Austin Peay State University Alumni

Congratulations to Aubrey Higdon ('24) for receiving the 2026 Governor's Excellence Award for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy. Aubrey serves as the division's Director of Alumni Engagement and is recognized for excellence in collaboration, commitment, innovation, leadership and learning.

Austin Peay’s Centennial in 2027 is an opportunity to celebrate the people who have shaped our University.

Nominate an outstanding alumnus or friend today: www.alumni.apsu.edu/notablepeayple

| Austin Peay State University

The Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees has announced the recipients of its annual awards recognizing philanthropy, military support, and outstanding service. Recipients will be honored at university events throughout the next year.

This year’s recipients include Billy Atkins (APSU Philanthropist of the Year), Dr. Michelle D. Smith (Board of Trustees Military Service Award), and Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp (Board of Trustees Service Award).

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/botawards26

| Austin Peay State University

The Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees approved the naming of two campus spaces during its quarterly meeting on Friday, June 5, recognizing significant philanthropic contributions that honor family legacies and support student success.

The namings include the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Engineering Technology and Innovation Laboratory and a classroom dedicated in memory of Judy Lynn Oetter. Both spaces recognize memorial scholarship endowments that provide ongoing support to Austin Peay students.

"These naming recognitions celebrate families whose generosity honors loved ones while creating lasting impact for our students," said Kris Phillips, vice president of APSU's Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy. "The Gannaway and Oetter families have established powerful legacies of support that will benefit Austin Peay students for generations to come."

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/namings26

| Austin Peay State University

The APSU National Alumni Association is now accepting nominations to elect TEN new members to its Board of Directors for 2026-2030. Nominations are due by June 12th, 2026 and can be submitted by completing the online form at http://www.alumni.apsu.edu/naaboardmember.

| Austin Peay State University

Texas, you showed up! We recently wrapped four amazing stops—Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin—connecting with alumni and hearing your incredible stories since leaving APSU. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to live the Gov spirit wherever life takes you

We'll be back next year for APSU's Centennial celebration, but we want to hear from YOU: Where should we take the next? Drop your city in the comments to connect!

Austin Peay State University

APSU alumna Tina Tucker ('05) has been announced as the next CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Tucker currently serves as a President of Pinnacle Solutions, and will begin her new position on Tuesday, July 6th, 2026.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tTKqH5

| Austin Peay State University | Austin Peay College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

The Turner Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Austin Peay State University Foundation to benefit the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI). The one-year grant will support SGI's mission to lead grassland research, conservation, education, and restoration across the southeastern U.S.

“We’re grateful to the Turner Foundation for this vital support,” said Dr. Dwayne Estes, SGI’s cofounder and executive director. “Their $50,000 grant allows us to expand our grassland restoration efforts in northwest Georgia and across the southern tip of the Appalachians.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PvrUH8

| Austin Peay State University | Austin Peay College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics | Southeastern Grasslands Institute

As we look toward our Centennial in 2027, we’re working to highlight alumni and friends who have made a meaningful impact.

We welcome nominations from across all areas of the Govs community: www.alumni.apsu.edu/notablepeayple

| Austin Peay State University

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen tomorrow at 8:00 AM.

| Austin Peay State University