College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at Austin Peay State University

06/08/2026

Classroom 212 in the APSU Health Professions Building will be named In Memory of Judy Lynn Oetter in recognition of the Judy Lynn Oetter “Above and Beyond!” Memorial Nursing Scholarship Endowment, established by Robert Oetter in memory of his late wife.

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

06/04/2026

There are many ways to measure our people's dedication to students, but today, years of service will have to do.

We're proud to celebrate four College of Behavioral and Health Sciences staff members who were recognized during yesterday's APSU Staff Service and Excellence Awards program:

⭐ Chardè Hudspeth — 5 years of service
⭐ Sage Disney — 15 years of service
⭐ Darci Bateman — 20 years of service
⭐ Cecelia Mandrell — 25 years of service

Together, that's 65 years of supporting students, serving our campus, and helping move Austin Peay forward.

Thank you, Charde', Sage, Darci, and Cissy for the care, commitment, and countless behind-the-scenes contributions you bring to our college each day. We are grateful to have you on the CoBHS team.

06/03/2026

Achievement follows preparation. 🎩😏

Today, we’re recognizing 898 CoBHS students who earned Dean’s List honors for Spring 2026.

Wherever the call to serve will take you, this achievement reflects the hard work and dedication you’ll bring to your future profession every day.

Congratulations, Govs. We’re proud to have you in our college. 🎉

06/02/2026

June is Men's Health Month, and mental health is part of the conversation.

According to APSU psychologist Dr. Daniel McKelvey, strength isn't about suppressing emotions—it's about having the flexibility to recognize and work through them. Research shows that traditional expectations around toughness and self-reliance can become harmful when they lead to isolation, substance misuse, or avoiding help when it's needed.

McKelvey encourages men to invest in real-world relationships, rethink what emotional strength looks like, and create space for honest conversations about mental health.

Dr. Daniel McKelvey explains how redefining masculinity and embracing emotional flexibility can improve men's mental health and challenge harmful stereotypes.

05/31/2026

The Governors Guard at Austin Peay State University has commissioned 1,000 Army officers since its inception in 1973. Check the link in the comments to learn more.

05/28/2026

As Tennessee faces growing healthcare workforce needs, APSU is helping prepare the next generation of nurses, counselors, social workers, speech-language pathologists, and allied health professionals through hands-on training right here in Clarksville.

Stay tuned to WKRN News 2 for a great feature with Dean Williams and Dean Meisch highlighting the important work happening inside Austin Peay’s Health Professions Building.

05/28/2026

⏰ Deadline approaching: Nominations for the 2026 APSU Governors Circle Alumni Awards are due by May 31.

Each year during Homecoming, Austin Peay State University honors alumni and supporters whose careers, leadership and service have brought distinction to the university and their communities.

Award categories include:
• Outstanding Alumnus/a Award
• Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Award (age 39 or younger)
• Outstanding Service Award

Know a Gov making an impact? Now is the time to recognize them.

Submit your nomination at https://www.alumni.apsu.edu/s/1806/17/interior.aspx?sid=1806&gid=2&pgid=1400

05/28/2026

TCAT Dickson and APSU signed an agreement giving practical nursing graduates 27 credit hours toward a BSN, cutting the program from four years to three.

05/28/2026

When people talk about “being prepared” for the classroom, they often mean lesson plans and coursework. But for APSU alum Adam Vickery, preparation meant learning how to adapt, lead, and build confidence long before stepping into his own classroom.

Today, Vickery is teaching Physical Education in Robertson County, helping students build healthy habits, teamwork skills, and confidence through movement and activity every day.

He says Austin Peay’s K–12 Physical Education program challenged students to stay organized, think on their feet, and adjust quickly based on student needs — lessons that now shape how he manages classes and keeps students engaged.

One experience, in particular, still stands out.

While at APSU, Vickery worked in a homeschool PE program, one of the first times he was truly leading students on his own. The experience gave him early hands-on practice and showed him what teaching would actually feel like day to day.

“That experience still influences how I approach my classes today,” he shared.

Vickery credits the program for helping him develop strong classroom management and communication skills, while also reinforcing the importance of preparation and adaptability in education.

His advice to current students is simple: “Take the program seriously and don’t cut corners — it’s challenging for a reason.”

Even after graduation, the APSU connections remain strong. Vickery still stays in touch with classmates who are now PE teachers themselves, sharing ideas and supporting one another, while also reaching out to former professors for advice as he continues growing in his career.

Because at Austin Peay, preparation goes beyond the classroom. It becomes the foundation graduates carry into their schools, communities, and careers.

05/27/2026

Save the date for our Summer 2026 Austin Peay State University School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony!

The event will be live streamed from this page for those unable to attend.