College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at Austin Peay State University

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.

05/26/2026

“Success does not have an expiration date.”

For one APSU Criminal Justice student, those words became more than motivation — they became a mission.

Returning to college at 31 after stepping away in her early twenties, she made the decision not only for herself, but for her family. Becoming a “bonus” mom inspired her to finish what she started and prove that growth, resilience, and opportunity are never out of reach.

That perspective has shaped her experience at Austin Peay State University from day one.

Through challenging coursework, supportive faculty, and hands-on experience outside the classroom, she discovered a passion for criminal justice data analytics and a deeper understanding of rehabilitation and trauma-informed care.

She credits faculty members like Dr. Simon Rotzer for pushing students to think critically, analyze deeply, and bring their own perspectives into important conversations. “Professors here are lifelong students,” she shared. “They are genuinely curious about our ideas, passions, and perspectives.”

Outside the classroom, she works at a therapeutic residential facility serving youth in DCS custody, where she sees firsthand how treatment, support, and rehabilitation can change lives. The experience has reinforced what she is learning at APSU: meaningful change happens when people are given both accountability and opportunity.

Her story is also a reminder that Criminal Justice careers extend far beyond traditional expectations. APSU’s program prepares students for work in advocacy, policy, research, social services, and community leadership through skills grounded in critical thinking, discipline, and evidence-based practice.

No matter where students begin their journey, it is never too late to grow, lead, and make an impact.

05/25/2026

ICYMI: APSU ROTC achieved an incredible milestone earlier this month commissioning its 1,000th Army Officer! 💪🎩🎓

LET'S GO PEAY!

Austin Peay State University's ROTC program commissioned its 1,000th Army officer, Cadet Christopher Martin, a major milestone.