College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at Austin Peay State University

10/27/2026

How do you help someone train smarter, recover better, and perform under pressure? 💪

Students, coaches, practitioners, and community partners explored those questions at Austin Peay’s inaugural Health and Performance Summit on October 17.

Hosted by our APSU Department of Health and Human Performance in the Health Professions Building, the summit brought people together for hands-on learning, demonstrations, and conversations connecting health and performance research to practice.

Thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise and to our sponsors, including presenting sponsor Deaconess, for making the day possible. And thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and helped make the first year a success.

Take a look at the summit in action. 📸
We’re already looking forward to next year!

10/26/2026

Less than a week remains to nominate an outstanding CoBHS alum!

Nominations close Nov. 1 for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences Excellence in Leadership and Service Alumni Award. This award celebrates graduates whose professional achievements, leadership, and service make a meaningful difference in their professions and communities.

Know someone who deserves recognition? Anyone can submit a nomination, and self-nominations are welcome.

Nominees must have earned a degree from the college or one of its predecessor programs. Current CoBHS employees are not eligible.

Nominate today: https://form.jotform.com/262434560585158

10/26/2026

Thinking about a master’s degree? You could start before you finish your bachelor’s. 🎓

As priority registration for spring and summer 2027 begins today, explore the Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) in Austin Peay’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

Eligible students can take up to two qualifying graduate courses at no additional cost before earning their bachelor’s degree. Connect with the graduate coordinator for your program of interest to discuss eligibility and next steps.

Registration opens by student classification throughout the week.

Explore your options 👉 https://www.apsu.edu/behavioral-health/amp.php.

10/23/2026

Join us for a Halloween double feature under the stars! 🎃

The APSU Department of Sociology is hosting its second annual outdoor Halloween movie night on Wednesday, October 28.

Bring a friend and enjoy popcorn, movie snacks, and swag at the Liberty Bowl in front of the Morgan University Center (MUC).

7 p.m. - Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space (TV-PG)
7:45 p.m. - Backrooms (Rated R)

Inclement weather location: Clement Auditorium

Content warning: language, horror and unsettling imagery, psychological discomfort, violence

10/20/2026

An Austin Peay education making a difference in the next generation.

Congratulations to APSU Department of Health and Human Performance alumnus Adam Vickery, East Hickman Middle School’s 2026–27 Novice Teacher of the Year!

Inspired by the teachers and coaches who encouraged him, Adam is now helping his own students learn, grow, and feel supported as a physical education teacher.

We’re proud to see one of our graduates recognized for the work he loves and the impact he’s making. Congratulations, Adam!

Introducing EHMS 26-27 Novice Teacher of the Year, Mr. Vickery!

We are so proud to have Mr. Vickery as a part of our eagle family! Enjoy reading about Mr. Vickery below!

I graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2024 with both my undergraduate and master’s degrees. After graduating, I immediately began my career in education as a special education assistant before transitioning into teaching physical education. This is my third year in education, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow as an educator.

Unlike many educators, I do not come from a family full of teachers. I am proud to be the first person in my immediate family to pursue a career in education. My decision to become a teacher was inspired by the positive impact that my own teachers and coaches had on my life growing up. Many of my greatest influences were the people who taught, coached, encouraged, and supported me along the way. I wanted to pursue education so that I could have that same positive impact on the next generation of students.

I am very proud to be part of the Eagle family, and I truly enjoy working with our students each day. My goal is to be a positive influence in their lives and make a lasting difference, just as my teachers and coaches did for me.

10/20/2026

Preparing students to serve our community starts with understanding the people who call it home.

Hundreds of students participated in three sessions of an interdisciplinary poverty simulation hosted by APSU’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. This experiential learning opportunity challenged students to apply their classroom knowledge while navigating the competing demands of employment, housing, child care, and household expenses.

Working in simulated family groups, students encountered difficult decisions about meeting basic needs with limited resources. Many shared that they hadn’t fully understood how difficult it could be to balance those responsibilities.

The experience created space to reflect on the barriers families face and how our students, as future professionals, can respond with greater empathy and understanding.

Thank you to the faculty, staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped bring this learning experience to life.

Read more from The All State:
https://theallstate.org/62811/news/a-glimpse-into-poverty-apsu-simulation-challenges-future-professionals/

Austin Peay State University School of Nursing
APSU Department of Sociology
APSU Social Work Department
APSU Department of Health and Human Performance

10/20/2026

Don't miss the deadline to apply!

Learn & Earn this spring! Get paid while gaining experience.
The College of Behavioral and Health Sciences is offering 12 paid internship opportunities for Spring 2027 through the Learn and Earn Program.
$2,250 stipend
Three-credit internship course
Faculty mentor support
Interest-based placements
Real-world experience that builds your resume
DETAILS:
Application deadline: October 30, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)
Internship dates: January 19 - May 7
Log in to Handshake and search “Learn and Earn” to apply.
Students who applied previously but were not selected are encouraged to apply again. Students who were previously selected are not eligible to reapply.
Questions about the internship program?
Contact Dr. Jonniann Butterfield at [email protected]
Need help navigating Handshake?
Reach out to Colette Parrot, CoBHS Career Coach, at [email protected]
This is a great opportunity to turn classroom learning into paid, professional experience

10/15/2026

Students! Join us for a conversation on trauma and resilience today at 2:15 pm with Dr. Sherry Hamby!

10/14/2026

Join us tomorrow!

Brewing Awareness is back on Thursday, Oct. 15! Join us for an evening of conversation, resilience and real-life insights with Dr. Sherry Hamby, author of "Stronger Than You Think."

Dr. Hamby will share perspectives from her experiences as a therapist, teacher, community advocate and survivor, exploring trauma, resilience and the strengths that help us move forward.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Doors open at 5 p.m. Talk begins at 5:30 p.m.
Old Glory Distilling Co. | 451 Alfred Thun Road

Open to the public. Free food. Cash bar.

10/13/2026

Debra Rose Wilson, professor and Lenora C. Reuther Chair of Excellence in the Austin Peay State University School of Nursing, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). This prestigious honor is among the highest distinctions in the nursing profession, recognizing nurse leaders whose contributions to research, practice, education, and policy have advanced health care and improved lives around the world. Wilson is the first nurse from Austin Peay State University to receive this distinguished recognition.

Throughout her accomplished career, Wilson has authored more than 250 scholarly publications, including several books, delivered more than 150 professional presentations and keynote addresses, and made significant contributions to the fields of holistic nursing, trauma-informed care, psychoneuroimmunology, and the intersections of quantum science and health. Her research explores the relationships among trauma, resilience, hope, human connection, and health outcomes, helping to strengthen the evidence base for whole-person approaches to care.

Wilson’s contributions have earned widespread recognition, including being named American Holistic Nurse of the Year in 2017 and induction into the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing in 2025. Her election to the American Academy of Nursing places her among an elite international community of nurse leaders recognized for sustained excellence and transformative contributions to the profession.

The American Academy of Nursing advances health and health policy through leadership, innovation, and scientific excellence in nursing. Fellows are selected through a rigorous review process that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained national and international impact on nursing and health care. Election to the Academy represents one of the profession’s most selective honors.

Reflecting on the recognition, Wilson emphasized that the fellowship represents not only a personal achievement but also a tribute to the mentors, colleagues, students, and patients who have influenced her career. She views the honor as an opportunity to further advance nursing science while promoting approaches to care that acknowledge the complexity of the human experience. Through her work, Wilson continues to encourage future nurses to combine scientific rigor with compassion, recognizing that meaningful healing occurs when physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health are addressed.

About APSU School of Nursing
The Austin Peay State University School of Nursing prepares compassionate, highly skilled nurses through rigorous academics and clinical training. Part of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the School of Nursing is committed to advancing health through excellence in education, scholarship and service while preparing graduates who embody its guiding principle: Kindness Matters.