University as a first-generation college student, and now she is applying her skills as a cybersecurity intern with the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration.
Austin Peay State University students use VR to practice criminal interrogations
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Inside a simulation room at Austin Peay State University, senior criminal justice major Nathan Robertson locked eyes with an AI-generated suspect whose story was already unraveling. Leaning forward and adjusting his VR headset, Robertson pressed harder, using the confrontational Reid technique he learned in class. Minutes later, the suspect broke, confessing to armed robbery and naming his accomplice.
APSU alumnus JJ Gibson debuts original musical on campus stage
CLARKSVILLE, TN – JJ Gibson is no stranger to Austin Peay State University’s Sara and Mike Gotcher Theatre, having performed in adaptations of Urinetown, A New Brain, Zombie Prom, and more as an undergraduate. However, watching his original musical, A Brief* History* of Manmade* Spacefaring* Objects* (*Mostly), come to life during the Department of Theatre & Dance’s 2025-26 season left him with emotions he never expected.
APSU to cover Military Tuition Assistance for students if government shutdown continues
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University announced Tuesday that it will cover tuition assistance for any active duty, reserve, and National Guard students enrolled in Fall B classes who would not receive funding from the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program if the government shutdown continues past Wednesday, Oct. 15. The TA program provides tuition assistance for service members enrolled in higher education programs, at $250 per credit hour with a cap of $4,500 per fiscal year.
Austin Peay announces Tennessee’s first military-to-degree equivalency for staff positions
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University has announced a major hiring initiative that recognizes military service and ranks as equivalent to college degrees for most staff positions, becoming the state’s first higher education institution to offer this pathway to veterans. The decision addresses a critical need in the Clarksville region, since thousands of soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell transition into civilian life each year.
Austin Peay State University achieves record-high $14 million in grant funding for FY25
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University saw record-high external funding in fiscal year 2025, spending nearly $14 million to support research and community service projects through almost 200 awarded grants – the largest active number in the university’s history. At the close of the fiscal year, Austin Peay’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (OSRP) have a five-year grant portfolio of $59 million, a 13.5% increase from last year and another record high.
APSU’s Claudia Alonzo recognized by state group for mental health advocacy
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Health and well-being have always driven Claudia Alonzo, from her decade-long career in radiologic science to her current work as Austin Peay State University’s director of Community Care and Standards – but she never expected to receive state-level recognition for her suicide prevention efforts.
Austin Peay’s Govs Gaming esports team debuts with tiebreaker wins over MTSU
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Govs Gaming esports team closed out its first competition with a tiebreaker victory over Middle Tennessee State University in a four-match Tekken 8 competition at CDE Lightband’s F2CON earlier this month, securing a trophy and a $2,500 prize to benefit the club. The matchup came down to a decisive final bout between APSU’s Anthony Collier and MTSU’s most experienced player.
Austin Peay State University lines up first esports competition against MTSU for Sept. 6
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University is entering the world of esports for the first time at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6, with Govs Gaming set to take on MTSU in a four-versus-four Tekken 8 event during CDE Lightband’s F2CON. The event will also be livestreamed via Twitch, with a watch party in the Morgan University Center outside Einstein Bros. Bagels. The winning team will receive a trophy and $2,500 to go toward their club’s budget.
APSU to host inaugural Aspiring Teachers Day for local high school students
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education will host its inaugural Aspiring Teachers Day from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Oct. 2, giving high school juniors and seniors a firsthand look at opportunities available through the university. The free event is open to students who are currently enrolled in a Teaching as a Profession (TAP) program in their school district and will feature hands-on demonstrations, interactive sessions, and more.
Peayple in the Community: APSU fields record number of volunteers during day of service
CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University started the semester off strong with a record-high 1,780 volunteers contributing 3,221 service hours across Clarksville during the third annual Peayple in the Community – Day of Service. Alexandra Wills, APSU’s director for Community Engagement & Sustainability, coordinated volunteers as they worked to assist 40 nonprofits and 15 local schools.
APSU graduate receives doctoral hood from mother during commencement
Dr. Cavelle McGrath is hooded by her mother Dr. Marsha Lyle-Gonga, professor of political science at APSU and Dr. John McConnell, interim dean of the Eriksson College of Education. SUBMITTED Between recovering from heart surgery, becoming a new mother, and moving across the country twice while earning her doctorate in educational leadership, it was easy for Cavelle McGrath to feel overwhelmed.
APSU earns national recognition for first-generation student support
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University (APSU) has been named as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2025, marking a major national recognition of the institution’s commitment to first-generation college student success. The FirstGen Forward Network serves as a national model for supporting first-generation college students and includes nearly 500 institutions from across the country.
Family creates Jerome P. Ellis Memorial Scholarship for Austin Peay students
ETHAN STEINQUEST Austin Peay State University The late Jerome P. Ellis, an APSU alum, worked for 37 years in the Robertson County School System, including as director of schools. SUBMITTED The Ellis Family Foundation of Tennessee and Tim and Dena Ellis recently made a generous donation to create the Jerome P. Ellis Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship for APSU students. This endowment was established to commemorate the accomplishments and dedication of Tim Ellis’s father, Jerome.
Waka Flocka Flame, Boosie Badazz to headline APSU’s second Peayple’s Concert
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University, in partnership with F&M Bank Arena, is gearing up for its second Peayple’s Concert featuring rap legends Waka Flocka Flame and Boosie Badazz. Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 at F&M Bank Arena, with tickets on sale starting at noon on Friday, Aug. 8. Waka Flocka Flame, known for anthems like No Hands, Hard in Da Paint, and Grove St. Party, promises to bring an unmatched energy.
APSU students experience Native American culture through New Mexico study away program
CLARKSVILLE, TN − From the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument to the windswept peaks of Acoma Pueblo, Austin Peay State University students traveled roughly 1,800 miles through New Mexico this summer to engage with Native American communities during one of the institution’s first study away programs.
Austin Peay’s MPH program receives $27K for childhood literacy initiative. Community LIFT Project to be implemented at Head Start centers this fall
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s Master of Public Health program is on a mission to boost childhood literacy through the Community LIFT (Literacy Initiative for Fostering Thinkers) Project, which will bring family reading training programs and Little Free Libraries to Head Start Centers across the county.
NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip’s APSU-branded beer on sale across Tennessee
CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Governor’s Golden Ale, an Austin Peay State University-branded beer developed by Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. and Shelby’s Trio, is now on sale at nearly 40 locations across the state. Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner who competed in NASCAR events for over 30 years, originally unveiled the beer in April during a meet-and-greet at Joe’s Garage. The drink has been on tap at Shelby’s Trio since then, and cans recently became available for purchase.
Austin Peay students earn nationally competitive Gilman Scholarships to study abroad this summer, fall.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Five Austin Peay State University (APSU) students have earned a combined $16,000 in funding from the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to pursue study abroad opportunities through Fall 2025. Their achievements build on a growing pattern of success at Austin Peay, where increasing numbers of students are receiving funding for international experiences through sources like Gilman Scholarships.
APSU Master of Public Health program receives $27K for childhood literacy initiative
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Master of Public Health program is on a mission to boost childhood literacy through the Community LIFT (Literacy Initiative for Fostering Thinkers) Project, which will bring family reading training programs and Little Free Libraries to Head Start Centers across the county.
Austin Peay State University mourns longtime bookstore manager Ann R. Ross
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Austin Peay State University community is mourning the loss of Ann R. Ross, who passed away on May 27 at the age of 94. Ross was a longtime staff member who managed the APSU Bookstore for 30 years. Following her retirement in 2008, the Ann R. Boss Bookstore was named to honor her dedication and service to the university. “Ann was an institution at Austin Peay, having managed the campus bookstore for three decades,” said Dr. Mike Licari, APSU president.
APSU PR and Marketing leads with 22 awards at TCPRA state conference
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s Office of Public Relations and Marketing brought home 22 awards from the 2025 Tennessee College Public Relations Association (TCPRA) State Conference, earning the most wins among the universities competing. TCPRA is an alliance of communicators across the state representing public and private colleges and universities, technical schools, technology centers, and community colleges.
APSU PR and Marketing leads with 22 awards at TCPRA state conference
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Office of Public Relations and Marketing brought home 22 awards from the 2025 Tennessee College Public Relations Association (TCPRA) State Conference, earning the most wins among the universities competing. TCPRA is an alliance of communicators across the state representing public and private colleges and universities, technical schools, technology centers, and community colleges.
APSU mourns passing of Ann Ross
ETHAN STEINQUEST Austin Peay State University Ann Ross, a long-time manager of the APSU Bookstore, which now bears her name, died on May 27 at age 94. AUSTIN PEAY PHOTO The Austin Peay State University community is mourning the loss of Ann R. Ross, who passed away on May 27 at the age of 94. Ross was a longtime staff member who managed the APSU Bookstore for 30 years. Following her retirement in 2008, the Ann R. Boss Bookstore was named to honor her dedication and service to the university.
Ann Ross, longtime APSU bookstore manager, philanthropist, dies at 94
CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Austin Peay State University community is mourning the loss of Ann R. Ross, who passed away on May 27 at the age of 94. Ross was a longtime staff member who managed the APSU Bookstore for 30 years. Following her retirement in 2008, the Ann R. Boss Bookstore was named to honor her dedication and service to the university. “Ann was an institution at Austin Peay, having managed the campus bookstore for three decades,” said Dr. Mike Licari, APSU president.
Austin Peay State University graduates 1,400 students at Spring 2025 commencement
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University graduated approximately 1,400 students during its Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies, hosted at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, in the Dunn Center. This year’s graduating class reflects Austin Peay’s position as the fastest-growing university in Tennessee, with a 27% increase in graduates from last spring. Many of these alumni have already secured positions with leading employers or enrolled in prestigious graduate programs.
Austin Peay State University’s Department of Criminal Justice launches major VR initiative
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Department of Criminal Justice is ready to bring students from courtrooms to crime scenes without leaving campus, thanks to a significant investment in virtual reality technology. Thirty Meta Quest 3 VR headsets will be integrated into the department’s curriculum starting in Fall 2025, with plans to offer hands-on learning opportunities to students across campus.
Graduating APSU senior earns top scholarship to Princeton Theological Seminary
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University senior Sara Lusk has been on a spiritual journey since childhood, and now her path is leading her to one of the world’s most esteemed seminaries. Lusk is graduating with a double major in philosophy and classics and has received a top scholarship to attend Princeton Theological Seminary this fall. The institution is among the oldest seminaries in the U.S. and holds the world’s second-largest theological library after the Vatican.
Dyersburg native healing hearts and minds
CLARKSVILLE, TN - Austin Peay State University student Meagan Larson will bring her passion for mental health advocacy to one of the nation's leading hospitals this summer after being selected for a highly competitive externship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
APSU’s Reverse Career Fair boosts confidence for students with autism
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University’s Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) program is flipping the career fair model with a pioneering approach designed to help neurodivergent students succeed on their own terms. The Reverse Career Fair was hosted on April 10 and allowed students to host tables for employers to visit, providing a more supportive setting for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Austin Peay State University nursing student earns nationally competitive Vanderbilt externship
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University student Meagan Larson will bring her passion for mental health advocacy to one of the nation’s leading hospitals this summer after being selected for a highly competitive externship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
APSU strengthens first-generation student support through Tri-Alpha Honor Society
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Nearly 40% of Austin Peay State University students are first-generation, and the campus recently celebrated their achievements during the Tri-Alpha Honor Society’s spring induction ceremony. Tri-Alpha is a national honor society for first-generation college students who have demonstrated academic success and commitment. Austin Peay’s chapter has over 250 members and is part of a growing network of resources for helping these scholars navigate higher education.
APSU strengthens first-generation student support through Tri-Alpha Honor Society
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Nearly 40% of Austin Peay State University students are first-generation, and the campus recently celebrated their achievements during the Tri-Alpha Honor Society’s Spring induction ceremony. Tri-Alpha is a national honor society for first-generation college students who have demonstrated academic success and commitment. Austin Peay’s chapter has over 250 members and is part of a growing network of resources for helping these scholars navigate higher education.
Austin Peay State University partners with NASCAR’s Michael Waltrip on signature light beer
CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University (APSU) unveiled the Governor’s Golden Ale, a signature light beer developed in partnership with Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. and Shelby’s Trio, during a community meet-and-greet hosted Wednesday, April 2 at Joe’s Garage in Clarksville, Tennessee. Attendees sampled the Governor’s Golden Ale and met Michael Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner who competed in NASCAR events for over 30 years.
APSU alum talks performing with Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl LIX
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – “Girlfriend, you deserve to be here.” . The broadcast drew a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers, and the stadium crowd was the largest Young had ever seen. For the former APSU dance team member, it was a clear sign her hard work had paid off. “I’ll never forget the experience, and I never thought I’d be part of history like this,” she said.
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