Larry Carroll ('76) - Austin Peay State University

Larry Carroll (’76)
Meet the nation’s leading independent
financial adviser. Page 22
Shadow a Titan in training.
Page 10

Table of Contents
Features
Page 2
The Self-Made Man
Extreme sports! From running plays as captain of the Govs football team
to creating one of the world’s top 25 fitness chains to jumping headlong
into the world of NASCAR with his crew of 25, a race driver and 12
cars, Jeff Stec (’93) is a man of action. And there’s more excitement
around the curve!
Page 10
All in a Day’s Work
It’s hot as Hades with humidity you can cut with a knife, but Jared
Clauss is not whining. For this Tennessee Titan, it’s just part of summer
training. But this summer, he and his team completed their two-a-days at
APSU. What’s it like? Tag along for a day.
Page 16
An American in Paris
From Alabama to Austin Peay to New York to Paris—Priscilla Johnson
Lalisse (’94,’96) challenges herself not only to dream big but to follow
her dreams. In her first novel, “Stockdale,” she bravely turns back time
to the 1980s and proceeds to paint a portrait of young Cassie—living,
loving and leaving the racially charged climate of Stockdale, Ala.
Page 22
La Dolce Vita
You may recognize him from “NBC Nightly News,” CNN, The Wall Street
Journal, Money, Newsweek, The New York Times, U.S. News & World
Report or other publications. Despite his meteoric rise to the top, Larry
Carroll (’76) is a down-home kind of guy who quickly builds confidence
in clients and friends. He established Carroll Financial Associates Inc. in
1980. Today, the firm has assets of $1.1 billion, and Carroll has been
named No. 1 independent financial adviser in the nation.
Departments
Making APSU Headlines .............6
Alumni News ..............................28
Sports...........................................30
Class Notes .................................32
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Special Sections
Outstanding Alumni ...................12
Homecoming Calendar................20
Feedback.......................................40
Honor Roll of Donors ............insert
Readership Survey .................insert
Photos: Bill Persinger
Photo: Bill Persinger
On the cover:
Larry Carroll (’76)
was named the
nation’s leading
financial adviser. For
the full story see
Page 22.
Inset: The Titans’
Vince Young during
camp at Austin Peay.
Reader’s Guide
Austin Peay is published biannually—fall and
spring—by the Office of Public Relations and
Marketing. Press run for this issue is 30,000.
Dennie B. Burke Editor
Bill Persinger (’91) Art Direction, Design and
Photo Editor
Melony Leazer Assistant Editor
Michele Tyndall (’06) Content Coordinator
Shelia Boone (’71) Alumni News and Events
Sharon Silva (’98) Donor List
Brad Kirtley Sports Information
Steve Wilson (’97) Online Version
How to change your address
or receive the magazine
Fill out and mail the form on Page 32 or
contact Alumni and Annual Giving in one of
the following ways:
Post us: Alumni and Annual Giving
P.O. Box 4676
Clarksville, TN 37044
Zap us: alumni@apsu.edu
Phone us: (931) 221-7979
Fax us: (931) 221-6292
How to contact or submit
letters to the editor
Fill out and mail the form on Page 32 or
contact the Public Relations and Marketing
Office in one of the following ways:
Post us: Public Relations/Marketing
P.O. Box 4567
Clarksville, TN 37044
Zap us: burked@apsu.edu
Phone us: (931) 221-7459
Fax us: (931) 221-6123
Let us hear from you!
Your opinions and suggestions are encouraged
and appreciated.
Austin Peay State University is one of 46 institutions in the
Tennessee Board of Regents system, the sixth largest system
of higher education in the nation. The Tennessee Board of
Regents is the governing board for this system, which is
composed On of the six universities, Cover: 13 two-year colleges and 26
Tennessee technology centers. The TBR system enrolls more
than 80 percent of all Tennessee students attending public
institutions of higher education.
Austin Peay State University is an equal opportunity
employer committed to the education of a non-racially
identifiable student body.
AP093/08-06/30M/McQuiddy Printing/Nashville, TN
From the Director
Autumn is busy at Austin Peay, with the return of students
and the kick-off of another year. As fall approaches,
my thoughts primarily turn to Homecoming—the largest
alumni event of the year. What an exciting time, as we
anticipate the return of hundreds of alums to campus.
The 2006 Homecoming theme, “Celebrating Music in
America,” opens up limitless possibilities for fun and entertaining
events. First, I want to thank the many alumni volunteers
who have donated their time and creativity to organize
a variety of activities for alumni, friends and students—
something for everyone. Check out the Homecoming
Calendar of Events on Page 20. You’ll see new events mixed
in with old favorites. Just select the ones you want to attend.
While you’re at it, contact former classmates and alumni
friends and make plans to meet them during Homecoming. If
you’ve not been on campus recently, you’ll be amazed at the
changes and growth. Even if you were here last year, you’ll see
significant improvements and ongoing construction of new
buildings, such as the $11 million student recreation center.
With Austin Peay’s historic return to scholarship football
this fall, we’re expecting more alumni than usual at
Homecoming. And while numbers are important, our primary
focus is ensuring those who do return have a wonderfully
memorable time. One highlight of the weekend is
Saturday’s Alumni Awards Brunch where six fellow alumni
will be honored. We hope you’ll be there to congratulate
them and celebrate their achievements.
Turning quickly to other good news: We’re establishing
new alumni chapters this year in Washington, D.C., Orlando
and Houston, so we’ll be contacting alumni in those areas
soon with details. We also are planning new chapters in
Greater Cincinnati, as well as in Dickson, Stewart and
Houston counties. If you’re interested in being involved in
these planning processes, please let me know.
Also, we have a vacancy on our board of directors for a
director for District II (Scott, Campbell, Claiborne, Union,
Morgan, Anderson, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Cocke,
Sevier, Blount, Monroe. Loudon, Roane and Knox counties in
Tennessee and Swan, Graham, Cherokee and Macon counties
in North Carolina). If you’re interested, please contact
me to discuss the responsibilities.
Just a reminder: We’re eager to hear what’s happening
with you, so we can share your news with other alumni
through the Austin Peay magazine, so keep us updated on
your address, including your e-mail address—the best way
to reach you.
Once again, I want to express heartfelt thanks to our
wonderful alumni for your continued interest, support and
participation. I truly appreciate all you do for your alma
mater and the National Alumni Association.
Sincerely,
Shelia Boone
Director, Alumni and Annual Giving
Executive Director, APSUNAA
National Alumni Association
Executive Officers and Board of Directors
Executive officers
President
Mike MacDowell (’71)
District X, Hopkinsville, Ky.
(wmikemacdowell@wmconnect.com)
President-elect
Nancy Washington (’99)
District V, Nashville, Tenn.
(na_washington@msn.com)
Vice president
Dr. Robert Patton (’57, ’59)
District I, Johnson City, Tenn.
(drbobpatton@earthlink.net)
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Past president
Sam Samsil (’67)
District XII, Birmingham, Ala.
(samsil@bellsouth.net)
Faculty adviser
Dr. Floyd Scott (’65, ’67)
District X, Clarksville, Tenn.
(scotta@apsu.edu)
Executive director
Shelia Boone (’71)
(boones@apsu.edu)
Directors
District I . . . . . . .Dr. Robert Patton (’57, ’59) (drbobpatton@earthlink.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District II . . . . . .Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District III . . . . . .Tony Marable (’81) (tmarable@tntech.edu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District IV . . . . . .Fredrick Yarbrough (’70) (FTVP25@aol.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District V . . . . . . .Brandt Scott (’89) (brandt.scott@thehartford.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District VI . . . . . .Emily Pickard (’04) (emilypickard@hotmail.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District VII . . . . .Mark Hartley (’87) (hartleydad@yahoo.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District VIII . . . . .Bob Holeman (’78) (B_holeman@msn.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District IX . . . . . .Cynthia Norwood (’92) (cynthianorwood@hotmail.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District X . . . . . . .Nelson Boehms (’86) (nboehms@earthlink.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District XI . . . . . .Angela Neal (’98) (presidentangela@yahoo.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District XII . . . . .Jim Roe (’65) (j_m_roe@yahoo.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District XIII . . . . .Ginny Gray Davis (’87) (ginnyg@fuse.net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
District XIV . . . . .Dr. Dale Kincheloe (’66) (drkinch@aol.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
District XV . . . . . .Don Wallar II (’97) (waller@wallar.com) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
Student Rep. . . . .Nick Pitts, SGA president (sgapres@apsu.edu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007
Chapter presidents
African-American . . . . . . . . . . .Nancy Washington (’99) (na_washington@msn.com)
Tri-Counties of Kentucky . . . . .Mike (’71) and Diane (’90) MacDowell (wmikemacdowell@wmconnect.com)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Todd, Trigg and Christian counties)
Greater Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . .Peter Minetos (’89) (Pminetos@DCSAtlanta.com)
Montgomery County . . . . . . . . .Brandon (’04) and Jessica Harrison (’99) (brandon.harrison@horne-llp.com)
Greater Nashville . . . . . . . . . . .Lee Peterson (’90) (Lpeterson@fox17.com)
Tri-Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lee Ellen Ferguson-Fish (’89) (lee.fish@airgas.com)
Greater Memphis . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Schneider (’96) (jeff.schneider1@ipaper.com)
Trane Support Group . . . . . . . . .Veda Holt (veda.holt@trane.com)
Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vivian Cathey (’80) (vivian.cathey@sctworkforce.org)
Nursing Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Doris Davenport (’91) (davenportd@apsu.edu)
Greater Carolinas . . . . . . . . . . .Mark S. Webber (’86) (Mark_Webber@hp.com)
Greater Birmingham . . . . . . . . .Sam Samsil (’67) (samsil@bellsouth.net)
Robertson County . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Hogan (’78) (TheHoganCompany@att.net)
Huntsville (Ala.) . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Holvey (’74) (jholvey@dykesrestsupply.com)
Cheatham County . . . . . . . . . . .Cheryl Bidwell (’85) (clbidwell3@hotmail.com)
Greater Chattanooga . . . . . . . . .Kel Topping (’90) (toppingk@comcast.net)
Football Lettermen . . . . . . . . . .Charles Woods (’94) (cwwoodsjr@bellsouth.net)
1

The self-made
MAN
By Terry Stringer Damron
Assistant Director for Marketing
No challenge too great
Whether competing on the football field or in the fitness
industry, Stec has never been one to shy away from a challenge–
a characteristic partially rooted in his experiences as the eldest of
three sons, charged with many parental responsibilities after his
mother passed away while he was in high school.
“You have to grow up fast when you’re the oldest in the
family,” says Stec, who has two younger brothers. “My father
was a school teacher, so I had to take on a lot of chores.”
Though chores abounded, Stec still found time to play
football. A linebacker for his high school team from 1986-
1990, Stec’s work ethic and determination landed him several
offers from colleges throughout Illinois. But it was a
southern college that caught his attention.
“I had been offered scholarships to several Illinois state
schools, but APSU was the farthest from home,” says Stec,
who originally thought Austin Peay was in Austin, Texas.
“The south was a culture shock because I wasn’t used to the
Southern dialect – all the ya’lls and fixin’-to-dos and such.
“But in the end, I learned to enjoy the Southern way of life.”
Although his college of choice turned out to be much
closer to home than he anticipated, Stec stuck by his decision
to play for the Governors, joining the team in 1990.
Playing center, he went on to serve as captain of the 1993
Governors football team while completing two majors.
“I decided to double major because I didn’t know what I
wanted,” says Stec, laughing at the logic behind his academic
pursuits. “I just kept taking classes.
“It wasn’t until I graduated and started working that I got
focused on what I wanted in a career.”
Joining the staff of Gold’s Gym after graduating in 1994,
Stec pondered a return to college while learning the ins and
outs of the fitness industry. Before he knew it, what was
supposed to be “just a job” had become his passion.
“I fell in love with the fitness industry,” says Stec. “I
enjoyed the atmosphere and people’s happiness.”
Eager to work in a more progressive fitness market, Stec
left Clarksville in 1996 to manage a group of facilities in the
Raleigh-Durham, N.C., area, where he met his soon-to-be
Continued on Page 4
At first glance, one could easily mistake
Jeff Stec for the typical Austin Peay
State University student.
His lean build and easy-going mannerisms
seem fitting of a 20-something college
student, and his comfort in a
sweatshirt, shorts and sneakers lends to
the image.
In reality, Stec hasn’t been an APSU
student in more than 10 years. And he
is anything but typical.
Bill Persinger/APSU
Roy Gregory/APSU
2
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
3

Jeff Stec looks over one of his many Peak Fitness centers. This two-story facility, the approximate size of three football fields, offers aerobic and weight areas, an
indoor skating rink, a soccer field—and child care!
Bill Persinger
sport, Stec admits he never was a NASCAR
fan, fully attributing his interest to the local
connection and simple business sense.
Ultimately, the move to the race track filled a
need not only to diversify his businesses, but
also once again to enjoy the rush and excitement
of competitive sports.
“I saw the success other people were having
in NASCAR and found it to be a tremendously
interesting business,” says Stec. “It’s a
competitive sport, which I was desperately
missing at the time, but on top of that, it
functioned just like any other business. It
wasn’t just about bringing in partners and
sponsors, it was helping sponsors while helping
the business.
“It’s a win-win situation.”
In December 2004, Stec made his initial
investment in racing, purchasing a controlling
stake in NASCAR driver and owner Hermie
Sadler’s SCORE Motorsports Cup team, creating
Peak Performance Motorsports.
Though the partnership seemed ideal at first,
Stec ultimately took over the business and
replaced Sadler with current driver Kevin
LePage. Since then, the team’s Nextel Cup
rank has improved from 44 to 39 – not surprising,
given Stec’s hands-on approach to
team ownership.
“I have a marketing group that handles our
sponsors, but I’m very involved,” says Stec,
whose Nextel Cup racing team is composed
of 25 employees and 12 cars, each of which
costs $60,000-$70,000.
“When a company is investing millions of
dollars, you expect a thorough investigation,”
he says. “I explain my personal background
and financial strengths, and provide background
checks on the whole team.
“I let our sponsors know their money is in
the right place.”
If you can dream it,
you can do it
After all the risk-taking and penny-pinching,
Stec says his experiences have made him
a true believer in the statement “where there’s
a will, there’s a way” – and in the strength of
family.
“Melissa has always been tremendously
supportive of my decisions,” he says.
“Making the kind of decisions I have made
means putting yourself and your family at
risk. I’ve sacrificed a tremendous amount to
get where I am, and Melissa has gone
through the thins to get to the thicks.
“To get to the peaks, you have to go
through the valleys. She’s been supportive
through it all.”
One of the unique features of Stec’s fitness center
is an indoor soccer complex.
And the learning experiences haven’t been
limited to the gym or the race track.
“The challenges I have faced as a father
and husband are much different than any I
have faced in business,” says Stec. “It’s
about emotions, not just about being the boss.
There’s a lot more give and take.”
“I wouldn’t trade being a father and husband
for anything. I’d give away all my
businesses before losing that.”
Clearly, family is top priority for the Stecs,
who devote most of their time to ball games
and dance recitals these days. Still, Stec has
no inclination to rest on his laurels.
“I definitely haven’t made it to the peak.
There is a lot more to come.”
Bill Persinger
wife, Melissa. In 1997, he married Melissa
and entered into a partnership with a small
chain of fitness facilities. Later that year, the
couple welcomed their first daughter,
Samantha.
While it seemed all his dreams were coming
true, something still was amiss.
“There were so many things I wanted to do
better at the gym,” says Stec.
Frustrated by his position as a minimal
shareholder and the resulting inability to
make necessary changes, Stec knew he would
have to open his own fitness center if he
wanted to see it done right. Knowing the
financial obligations of such a center, the Stec
family began making the sacrifices necessary
to achieve the dream.
“I didn’t come from a silver-spoon type of
background,” says Stec. “So when I say I sacrificed,
I mean I literally scrounged every
penny. In one year, we moved 12 times just
to save money.”
After “living on nothing for years” and
finding only mediocre success in his venture
with Gold’s Gym, Stec struck out on his own
in 1999.
“I don’t know if it was the right time to
start out on my own or not,” says Stec, who
had just welcomed a second daughter, Lauren.
“I just knew it was time to start doing business
my way – better than other gyms.”
With many decisions to make, Stec turned
to his constant support, Melissa.
“Since I never let anything go longer than
24 hours, we made quick decisions,” says
Stec. “Melissa came up with the name ‘Peak
Fitness’ and we developed the concepts, right
down to the basics for a logo and color
scheme for the building.”
Officially opening in October 2000, Peak
Fitness was an instant success.
“We created an environment that energizes
people when they walk in,” says Stec, who
now owns 17 Peak Fitness centers and is initiating
a national franchise campaign.
“It’s no different than when a person enters
a major sports venue: they walk in and feel
the energy flowing through the place. By
providing this type of energy, we have a situation
where people look forward to going to
the gym.”
As for Stec, he’s proud of Peak Fitness,
which is ranked among the top 25 fitness
chains in the world.
“I think it is great we can provide a way
for people to find the closest thing to a fountain
of youth,” says Stec, who provided the
same opportunity to APSU students, faculty
and staff by donating $335,000 in equipment
to the University’s fitness center.
“We’re in the business of dealing with people’s
happiness. They always leave the gym
better than when they came in.”
Zoom zoom zoom
No longer scrimping and saving to make
ends meet, Stec quickly began to hunger for a
challenge – something new and exciting.
Living in Mooresville, N.C., (also known as
Raceville, U.S.A.) the next step was obvious.
It was time to venture into the high-speed
world of NASCAR.
“All of our neighbors and friends are tied
into NASCAR in one way or another,” says
Stec. “I saw the business opportunity and, at
the time, it created another challenge for me
– which keeps me young and adds lots of
insanity.”
Asked if his NASCAR endeavor stems
from a childhood dream or passion for the
After launching 17 fitness
centers since 2000, Jeff Stec
expects to have expanded
substantially by 2007 with a
national franchise for Peak
Fitness Centers.
Bill Persinger
4 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
5

Making APSU Headlines
APSU rolls out ‘red’ carpet for the Titans
This summer, Titans blue and Austin Peay
red ran together—and it was a beautiful sight!
After a few on-the-quiet campus visits by
Titans administrators, negotiations with
APSU officials and a contract acceptable to
all, the Tennessee Titans selected APSU to
host the team’s summer training camp, July
26-Aug. 11.
Thousands of visitors came to campus to
watch the Titans during their two-a-days. It
quickly became obvious that Titans fans are
tough and loyal, driving countless hours from
far-flung states and then enduring horrific heat
and humidity to watch their heroes in action.
The choice of APSU was not a given. Other
sites were considered but, as coach Jeff Fisher
said when he visited campus, the Titans liked
what they saw at The Peay.
President Sherry Hoppe said, “I cannot
think of any more exciting way to kick off
Austin Peay’s return to scholarship football
than to be the host site of the Titans 2006
training camp.”
The Titans, coaches and staff filled up two
residence halls. They ate in the cafeteria, used
weight rooms in the Dunn Center and meeting
rooms in the University Center and practiced
in Governors Stadium and Morgan
Brothers Soccer Complex.
Fisher and the team were quick to praise
APSU for everything—from the assistance
from University staff to the quality and quantity
of cafeteria food. City leaders expressed appreciation
to APSU officials for finessing a deal
that brought the Titans to town.
Speaking of the immeasurable value of hosting
the Titans, Carroll McCray, men’s football
coach, said in a July 28 article in The Leaf-
Chronicle: “I don’t know if we’ll ever know
how much advertising we’re getting. I’ve had
calls from Florida and California and all over the
country, asking ‘Are the Titans camping at your
place?’ It’s exciting when you can say yes.”
For a day in the life of a Titan in training,
turn to Page 10.
Bill Persinger/APSU
On Aug. 4 at APSU, with the heat index standing at
105 degrees, Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher
moves the second of the team’s two-a-days from
afternoon to evening.
Robb Report says APSU
Concert Hall among nation’s
top 10
What music major—voice or instrumental—would
not want to perform in one of the
top 10 concert halls in the nation—as recognized
by the prestigious Robb Report? For
those who understand this inestimable benefits,
the only choice in Tennessee and contiguous
states is APSU.
Austin Peay’s Concert Hall in the
Music/Mass Communication Building is touted
as one of the top 10 “premiere concert
©2006 Bill Persinger Photography
halls” in the nation in the article, “Superior
Sights & Sounds,” in The Robb Report Home
Entertainment Magazine (March/April 2006).
The article’s introduction says, “We traveled
the nation in search of the premiere concert
halls—where aesthetics and acoustics are in
complete harmony.”
The other nine halls featured are The Isaac
Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, New
York; Boston Symphony Hall; Morton H.
Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas; Sosnoff
Theater in the Richard B. Fisher Center for
the Performing Arts at Bard College,
Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Walt Disney
Concert Hall, Los Angeles; Benroya Hall,
Seattle; Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall, State
University of New York at Fredonia; Troy
Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, N.Y.; and
Maurice Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City.
For more information about the APSU
Department of Music, telephone (931) 221-7818.
McCord reopens as new
digs for School of Nursing,
School of Agriculture and
Geosciences
The McCord Building may appear to be
the same white-columned, Georgian-style
building it was when it opened 57 years ago,
but inside everything is new and top of the
line—from the most current classroom technology
to state-of-the art labs.
“The faculty was told to leave all old
Workers hustle to ready McCord for Fall 2006
classes, after it was closed five years ago for gutting
and total refurbishment.
equipment, computers and furnishings behind
when we move to McCord,” says Dr.
Francisca (Chita) Farrar, new director of the
School of Nursing.
McCord, which initially opened for classes in
1949, was closed in 2001 after the science faculty
moved into the Sundquist Science Complex.
In 2004, APSU secured state funding to gut and
renovate the building to house the schools of
nursing and agriculture and geosciences.
The total renovation and refurbishing of
McCord are complete, and those who’ve seen
it give it an A+. “It’s incredible,” Farrar says.
“And the equipment is amazing.”
Located on the first and part of the second
floor is the School of Agriculture and
Geosciences. Dr. Greg Ridenour, director,
says the move to McCord increases space for
classrooms, the paleontology and sedimentology
labs and rock-preparation room. Seating
in the geosciences computer lab—with its
new GX620 computers—increased by more
than 50 percent.
“The roof of McCord will become the site
of geoscience’s weather station for automated
recording of atmospheric conditions,”
Ridenour says. “The GIS Center, through
which some of our faculty conduct research,
will be consolidated into a single larger area.”
The move provides room and infrastructure
for an X-ray diffractomer used for mineral
identification. Ground-penetrating radar for
subsurface studies and a flume for studying
erosion by rivers already have been purchased.
Ridenour is confident the new facility will
attract more students to the School of
Agriculture and Geosciences.
The School of Nursing will fill the third
floor and half of the second. “All the classrooms
are ‘smart classrooms,’” says Farrar,
“50-inch plasma TVs, Internet connection,
Powerpoint and projector all in one unit. It’s
totally wireless. With a laptop, there’s instant
Above, the high construction fence around McCord
came down in August, and new computers and
equipment sit on the lawn, waiting to be moved
into the renovated facility. Below, All classrooms
and labs in McCord are light and airy with top-ofthe-line
amenities.
Internet connection.”
Located together in one area of the third floor,
all laboratories are designed and laid out to
enable students to emulate real-world clinical
experiences through specialty labs in basic skills,
critical care and maternal infant care skills along
with an assessment lab for physicals.
“In 1982—the first time I taught at Austin
Peay—we were trying to get a new building. It
was on our wish list for more than 20 years,”
Farrar says. “I never thought I’d live to see it.”
Currently, APSU has 250 students in its
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. The
Master of Science in Nursing is offered
online through the Regents Online Degree
Program (RODP). Farrar, one of the original
architects of the RODP master’s degree in
nursing, is hopeful the newer, larger School
of Nursing will enable APSU to attract more
nursing faculty, since the number of students
accepted is determined by the number and
specialties of faculty.
“There are 120 qualified students on a
waiting list to get into our School of
Nursing,” says Farrar. “We hope to hire more
faculty to accommodate this influx.
“There’s a tremendous shortage of regis-
Continued on Page 8
6 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
7
Bill Persinger/APSU
Bill Persinger/APSU Bill Persinger/APSU

Making APSU Headlines (continued from Page 7)
tered nurses across the state and nation
today—but there’s an even greater shortage of
nursing faculty.”
One of Farrar’s primary focuses is the R.N. to
B.S.N. Program. “We have room to grow that
program greatly,” she says. “Since it’s all online,
it’s perfect for community college nursing graduates
or working R.N.s who now understand the
need to have a bachelor’s degree, too.”
Farrar not only is delighted with the brandnew
space for the School of Nursing, she’s
excited about the future of the profession.
“This is an exciting time for nursing,” she says.
“Demand for qualified nurses is skyrocketing.
It’s a great career for students to enter today.”
For more information about the School of
Nursing, telephone (931) 221-7710. For more
information about the School of Agriculture
and Geosciences, telephone (931) 221-7454.
May 5 Commencement
features historic firsts
With almost 900 candidates for graduation, the
May 5, 2006, Commencement marked the largest
number of graduates ever for one ceremony.
Since the cavernous Dunn Center was
filled to capacity, the overflow crowd viewed
the ceremony on live television in Clement
Auditorium. Due to increasing enrollment and
decreasing attrition, APSU will hold a third
annual graduation beginning in August 2007.
For the first time, also, video of the
Commencement ceremony was streamed to Iraq,
Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world to
enable soldiers to see their loved ones graduate.
At a Commencement luncheon, the inaugural
Distinguished High School Teacher Award
was presented to Connie Edlin Baggett (’81,
’98), instructor of business and information
technology, Stewart County High School.
The Distinguished High School Teacher
Award—established at APSU this year to
honor high school teachers who made a profound
difference in the lives of the graduating
Austin Peay students who nominated them—
is the first of its kind in Tennessee.
Baggett was nominated by her former student,
April Cheatham (‘06), who graduated
from APSU May 5. All student nominations and
letters of recommendations from colleagues,
principals and superintendents were reviewed
thoroughly by a University committee.
Asked what’s the greatest reward of teaching,
Baggett said, “Teaching IS a reward.
When you see a student realize, ‘I got it!’
When students return and tell you how much
An instructor of business and information technology
at Stewart County High School, Connie Edlin
Baggett (’81, ’98), right, received the inaugural
Distinguished High School Teacher Award at a pre-
Commencement luncheon May 5, 2006. April
Cheatham (’06), left, nominated her former high
school teacher. Dr. Sherry Hoppe presented
Baggett with a $1,000 check and a piece of original
art and recognized both Baggett and Cheatham during
graduation ceremonies.
what you taught has helped in their postsecondary
lives, the little notes they give you.
Every day is a reward …”
At the luncheon, President Sherry Hoppe
presented Baggett with a $1,000 check and a
piece of original artwork and also recognized
her during graduation.
APSU alum, wife establish
business scholarship at APSU
Richard (‘65) and Patricia Bibb, who live
in Bellevue but whose vast properties are in
Dickson County, have established a scholarship
endowment at APSU.
Bibb, who grew up in the White Bluff area
of Dickson County, and his wife stipulated
that scholarships from the Mr. and Mrs.
Richard C. Bibb Scholarship Endowment go
to Dickson County students who are majoring
in business or accounting.
Bibb is the nephew of the late Dr. Leon
Bibb, professor emeritus and chair of the
industrial arts department at APSU. “Austin
Peay is where I received the education that
provided me the opportunity to do the things
I’ve done,” Bibb said.
“I’m so appreciative that my parents were
able to send me to Austin Peay, and I want to
help others who might not be as fortunate as I.”
Bibb graduated with a degree in accounting.
From 1965 to 1987, he worked for the
Public Service Commission. He also served
as an executive with Farmers and Merchants
Bank, White Bluff, until it merged with a
larger bank in 1999.
“We want our gift (to APSU) to be used
effectively. For the average citizen, trying to
Bill Persinger/APSU
decide how your money will be used effectively
is a hard job. I can identify with Warren
Buffet (world’s second richest man), who gave
most of his money to someone (Bill Gates, the
world’s richest man) who knows how to distribute
it so it’s used most effectively.
“Patricia and I know Austin Peay will
ensure the money we provided the University
will be given away effectively to the most
deserving students.”
Five of the scholarships have been awarded
to Dickson County students for the upcoming
fall semester.
“The latest government reports say business
is today’s hottest career choice, so the Bibbs
have provided the key to success for hundreds
of future students,” Roy Gregory, executive
director of University Advancement, said, “As
they know from their past support of Austin
Peay, there’s nothing more gratifying than
investing in the future of young people.”
For more information, telephone Sharon
Silva at (931) 221-7127.
Kanervo receives Alumni
Association Distinguished
Prof Award
Dr. David Kanervo, professor of political
science, received the 2006 Alumni
Association’s Distinguished Professor Award.
Throughout his years at APSU, besides
teaching myriad courses in the area of
American government, Kanervo has taught
several Web-based courses and, as department
chair, led in the department’s commitment to
develop and offer its major online.
Although most of his scholarly work has been
in urban and local politics, his primary focus is
on teaching. He is academic adviser to about 160
students and two student organizations.
Bill Persinger/APSU
Gail Gillis
Gail Gillis
Larry Gibson, below, and his family have lived on Kayford Mountain, W. Va., for generations. A recent flyover of the mountain reveals the devastation from mountaintop
removal. According to Gibson, coal companies blast off as much as 800 feet of the mountains to reach the coal. More than 1,000 miles of Appalachian streams have
been buried by debris from this type of mining, and the ancient hardwood forests and diverse plant life that once covered Kayford Mountain are gone forever.
Student group pushes
for green power
Like “The Mouse That Roared,” it’s little
but it’s loud.
The student organization, SOARE
(Students Organized to Advance Renewable
Energy), will move forward this fall with its
No. 1 project—encouraging APSU to buy and
use green power.
Available through TVA, green power
comes from renewable sources of energy,
such as solar power and wind power, rather
than from nonrenewable fossil fuel, such as
coal. The TVA estimates that buying two
blocks of green power a month is equal to the
environmental benefits of planting an acre of
trees or recycling 15,322 aluminum cans.
SOARE intends to take its proposal to the
Student Government Association (SGA) and
ask the senators for a referendum to increase
student-activity fees to help fund the initiative.
With the guidance of faculty adviser Dr.
Joseph Schiller, associate professor of biology,
SOARE gelled in Fall 2005 by planning and
implementing an ambitious and highly successful
six-week film festival to educate the
public about mountaintop-removal mining.
SOARE continues to flex its muscles. Along
with 59 other groups, SOARE signed a petition
that blocked an Army Corps of Engineers
permit to allow mountaintop-removal mining
at four sites in West Virginia. Had the permit
been allowed to stand, 2,278 acres of deciduous
forests would have been leveled.
During the summer, Schiller and SOARE
members attended the Mountains Witness
Tour: Healing Mountains, a weeklong training
camp in Ripley, W.V., sponsored by more
than 50 national groups. The largest-ever
gathering of people working to stop mountaintop-removal
mining, the event featured
flyovers of coalfields decimated by mountaintop-removal
mining.
Speaking of efforts to introduce green
power to APSU, SOARE’s new president,
continued on Page 15
8
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
9

All in a day’s work
Follow defensive tackle No. 96, Jared Clauss, in an exclusive inside look at a day in the Titans’ training camp at Austin Peay.
By Melony Leazer
Communication Specialist
Photos by Bill Persinger
Not long ago, Jared Clauss recorded 133
tackles in his four-year football career as
defensive tackle for the University of Iowa.
In 2004 – months after the Des Moines
native earned a bachelor’s degree in communication
– the Tennessee Titans picked Clauss
in the seventh round of the NFL draft.
Clauss found himself back at school this
summer – living on the campus of Austin Peay
State University, where the pro team held a
two-week training camp for the first time in
history. Since 1999, the team had worked
exclusively at Baptist Sports Park in Nashville.
“It’s odd to be back on a college campus,
but it’s good to get away,” the 25-year-old
Clauss says. “We’ve always been right there
at home, which has been nice, but this is pretty
good, too, good facilities, good food.”
Practices in the heat, training sessions and
nightly meetings make up the Titans’ fastpaced
daily regimen at Austin Peay – a pace
considered grueling by observers.
Getting the day started
At 7:20 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 3, a 6-foot-4,
290-pound Clauss enters the cafeteria in
Morgan University Center, where other Titans
are eating breakfast – one of the meals
declared mandatory by head coach Jeff Fisher.
After going through the serving line,
Clauss sits at the table, bows his head in
prayer and eats a breakfast of two hard-boiled
eggs, a biscuit with gravy, banana, a tall glass
of orange juice and a fruit smoothie.(1)
“I eat light in the mornings,” Clauss says.
About 10 minutes later, Clauss weighs in, a
requirement Titans players must follow at
least once a week, and then begins the walk
to the locker rooms at the Dunn Center to
change for an 8:30 a.m. practice at Morgan
Brothers Soccer Complex.
On the way, Clauss recalls how a professional
football career was always an option.
“When I was a kid, I thought I might like
to play football,” Clauss says. “When I started
playing in high school and then moved on
to college ball, I knew it was something I
wanted to do.”
Moments later, in his No. 96 Titans jersey,
Clauss heads toward the practice field. On the
way, he joins other Titans to sign a fan’s
poster taped to a fence.(2)
While Clauss and other defensive team
players warm up, in temperatures escalating
into the upper 90s with a heat index of 100,
young fans yell a few feet from them, asking
for autographs.(3) The Titans obliged without
hesitation, signing shirts and ball caps.(4)
For the next 45 minutes, defensive line
coach Jim Washburn, who is known for his
fiery demeanor, drills the team through a
number of warm-ups and plays.(5) For the
rest of the morning practice, team members
scrimmage against each other(6) – and consume
gallons of water and Gatorade to
replenish their sweat-drenched bodies while
some receive ice water-soaked towels from
medical staff to keep cool.(7)
“For every pound of weight we lose to
sweat, you’re suppose to drink a bottle of
Gatorade,” Clauss says, “which can be a lot
of Gatorade.”
1st practice down, but more to do
Because the Titans’ defensive line is relatively
young, a soft-spoken and reserved Clauss
offers words of advice to some of the rookies.
“You always try to help out the rookies,”
says Clauss, a candidate for pass rusher after
Rien Long suffered a severed right Achilles’
tendon early in preseason training. “When I
was a rookie, other guys were here to help me
out. They’re going to make mistakes just like
I’m still making mistakes. You’re trying to
listen to your coaches, they notice things you
don’t notice, so I just try to help the rookies.”
Shortly after 10 a.m., the Titans finish their
morning practice and head toward the locker
room to change for training inside the Govs
weight room, where players work out to the
mixed sounds of loud music and equipment
hitting the floor.(8)
To help condition his upper body, Clauss
bench-presses 225 pounds throughout a number
of repetitions.(9) He then concentrates on
building the abdomen through crunches and situps.(10)
A morning of practice in the blazing sun
and intense weight training, coupled with
walking to their destinations on campus, can
expend a few thousand calories, but lunch to
refuel is next on the schedule for the Titans.
Back in the cafeteria around 11:30 a.m.,
Clauss layers his plate several inches with
continued on Page 27
1
2
3a
3b
4
5
10
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
11

2006 Alumni Awards
The APSU National Alumni Association
proudly presents its top awards during
Homecoming weekend—a tradition since 1992.
This year’s recipients will be honored during
the Alumni Awards Brunch, which begins
at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 4 in the Morgan
University Center Ballroom. Friends and relatives
are invited to celebrate with the honorees
while enjoying a delicious meal.
The Outstanding Service Award was established
by the APSU National Alumni
Association to give special recognition to
individuals who, through fund raising,
recruiting, advocacy or faithful service, have
brought honor and distinction to APSU. This
award, which may be given to someone who
is not an APSU alumnus/a, represents the
highest honor conferred by the APSUNAA.
The Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Award
is given to a graduate of APSU who is 42 or
younger. It recognizes accomplishments in
one’s profession, business, community, state
or nation that have brought a high level of
honor and pride to the University.
The Outstanding Alumnus/a Award honors
an APSU graduate, regardless of age, for
outstanding accomplishments in his/her profession,
business, community, state or nation
that have brought a high level of honor and
pride to the University.
The Outstanding Service Award for 2006
goes to the late Sallie Hampton Ellis (’66,
’73, ’84) of Clarksville and Dewayne
McKinney (’66, ’74) of Hendersonville, Tenn.
The Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Award
goes to Michelle Madrid-Branch (’92) of
Santa Fe, N.M., and Charles “Bubba” Wells
(’97) of Clarksville.
Recipients of the Outstanding Alumnus/a
Award are David Bibb (’70) of Washington,
D.C., and Rhonda Kennedy (’83, ’86) of
Clarksville.
Sallie Hampton
Ellis
2006 Outstanding Service Award
Sallie Hampton Ellis (’66, ’73, ’84),
Posthumously
Born June 16, 1944, to the late Mr. and
Mrs. Richard H. Hampton Sr., Clarksville,
Sallie Hampton Ellis died at Baptist Hospital,
Nashville, Jan. 19, 2006.
Named Clarksville-Montgomery County
Education Association’s Distinguished
Teacher of the Year in 1995, Ellis retired
from the local school system in 1997 after 30
years of service.
She was among the first African-American
students to enroll as an undergraduate at
Austin Peay State College in the early 1960s.
She graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s
degree in elementary education. In 1973, she
completed an M.S. in Administration and
Supervision. She earned the Education
Specialist Degree in 1984.
On April 9, 2000, she was inducted into
APSU’s chapter of The Honor Society of Phi
Kappa Phi Hall of Fame. She was a member
of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society,
American Association of University Women,
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public
Library-FRIENDS and the Tennessee Library
and Reading Associations.
After teaching in area elementary schools,
Ellis began teaching with the Title I kindergarten
program in 1970. From 1979-93, she
was a teacher, lead teacher and consultant for
the Program for Academically Superior
Students (PASS)—the program she had written
and implemented for primary students.
Ellis was a charter member of the
Tennessee Association for the Gifted, serving
as president in 1990-91. From 1993 until
retiring, she taught at Burt Elementary
School as the “21st Century Classroom
Teacher,” developing curriculum and instructional
methods for the computer age. From
1973-96, she served on accreditation visiting
and steering committees for the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools.
Dewayne McKinney David Bibb Rhonda Kennedy
Ellis was active in local, regional, state
and national retired teachers organizations.
She was president, president-elect/vice president
and program chair of the Clarksville-
Montgomery County Retired Teachers
Association. She served by appointment on
the Greater Nashville Regional Council and
the Montgomery County Millennium
Commission. She was a member of the
Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and
APSU Governors Club.
She served on the boards of the Clarksville
Community Concert Series, Harriett Cohn
Mental Health Center and local library. She
was a member of the American Cancer
Society, Fibromyalgia Alliance of America
and Schomburg Society for the Preservation
of Black Culture. A troop leader for both the
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, she
was an active member of the Trinity
Episcopal Church.
Ellis is survived by her husband, L M
Ellis, Clarksville; four children, Dorlisa
Goodrich Young, Sicklerville, N.J.; Charles
C. Goodrich, Chicago; Kenneth O. Goodrich
and Yvetta Denise Johnson, Clarksville;
along with two sisters, one brother and six
grandchildren.
Following Ellis’ death, her family established
the Sallie Hampton Ellis Endowed
Scholarship Fund for the education and band
departments at APSU. Memorial donations
may be made to P.O. Box 4417, Clarksville,
TN 37044.
2006 Outstanding Service Award
Dewayne McKinney (’66, ’74)
Dewayne McKinney, Hendersonville,
earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from
APSU in 1974. After graduation, his father
persuaded him to work in his construction
business. After eight years, McKinney turned
it over to his brother and took his first job in
sales with Handling Systems Inc., Nashville,
which primarily is a broker. If an industry
needs a certain piece of assembly equipment,
McKinney designs it on an AutoCAD computer.
Today, he is co-owner and vice president of
sales for Handling Systems Inc. Most recently,
McKinney designed an automated system
to help packaging operations for Wilson
Sporting Goods’ golf ball line. His work on
this project was featured in the August 2005
edition of Packaging World Magazine.
McKinney enrolled at Austin Peay in 1966,
but the Vietnam War beckoned. After serving
his country, he returned to APSU—older,
wiser and more enthusiastic about all the
opportunities. He jumped back into student
life, serving on the Social Activities Board, as
president of his fraternity and as an Austin
Peay cheerleader.
And he has continued to be a cheerleader
for Austin Peay State University. In 1991,
McKinney was selected as the recipient of the
APSU Alumni-Admissions Award in recognition
of his outstanding service in recruiting
students for his alma mater.
During the 1990 basketball season,
McKinney brought 25 students to a Govs game.
That fall, he brought an additional 11 students
for a campus tour. At the time, McKinney said,
“Austin Peay is an excellent school, and it’s
good to see good students go there.
“I talk it up—at work, at church. If someone
wants information about Austin Peay, all
they have to do is contact me and I’ll see to it
that they get whatever they need.”
McKinney has been giving back to Austin
Peay in countless ways for decades. Besides
recruiting students and supporting the Govs
through regular attendance at games,
McKinney has given years of his time in volunteer
work for the APSU National Alumni
Association, serving as secretary-treasurer,
vice president and president during the era
when the alumni association was transitioning
to a national organization.
McKinney is an avid golfer and fisherman,
but the majority of his time away from work
Michelle Madrid-
Branch
Charles “Bubba”
Wells
belongs to his church and family. He and his
wife, Cheryl (’73), whom he met when both
were APSU students, have two grown children.
After graduating from APSU in 2000, their
daughter, Bethany McKinney Froboese,
earned a doctorate in physical therapy, and
now works with a group of Clarksville
orthopaedic doctors. Their son, Blake, who
plans to enter the ministry, attends Union
University, Jackson.
For his support of Austin Peay through student
recruitment, leadership of the alumni
association and attending Governors games,
McKinney is the personification of the
Outstanding Service Award.
2006 Outstanding Alumnus
David Bibb (‘70)
David L. Bibb began serving as acting
administrator of the U.S. General Services
Administration (GSA), Washington, D.C., on
Nov. 1, 2005, after being appointed deputy
administrator in late 2003.
The GSA, the federal government’s central
property manager, has massive property holdings
nationwide, including the office wings of
the White House.
A GSA veteran of more than 34 years,
Bibb joined GSA’s Atlanta office as a management
intern in 1971. Since then, he has
been named to several executive-level positions
including deputy commissioner and
assistant commissioner for planning, both
within GSA’s Public Buildings Service.
Prior to his role as deputy administrator,
Bibb served as deputy associate administrator
for real property within GSA’s Office of
Governmentwide Policy. His responsibilities
included the direction of policy and regulatory
development for the acquisition, management
and disposal of real property and workplace
assets of the federal government.
As acting administrator of GSA, Bibb
works closely with the GSA senior leadership
team to devise policy and provide managecontinued
on Page 14
Alumni awards nominations
The Austin Peay State University
National Alumni Association is seeking
nominations for the Outstanding Young
Alumnus/a Award, Outstanding Service
Award and Outstanding Alumnus/a
Award. Submit nominations in one of
the following ways:
Mail:
In person:
By Phone:
APSU
Alumni and Annual Giving
P.O. Box 4676
Clarksville, TN 37044
Pace Alumni Center
at Emerald Hill
751 N. Second St.
(931) 221-7979 or
1-800-264-2586
By fax: (931) 221-6292
E-mail:
alumni@apsu.edu
The Outstanding Alumnus/a Award is given
to a graduate of Austin Peay State University,
regardless of age. It recognizes outstanding
accomplishments in one’s profession, business,
community, state or nation, that have
brought a high level of honor and pride to
the University.
The Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Award
is given to a graduate of Austin Peay State
University who is age 42 or younger. It recognizes
outstanding accomplishments in
one’s profession, business, community, state
or nation, that have brought a high level of
honor and pride to the University.
The Outstanding Service Award was established
to give special recognition to individuals
who, through fund raising, recruiting,
advocacy or faithful service, have brought
honor and distinction to Austin Peay State
University. This award, which may be given
to an individual who is not an alumnus/a,
represents the highest honor conferred upon
alumni and friends of the University.
12 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
13

Outstanding Alumni Awards (continued from Page 13) Making APSU Headlines (continued from Page 9)
ment and acquisition services to other federal
agencies, thereby enabling them to achieve
their missions.
Bibb also serves as a board member for the
National Capital Region Combined Federal
Campaign, chair of the U.S. Access Board,
chair of the Guidance Committee of the
Workplace Network and representative on the
National Advisory Council of the Building
Owners and Managers Association of America.
A two-time recipient of the Presidential
Rank Awards of Meritorious Executive and the
Distinguished Executive Award, Bibb twice
received the Administrator’s Distinguished
Service Award—GSA’s highest honor.
At APSU, Bibb was editor of The All State
for three years. At graduation, he received the
Drane Award as the outstanding baccalaureate
graduate. After graduating, he earned a master’s
degree from Florida State University.
Bibb is married to APSU alumna Rebecca
Taylor Bibb (’72). Residents of Woodbridge,
Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C., the couple
has two children, Elizabeth and Jonathan.
2006 Outstanding Alumna
Rhonda Kennedy (’83, ’86)
Named Tennessee Principal of the Year in
2006, Rhonda Kennedy was tapped as the
first principal of Clarksville’s newest school,
Barkers Mill Elementary school.
Prior to this, she served as principal of
Hazelwood Elementary School from 1999-
2005 and assistant principal of St. Bethlehem
Elementary from 1996-99. Her early career
was spent as a special education teacher for
13 years, teaching at Ringgold, Barksdale and
St. Bethlehem.
In 1993, Kennedy was selected as the
Distinguished Classroom Teacher and also
nominated as the Clarksville Jaycee’s
Outstanding Young Educator.
Her personal mission is to promote partnerships
between educational, business and civic
entities for the advancement of the community.
She encourages colleagues and friends to
“look down with compassion, back with forgiveness,
forward with hope and up with
gratitude.”
Kennedy is active in numerous professional
organizations on the local, state and national
levels. She is a 2003 graduate of
Leadership Clarksville and a 2004 and 2005
nominee for Clarksville’s Athena Award. She
is active in her church and in the community
through Big Brothers-Big Sisters, American
Heart Walk, DARE, Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts.
She is married to Kevin Kennedy (’78,
’79), a local attorney and owner of a law
firm, and has three children. Kevin Jr., 20,
who served as president of APSU Student
Government Association, 2005-06, is a student
in the UT-Memphis Dental School.
Kenneth, 17, attends Rossview High School,
and Katie, 13, attends Rossview Middle
School.
2006 Outstanding Young
Alumna Award
Michelle Madrid-Branch (’92)
Michelle Madrid-Branch, Santa Fe, N.M.,
is the founder of Adoption Tribe Publishing
and The AML (Adoption Means Love)
Foundation.
With a master’s in broadcast journalism
from APSU, this former Emmy-nominated
television news journalist is also the author of
two internationally acclaimed books on adoption:
“The Tummy Mummy” and “Adoption
Means Love: Triumph of the Heart.”
Not only is Madrid-Branch the adopted
daughter of Rosamund and Lee Boles,
Clarksville, she and her husband are the
adoptive parents of Ian, a baby boy from
Russia. Thus, she brings a personal passion to
her efforts to raise awareness of the millions
of children worldwide who need “forever
families.”
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and his
wife, Barbara, honored Madrid-Branch for
her adoption efforts at home and abroad by
presenting her with the 2006 Governor’s
Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women.
She also was inducted into the 2006 New
Mexico Women’s Hall of Fame, and her
book, “Adoption Means Love: Triumph of
the Heart,” was named a Top Five
Inspirational Book for 2006 by Dolce Vita
Magazine.
Madrid-Branch’s work and message have
been included in numerous publications
around the world. Adoption Australia
Magazine has called her a “world voice for
adoption,” and in 2005 she was featured in
Women’s Day magazine.
In 2004 Madrid-Branch flew to
Washington, D.C., where she was honored
with the Congressional Angels in Adoption
Award. In his nomination of her for the
award, U.S. Sen. Pete Dominici (N.M.) said,
“I am amazed by Michelle’s … dedication to
making a difference in the lives of children.
Michelle is living proof that children of adoption
are achievers who can reach any level of
success… I am grateful to have such a role
model among us.”
Among her supporters is New York Times
best-selling author Robert G. Allen, who said,
“Michelle Madrid-Branch is changing the
world in the area of adoption. It is a message
the world needs to hear. Listen to her!”
She and her husband, Jeffrey Branch, a
commercial real estate developer, are the parents
of two sons, Christian, 4, and Ian, 2.
2006 Outstanding Young
Alumnus Award
Charles “Bubba” Wells (’97)
The man who broke the legendary Fly
Williams’ (29.5 points per game) scoring
mark for a single season has returned to his
alma mater as assistant basketball coach.
When Charles “Bubba” Wells—the leading
scorer in Austin Peay men’s basketball history—left
professional basketball, he decided to
use his tremendous talents and basketball
savvy in the role of coach, mentoring other
young men on the same court where he
earned the nation’s respect, not only as a top
basketball player, but also as an outstanding
young man with an amazing determination
and work ethic.
Considered by many as the most popular
player in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) history,
Wells finished his college career with 2,267
points—the first APSU player to reach 2,000
points—ranking him third all-time in the OVC.
He was a three-time first-team All-OVC
choice after being named the league’s
Freshman of the Year in 1993-94. He was
1997 OVC Player of the Year, OVC Male
Athlete of the Year in 1996 and 1997 and
1997 Joy Award recipient as the most valuable
senior athlete. He also was chosen twice
as the Sportswriters College Basketball
Player of the Year.
Wells’ famed No. 13 jersey was retired Jan.
22, 1998, and he was inducted into the APSU
Athletics Hall of Fame on Feb. 8, 2003.
Although he was the man to watch
throughout his college career, it was his senior
year that drew nationwide attention. He
missed the season’s first 12 games with a
stress fracture in his left tibia, requiring surgery
to place a tibial nail in the lower leg. He
had undergone similar surgery in the 1994-95
season, needing five months to rehabilitate.
But his senior year, the rehab process took
less than five weeks. And in his first game, he
Continued on Page 19
Jessica Cameron, a U.S. Army veteran, said,
“It’s about more than being a tree-hugger. A
lot of money and our national security are
involved in this issue.”
For more information, contact Schiller by
telephone at (931) 221-7249 or by e-mail at
schillerj@apsu.edu.
Linda Davis to play
major role in Homecoming
Grammy award winning recording artist
Linda Davis seems to have adopted APSU.
“It’s more like you all have adopted me,”
she said during a telephone interview in late
summer. “Everyone has made me feel so
warm and welcome. Let’s just call it a mutual
admiration club.”
Davis has agreed to return Nov. 4 to serve
as grand marshal of APSU’s Homecoming
Parade, after performing Aug. 19 in a benefit
concert for APSU Athletics—her second time
in three years to perform at an Austin Peay
Athletics fundraiser.
At Homecoming, Davis will ride in the lead
car, be a special guest at the Alumni Awards
Brunch and in the President’s press box and
sing the National Anthem at the game.
“That’s right up my alley—singing the
National Anthem,” she said. “And I’m always
up for a party, and Homecoming is a big
party. Plus, it gives me a chance to support
the football team.”
Talking about her Aug. 19 concert at
APSU, she said, “I want to brag a second on
Austin Peay’s facilities, especially the
Concert Hall. There’s no better concert hall in
middle Tennessee.”
With her enthusiasm and eagerness to help
the University, Davis has endeared herself to
Austin Peay and the community. “I’ve seen
the heart of Austin Peay,” she said. “And it’s
President Sherry Hoppe and Grammy Award–winning singing artist Linda Davis, right, visit with Johnny
Piper, left, and Billy Atkins outside the Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill. Despite rain, many Govs Club
members attended the kick-off picnic for the Aug. 19 athletics fundraiser, featuring Davis in concert.
all about providing a wonderful education to
students and service to the community.”
Davis has recorded many chart-topping singles
and albums since the early 1990s, but she
is best known for her Grammy-winning duet,
“Does He Love You,” with Reba McEntire.
2 ‘guest’ performers highlight
Homecoming concert,
scholarship fundraiser
Homecoming 2006 will kick off with the
American Patriotic Flagship Concert at 7:30
p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2 in the Music/Mass
Communication Concert Hall, one of the top
10 concert halls in the nation (The Robb
Report Home Entertainment Magazine,
March/April 2006).
Gail Robinson-Oturu, chair of the APSU
Department of Music, says the concert will be
the first of its type at APSU. With an array of
American and patriotic music, the uplifting
concert will feature outstanding student and
faculty performers, including Robinson-Oturu
and tenor Thomas King, both of whom have
performed internationally.
They will be accompanied by well-established
pianists Anne Glass and Elizabeth Wolynec.
Bill Persinger/APSU
Performing also will be the APSU Wind
Ensemble, conducted by Gregory Wolynec, and
the University Choir and Chamber Singers, conducted
by Karen Kenaston-French.
As a special treat, President Sherry Hoppe,
piano, and Provost Bruce Speck, tenor, will
share their musical talents during the evening
concert, designed to raise money for music
and President’s Emerging Leaders Program
scholarships.
Hoppe said, “With the return this fall of the
101st Airborne Division, it’s appropriate that our
concert has been built around a patriotic theme.
“These soldiers and their families are an
important part of the Austin Peay family, so
Dr. Speck and I are delighted to honor them.
Their safe return makes this a truly great
homecoming.”
“Everyone will be talking about the concert
for years to come,” Robinson-Oturu said. “It
will be exciting, fun, and it is for a great
cause—the students and the future.”
The admission of $50 per person is taxdeductible.
All concert proceeds will benefit
the APSU scholarship fund. For more information,
telephone (931) 221-7818.
APSU spins Web of pure gold
in statewide competition
During the 2006 meeting of the Tennessee
College Public Relations Association, the
Office of Public Relations and Marketing
won honors, including four Gold Awards.
• Gold in Print Advertisement for the “Go
for It” ad.
• Gold in Video Advertisement for the 30-
second “Go” spot.
• Gold in Specialty Items for the car shade
with the “Go” campaign theme and visuals.
• Gold in Web sites for the “go.apsu” Web
page for prospective students.
• Silver in Web sites for the “apsu.edu”
Web page.
• Bronze in college Viewbooks.
The competition included about 200 entries
from 16 public and private colleges and universities
across the state. Winners were selected
by a panel of judges, most from marketing
and advertising firms.
14 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
15

An American in
Par is
By: Dennie B. Burke
Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Accompanied by her niece, Audrey Jones of Heflin, Ala.,
Priscilla Johnson Lalisse (’94, ’96) is visiting Pace Alumni
Center at Emerald Hill as guest of honor at a reception and
book signing for her first novel, “Stockdale.”
Lalisse is tall and willowy, moving with the cat-like grace of
a model. Her café au lait skin sets off her quick, bright smile
and dark, almond-shaped eyes.
Despite living in France and traveling worldwide, Lalisse
initially seems a bit ill at ease, not quite as cosmopolitan as
one might expect. Fame is new and a little scary for her. She’s
not yet comfortable in the spotlight. Having her niece along
deflects some of the attention.
Settling quickly on a sofa in the parlor, Lalisse begins talking
about her life, her book, its main character, Cassie, and
how they intersect…or not.
Sweet home Alabama
Lalisse was born and raised in Heflin, Ala., population 3,002.
Exactly 20 years ago, she graduated from Cleburne County
High School—the same school from which Audrey will graduate
this spring. So much has changed. So little has changed.
Most of Lalisse’s novel takes place in the town of
Stockdale, Ala. Although Stockdale is a fictitious name—taken
from the Alabama plantation on which her ancestors were
slaves—the town in her book, which once existed under another
name, is now part of Talladega.
The book’s main character, Cassie, is fascinating—a teenage
renegade who simply disregards the racial barriers of the segregated
city, often slipping to a nearby town to date the biracial
Blake.
Is Cassie really a young Lalisse? “Oh, no,” she says, with a
laugh. “Although I drew on my experiences to create her,
Cassie’s a lot ‘gutsier’ than I was. I was never the rebel she is.”
In “Stockdale,” set in the racially charged South of the
1980s, Cassie, the book’s narrator, hid her relationship with
Blake. But in real life in 2006, Audrey’s longtime white
boyfriend will be taking her to this year’s senior prom.
continued on Page 18
16 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
17
Bill Persinger/APSU

Priscilla Lalisse autographs a copy of “Stockdale” for Taylor Emery, APSU instructor of English.
Does that mean racism is nonexistent at
Cleburne County High School now? “Yes,”
Audrey says quickly—until she sees her aunt
shaking her head “no.”
“Well, the kids at school don’t care!”
Audrey says, defensively. “To them, it doesn’t
matter who you date.”
“Audrey, it matters. For most parents, it still
matters,” Lalisse says with a gentle smile.
I want to be a part of it
Although the character of Cassie is only a
broad-brush silhouette of the book’s author,
Lalisse’s life has been equally exciting and
adventure filled.
While a sophomore at the University of
Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), Lalisse fell in
love with a soldier stationed at Fort Campbell,
Ky., and was determined to be with him. It
was her first interracial relationship.
At Fort Campbell, Lalisse discovered that
interracial couples are common. Since the
stigma of interracial dating has all but disappeared
within the Army, it took little to convince
Lalisse to move to Tennessee and transfer
to APSU.
Although the relationship with the soldier
did not last, her love affair with Austin Peay
did. “Everyone in the languages and literature
department was wonderful,” she says.
“At first, I was really lost, but Dr. Tatham
took me under his wing.”
Her friendship with Lewis Tatham, professor
emeritus of English, remains strong to this
day. He was among the first people Lalisse
asked to read “Stockdale.”
In his review of it, Tatham wrote: “Priscilla
Lalisse is a new voice from the South …
‘Stockdale’ is a novel of hope in its representation
of a town in transition and in its presentation
of a character, Cassie Taylor, who
has risen above the racism of her society.”
Lalisse, after completing her bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in English at APSU, never considered
returning to Alabama to live. Her internal
compass always had pointed to large cities.
So fueled by great excitement and a bit of
naïvete, she headed north to New York City.
Although no job was waiting for her, it was
her dream city. “I love New York,” she says.
“It’s alive and full of energy. Multicultural. And
it’s one of the publishing capitals of the world.”
She admits that finding employment in the
Big Apple was more competitive than she
anticipated. “I almost gave up,” she says.
“But my Mom said ‘stay,’ and I did.”
Within weeks, she was a magazine editor
for JOOP and C++ magazines. Besides finding
employment in her field, she found her
future husband, a business associate and a
Frenchman.
Living on the right bank
Paris. Where artists and writers throughout
the ages have found inspiration in the shadow
of Tour Eiffel and Arc de Triomphe, amidst the
Bill Persinger/APSU
lush greenery and lakes of Jardins des Tuileries,
along the banks of the rippling Seine.
In 1999, Lalisse moved to Paris with her
new husband, immediately falling in love with
his hometown. “Paris is so old, so beautiful,”
she says. “It’s magical. You truly feel surrounded
by it. It’s a very sensory experience.”
In this magnificent city, she gave birth to
their son, Zachary, 3. For several years, she
and her husband were happy. Though they
remain friends, they eventually grew apart.
The two ultimately separated, but she continues
to live in Paris for Zachary. Having
grown up in a large, loving family, Lalisse
knows it’s important that her son know his
dad. When it’s time for Zachary to attend college,
Lalisse might move back to her beloved
New York City.
For now, she lives in an apartment on the
Right Bank in the center of Paris, within walking
distance of many of the city’s most famous
landmarks, such as Arc de Triomphe, Jardins
des Tuileries and Musee du Louvre. Of the
city’s many museums, it’s the one she loves.
“It takes many visits to see everything in
the Louvre. If you don’t see it one hall at a
time, you can be overwhelmed,” she says.
“When people visit, they want to go see the
Mona Lisa and then just leave because it’s so
crowded with tourists. But I go late in the
day, after work, when there’s nobody there
except the locals. I can take my time and
enjoy each piece of art.”
Besides savoring the amazing beauty and
rich culture of the city, living and working in
Paris have enabled Lalisse to travel extensively
Your writings are good and… it is
interesting to hear about Paris from a
black American’s perspective.
—Valerie
California, USA
From Lalisse’s Web site, under “Testimonials”
throughout Europe—Spain, England, Scotland,
Switzerland. “Italy is my favorite,” she says. “I
love the food, the people, the language.”
Lalisse learned to speak French after she
moved to France. Now she’s begun studying
Italian, so she can better appreciate that country
during future visits.
Since moving to Paris, Lalisse has supported
herself by working as an English professor
and freelance writer for such magazines as
Paris Woman, Bonjour Paris and Café de la
Soul. Her personal articles often chronicle the
French experience through American eyes.
She’s making plans to host her family’s 2007
reunion with 50-100 kinfolks, including her parents,
Forrest and Dorothy Johnson of Heflin,
who have visited her in Paris. This summer, she
will join the family for a reunion in Las Vegas.
Distance is not a deterrent for this crew.
Trouble in paradise
Is there anything she doesn’t like about
Paris? “The French have a love-hate relationship
with America,” she says. “They appreciate
what Americans did for them during
World War II, but most are hostile to Bush
and his administration. As an American, I can
feel the tension.
“And they’re a revolutionary people. There
are so many strikes, riots and demonstrations
all the time. They just seem gratuitous.
Recently, there was a pre-emptive strike that
shut down the city’s whole transportation system.
It was extremely frustrating.”
According to Lalisse, most of the French
Alumni Awards (continued from Page 14)
scored 39 points in 28 minutes. As a result,
Well’s debut performance and his surgery
were featured in USA Today.
Although he did not have enough games
played to qualify for the official title, he went
on to become the nation’s unofficial leading
scorer, averaging 31.7 ppg, scoring 30 or
more points 11 times—including three 40-
point games.
Named InfoSport: Basketball’s 1996-97
National Comeback Player of the Year, Wells’
“Stockdale” is the
memoir of a girl
labeled as “black,”
who sees the world in
Technicolor and fights
for self-definition in a
microcosm that
revolves around fleshtones.
— K. Danielle Edwards
Author of the novel “Stacy Jones”
performance also caught the attention of The
Los Angeles Times, which ran a front-page
story, titled “The Man of Steel.” He was the
focus of segments on both CBS NCAA
College Basketball “At the Half” and a sevenminute
feature—“The Real Rod Man”—on
NBC’s “Today” show.
With a college career average of 21.6 ppg
and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 52 percent
from the floor, Wells was drafted by the
Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the
Bill Persinger/APSU
have preconceptions about America. “Many
people in Paris think all Americans are rich and
that America is an egotistical superpower that
doesn’t care what happens outside its borders.”
Americans, too, have preconceptions of the
French, believing them to be liberal and
open-minded. Does that mean Lalisse’s interracial
marriage was no problem in Paris?
Pausing a moment, she says, “It’s really
weird. In America, racism is really about the
color of your skin.
“In Paris, it may seem as if there is no
problem, that they never give interracial couples
a second look. But the truth is, they are
racist. Their No. 1 kind of racism is religious.
There is a large Muslim population in Paris,
and this is the group treated badly. Blackwhite
is No. 2.
“When it comes to equality for blacks, they
are so far behind. The top television network
in Paris just hired its first black news anchor.
His selection made big news itself.”
What’s ahead?
Now that Lalisse is back in Paris after her
visit to Clarksville, she again is writing for
magazines while also working conscientiously
on the sequel to her first novel. “I have a
plot outline, but I don’t know where the characters
are going,” she says. “That happened
with Cassie. I planned for her to die in the
first book, but I grew to like her so much I
couldn’t kill her off.”
Although she knows Cassie is flawed,
Lalisse views her as an example of courage,
especially for young black women. “I hope
people who read my book will be inspired,
like Cassie, to go for what they want.
“Whatever you want in life, go for it.”
Lalisses”s neice, Aubrey Jones, Heflin, Ala.,
accompanied her aunt to Clarksville for the reception
and book signing. The existence of racism in
their hometown today? The two disagree.
1997 draft and played one season before
being traded to the Phoenix Suns and then the
Chicago Bulls.
A torn Achilles tendon and other injuries
slowed his professional career. But Wells, the
father of 4-year-old daughter Alyiah, played
two seasons overseas prior to joining the
Harlem Globetrotters for two years before
returning “home” to APSU.
18 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
19

For the full calendar of Homecoming activities, including
student-oriented events, please go to www.apsu.edu.
Homecoming 2005 Calendar of Events (continued from Page 20)
single, $13 couple. Sponsored by National Pan-Hellenic
Council. Telephone (931) 221-6230 for tickets and/or
more information.
the public. Contact the Alumni and Annual Giving Office
(931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586. Deadline for reservations
is Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Friday, Oct. 27
One Night Stand Dance Marathon
7 p.m.-3 a.m., Memorial Health Gymnasium (Red Barn)
Austin Peay’s annual student-run fundraising event to
benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at
Vanderbilt. The event is designed to inspire and unite the
campus community in the process of supporting the
Children’s Hospital. Games, free food, music, comedy
and prizes for participants.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Saturday, Oct. 28 – Tuesday, Oct. 31
Govs Best Banner Contest
Students, organizations, faculty and staff decorate
Homecoming-themed banners to be displayed in designated
areas during the week. Prizes will be awarded, and
banners will be displayed in the Morgan University Center.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Canned Castle Creations for Homecoming
Student organizations and departments build structures
with nonperishable food items in designated locations on
campus. Winners will receive prizes and recognition.
After Homecoming week, food items will be collected
and donated to the local food bank. Sponsored by Kappa
Sigma Fraternity.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Monday, Oct. 30
Govs ‘Make Your Own CD’
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morgan University Center Lobby
APSU students will make their dreams of stardom come
true as they sing along with their favorite songs and take
Bill Persinger/APSU
a CD of their performance home to keep.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
APSU Apollo (student talent show)
7-10 p.m., Clement Auditorium
APSU students amaze the audience with their talent. Prizes
will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place acts.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Tuesday, Oct. 31
Staff Support Council Chili Cook-off
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Morgan University Center Lobby
Contact Steve Wilson, (931) 221-1294.
Peay Olympics and Homecoming Court
Announcement Celebration
7-10 p.m., Intramural Field
Students compete in fun and exciting field games,
including the annual chariot race, and enjoy refreshments
and music. The 2006 Homecoming Court will be
announced.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Wednesday, Nov. 1
Govs Funny T-shirts
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morgan University Center Lobby
APSU students can have their faces superimposed on
the bodies of their favorite music stars. The images then
can be printed on a T-shirt.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
International Night
6-9 p.m., Morgan University Center Ballroom
This traditional Homecoming event focuses on international
food. Sponsored by the International Student Organization.
Contact Inga Filippo, (931) 221-7381.
Thursday, Nov. 2
Alumni and Friends Card Party
10 a.m., Morgan University Center Ballroom
Cost is $10 per person. Advance registration is required.
Co-chairs are Larry (’67) and Kay (’62) Martin and
Margaret Ann Marshall. Open to the public.
Contact Alumni and Annual Giving, (931) 221-7979 or 1-
800-264-2586.
Video Game Tourney
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morgan University Center Lobby
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
American Patriotic Flagship Concert –
A Homecoming Celebration
7:30 p.m., Concert Theatre, Music/Mass Communication
Building, $50 general admission
Enjoy an array of American and patriotic music in the
award-winning concert theatre performed by stellar music
department faculty and student performers, the APSU
Wind Ensemble and the University Choir and Chamber
Singers. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear special
guests APSU President Sherry Hoppe, piano, and Provost
Bruce Speck, tenor! All proceeds will benefit scholarships
and are tax deductible. Reservations encouraged. For
more information, telephone (931) 221-7818.
Laser Tag
6-10 p.m., Memorial Health Building
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Friday, Nov. 3
28th Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament
8 a.m., Swan Lake Golf Course, $60 per person
Sponsored by Ajax Distributing Co. and Miller Lite. Fee
includes ditty bag, refreshments on course and light
lunch. Nelson Boehms (’86) and Jeff Turner, co-chairs;
along with Lawrence Baggett (’63), Trent Knott. Open to
the public. Contact the Alumni and Annual Giving Office
(931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.
Cook-out/Pep Rally and Step-off
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Morgan University Center Plaza
Join the APSU Band, cheerleaders and pom squad to
cheer on the Governors football team! Enjoy the traditional
Greek step-off and stay for the cook-out.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
Alumni-Varsity Golf Match
1 p.m. shotgun start, Clarksville Country Club
Includes lunch from noon-1 p.m. Men’s varsity golf
continued on page 21 (after insert)
Staying overnight?
Consider one of these host hotels
Riverview Inn
50 College St.
Clarksville
1-877-487-4837 or
(931) 522-3331
Quality Inn
Downtown
Highway 41-A
Clarksville
1-800-4CHOICE or
(931) 645-9084
Remember to ask for the special APSU
Homecoming Room Rate when making
reservations! There will be an APSU information
table in the lobby of both hotels.
Bill Persinger/APSU
alumni compete against the current men’s golf team in
this annual event. Sherwin Clift (’60), Steve Miller (’65),
Jim Smith (’68), co-chairs. Contact Jim Smith at (931)
645-6586.
Baseball Alumni Game/Golf Outing
Details TBA. For more information, contact Gary
McClure, head baseball coach, at (931) 221-6266 or at
mcclureg@apsu.edu.
MTV’s ‘The Real World’ with
MJ Garrett and Ruthie Alcaide
5-8 p.m., Clement Auditorium
Two popular “Real World” cast members will discuss
topics that affect college students – tolerance, diversity
and alcohol awareness. Students will have a chance to
interact with Garrett and Alcaide during the questionand-answer
session of the program.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
15th Annual Dave Aaron Reception
6 p.m., Riverview Inn Ballroom, 50 College Street, free,
open to the public, RSVPs encouraged. Friends and former
players for the late Dave Aaron are encouraged to
reunite during this special event. Creson Briggs (’51),
Glyn Broome (’51), Brandon Buhler (51), Ben Fendley
(’51), George Fisher (’52), Hendricks Fox (’51), Dick
Hardwick (’49) and Bill Cashion, co-chairs. Contact the
Alumni and Annual Giving Office (931) 221-7979 or 1-
800-264-2586.
APSU vs. Eastern Kentucky (volleyball)
7 p.m., Dunn Center, free
African-American Alumni Mixer
7-10 p.m., Riverview Inn Dining Room
Free. Light refreshments, cash bar. Co-chairs are Nancy
Washington (’99), Makeba Webb (’00) and Kenny
Maddox (’96).
Contact Alumni and Annual Giving, (931) 221-7979 or
1-800-264-2586.
Athletic Letter-Winners Reunion
8 p.m., Front Page Deli, 105 Franklin Street, free (cash bar).
Hosted by APSU Athletics Office. Contact Athletics
(931) 221-7903.
Homecoming Street Dance
8 p.m.-midnight, free admission.
Reunite with friends and dance the night away at the
corner of University and Main streets to music by Mike
Robinson. Food and beverages for sale, sponsored by
Budweiser of Clarksville and the Burrito Bungalow. Terry
(’80) and Debbie Griffin, Craig (’85) and Lori (’87)
O’Shoney, Garnett (’83) and Nancy (’80) Ladd, co-chairs;
along with JoDee Wall Wright (’98), Mandy Watson
(’99), Justin Wamble (’06), Sherry Weaver (’81). Open
to the public. Contact the Alumni and Annual Giving
Office (931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.
3rd Annual Black and White Affair
9 p.m.-2 a.m., location to be determined
Advance tickets $5 single, $9 couple; day of event $7
Saturday, Nov. 4
Homecoming Scholarship 5K Run
8 a.m., registration $20 in advance, $25 day of race
Open to the public, all ages
Fee includes tee shirt and refreshments; prizes and cash
awards. Mike (‘78) and Lisa (’81) Kelley, co-chairs;
along with Gloria Henshaw (’82), Amelia Wallace (’66),
Bill Harpel (’74), Lori O’Shoney (’87), Evelyn Morrison,
Sandra Fladry, Rhonda Davis, Anna Murray (’83), Doug
Malnar. Contact the Alumni and Annual Giving Office
(931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.
Alumni Band Rehearsal
9 a.m., Music/Mass Communication Building, Room 147
Band alumni are invited to dust off their instruments and
batons for the 2006 edition of the Alumni Band! APSU’s
Band staff looks forward to bringing this great tradition
back to campus for a special performance during the
Homecoming game. RSVP to Andrea Brown, director of
athletic bands, at browna@apsu.edu or telephone (931)
221-6820.
Homecoming Parade
10-11 a.m., through main campus and a portion of
downtown Clarksville. Free and open to the public.
Contact Student Life and Leadership, (931) 221-7431.
30th Pearl Anniversary Celebration
10 a.m., location to be determined
Tickets are $25. The Kappa Rho chapter is planning a
tradition to have members wear chapter jackets. For
more information or to order a jacket, contact Vanessa
Vellon (931) 436-3006, vvellon14@apsu.edu or Optimum
Robinson (901) 412-3482 orobinson14@apsu.edu.
Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Alumni Awards Brunch
10:30 a.m., Morgan University Center Ballroom, $25 per
person; advance reservations required. Gather early to
watch the parade and then move on to the brunch to
meet and mingle with other alumni and friends.
Highlights include the presentation of the 2006 alumni
awards. Nell Northington Warren (‘74 ), chair. Open to
Bill Persinger/APSU
APSU vs. Morehead State (volleyball)
11 a.m., Dunn Center, free. Graduating Seniors
Recognition Day
Homecoming Tailgate Lunch
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Corner of Marion and Drane streets
Free and open to public. Stop by after the parade for free
food, music and APSU fellowship, sponsored by the
APSU National Alumni Association, Student Life and
Leadership and University Advancement. Tours of new
student recreation center available (tentative), 11:30
a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by Kevin and Angie (’86) Judish,
Mike (’88) and Sondra (’86) Hamilton. Contact Alumni
and Annual Giving (931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.
Homecoming Game
2-4:30 p.m., Governors Stadium
Open to the public. Special activities include presentation
of the seventh annual National Alumni Association
Wyatt Award.
For admission prices, contact the Athletics Ticket Office,
(931) 221-7761.
African-American Alumni
Chapter Reception
4:30-6:30 p.m., Morgan University Center Ballroom
Free. Co-chairs are Nancy Washington (’99), Makeba
Webb (’00) and Kenny Maddox (’96).
Contact Alumni and Annual Giving, (931) 221-7979 or
1-800-264-2586.
Nursing Reception
4:30-6:30 p.m., McCord Building Lobby, free
Sponsored by the Nursing Alumni Chapter. Come and
join us in celebration of our new “home” in the McCord
Building. Tours of state-of-the-art labs and classrooms
will be offered. Information on RN-BSN tract and RODP
master’s in nursing program available. Dr. Doris
Davenport (’91), chair. Contact the Alumni and Annual
Giving Office, (931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.
Greek Alumni Homecoming Bash
6-8 p.m., Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill
$10 per person
Hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages; advance reservations
requested. All Greek alumni are encouraged to reunite at
this special informal reception, sponsored by the APSU
National Alumni Association and Budweiser of
Clarksville. Lee Peterson (ATO, ’90), Gloria Humphrey
(Kappa Delta, ’89), Robert Price (Kappa Sigma, ’03), cochairs.
Contact the Alumni and Annual Giving Office,
(931) 221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.
2006 Homecoming Step Show
7-10 pm, Memorial Health Gymnasium (Red Barn)
Tickets on sale at the Information Desk in the Morgan
University Center, $13 in advance, $16 day of show.
Sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. For tickets
and/or more information, telephone (931) 221-6230.
20
Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
21

La Dolce Vita
Reaching the Carroll residence in Charlotte, N.C.,
involves winding though tree-lined streets, then up a
steep driveway to the stone house nestled into the hillside.
For the editors of magazines in which it has been
featured, it’s one of the state’s most unique homes. For
Larry (‘76) and Vivian Carroll, it’s the culmination of years of work,
with multiple trips abroad to purchase antiques that blend into the
villa’s timeless architecture.
For visitors, it’s like being transported to the wine-country of
southern France. The Carrolls collaborated with a local designer to
make the home uniquely theirs. Each detail illuminates the owners’
exquisite sense of style.
The home—quite simply—is a work of art.
At home with the Carrolls
By Dennie B. Burke
Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Photos by Bill Persinger
Like his home, Carroll’s spacious office at 4201
Congress St. reveals a lot about him.
Outfitted with a massive mahogany desk and matching
bookshelves along two walls, it has a big-screen TV,
comfortable sitting area and, most noticeable, a large,
well-lit aquarium filled with colorful fish that flit about
with the tirelessness of the man to whom they belong.
Carroll is president and founder of Carroll Financial
Associates Inc., Charlotte, N.C.
In 1980, he launched the company with one partner
and a part-time assistant. Today, with $1.1 billion in
assets, it’s one of the largest independent financial
planning firms in the Southeast.
Testimony of Carroll’s hard work is seen in the multitude
of honors displayed around his corner office,
some of which appear to be Murano glass blown into
swirling colors of red and blue or bright crystal that refracts the light
in rainbows on the wall.
What exactly are they? “Oh, just awards. You know. For being the
No. 1 independent financial adviser in the nation … several times,” he
says. He’s not really reluctant to acknowledge his success; it’s just not
that interesting at this point in his life.
Bottom line: Carroll is tops in the world of financial advisers, but
it’s not about the money. “If I were all about material things, I would
retire now. In reality, I’m just getting started. The best is still ahead.
“Material success has changed the number of zeros on some of the
checks I write, but it has not changed the man.”
The Carrolls’ wine vault
Once upon a time
More than a half century ago, a baby boy, named
Larry, was born in Rock Hill, S.C., the only child of Ted
and Ruth Carroll, who still live in Rock Hill, less than an
hour away.
Carroll’s parents are driving up later this week. Sunday
is Mother’s Day, and Carroll’s gift to his mom is a new
car. “No sun roof. She said she did not want sun on her
face all day,” he says with the good-natured laugh of a
man who’s pleased to be able to indulge his mom.
Although he’s able to afford such luxuries now, no one
who knows his history could accuse Carroll of being
born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was the first
in his family to finish high school, graduating with the
former Vivian Moore. Having known each other since grade school,
the two started dating at 16 and married four years later.
After high school, she enrolled in Winthrop College, Rock Hill,
while he went to the University of South Carolina. But bored with his
studies, Carroll dropped out after two years—during the draft-lottery
era and at the end of the Vietnam War. Rather than betting on
whether he would be drafted and where he might be assigned, he
enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972.
“After Vietnam, the Army was restocking the 101 st ,” he says. “If I
signed up, I was guaranteed two years at Fort Campbell on a three-
Continued on page 24
22 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
23

to be too actively involved in the process.
“People tend to make financial decisions
with a lot of emotions involved. In making
financial decisions, I’m unemotional. I get paid
to make good rational decisions for clients.”
What is the most common financial mistake
most people make? “That’s easy,” he
says. “People don’t take the time to analyze
where they are financially. They live paycheck
to paycheck without knowing if they’re
on schedule to fund their own retirement.
Most people spend more time analyzing and
buying a refrigerator than planning for their
financial future.”
Besides attaining personal success, Carroll
enjoys having brought others along with him,
including his son, Kris, 30, who works in the
firm. “I’ve developed a lot of good people. My
three partners are among the most successful
advisers in the business. I just love that.”
Although Carroll praises the success of
others in the firm, he has scooped up national
kudos himself. He’s one of only eight
advisers in the country to be named on all of
the “Best Financial Planners” lists by both
Worth Magazine and Money Magazine. And
he’s the only adviser in North Carolina to be
named on all of the lists.
As only a boy from the
South could understand,
he’s in “high cotton” now.
Realizing
joy in giving
With its rough limestone exterior and tile roof, the Carroll residence
nestles into the foliage of a hillside near downtown Charlotte.
“Giving away money is
really fun,” Carroll says.
“Vivian and I give at least
one large gift a year and
several smaller ones.”
Although previously,
the couple had made
their largest gifts to local
organizations, such as
the Red Cross or the YMCA with which
Mrs. Carroll is involved, their gift of
$100,000 to APSU in 2005 went to the
Carroll-Baggett Scholarship Endowment,
which Carroll established to honor his friend
and mentor, Lawrence Baggett, APSU professor
emeritus of accounting. Carroll also
pledged an additional $250,000 this year, if
the University can secure gifts to match it.
“It’s great when folks put Austin Peay in their
wills,” Carroll says. “But if you provide a financial
gift after you’re dead, you personally get no
enjoyment out of it. Giving is a fun thing.”
But believe it or not, running his awardwinning
firm, which enables the Carrolls to
give generously to worthwhile organizations,
doesn’t keep him as busy as he wants, so he
dabbles in other ventures, such as establishing
a bank several years ago.
In Charlotte, the mecca of megabanks
Bank of America and Wachovia, Carroll and
Continued on page 26
The Carroll home features an open floor plan with antique heart-of-pine floors running from the elegant but comfortable living room to the
French-country kitchen, left, with a view into the dining room through hand-made columns, right.
To heighten the ambiance of an old European castle, the foyer’s floor was cracked intentionally—an example of attention to detail. Off the foyer,
the dining table nestles into a library alcove, which features a 700-piece stained-glass window centered by the family crest. Seen through the
arched entry to the living room is one of several alcoves created especially to frame favorite antique furniture from France and Italy.
year commitment.” With little likelihood of
being sent elsewhere, it sounded like a good
deal to him. It was.
Because of his high test scores, he was chosen
as “permanent charge of quarters,” meaning
he was on duty each night to help in the
event of the death of a soldier. If it was a quiet
night on post, he slept or studied, leaving his
days free to attend college full time. His first
class at the APSU Center @ Fort Campbell
was accounting with Lawrence Baggett—and
it was the beginning of a renewed love of
learning for the young soldier.
Not only had Carroll found a friend, he also
had found his niche. Graduating in 1976, the
same year he completed his stint with the
Army, he enrolled at the University of
Tennessee-Knoxville, earning both his M.B.A.
and passing the C.P.A. exam while he was there.
With credentials in hand, Carroll was
recruited into the Charlotte office of what then
was one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms.
He accepted the offer, but soon realized he
simply did not like public accounting. “The
M.B.A. program prepares you to run things, to
make decisions. I felt boxed in,” he says.
His wife already was in financial services
with Merrill Lynch, where she worked 25
years until recently retiring to pursue her new
love—watercolor painting, which has brought
her personal gratification and increasing
fame. She leaves shortly to join fellow artists
in Italy. In the picturesque village of Sorrento,
overlooking the Mediterranean, the group
will pursue its art.
Designed with many of the architectural
details of an old French villa, the Carroll
home has gas lanterns flanking the front
door.
Selecting a specialty
Seeing the potential for growth in financial
planning, in 1980 Carroll took the plunge,
leaving a secure career with a top accounting
firm to establish his own firm. A wise decision.
“My professional philosophy is to become
a trusted financial adviser for my clients,
most of whom are middle income and up. I
never solicited work. Every client I have
called me. They have assets and want to
know what to do with them.”
According to Carroll, there’s a lot of inertia
in dealing with one’s finances. “Something
has to jar the person into action. A job
change, an inheritance, an illness.”
Carroll specializes in clients who are
retired or approaching retirement. “When
you look at a person 60 or older, he or she
needs to create an income from a nest egg.
For a person of that age, managing risk is
more important than maximizing returns.
“But expectations must be reasonable. I
turn down business all the time if the client
has unreasonable expectations or if they want
24
Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 25

a few investors secured the needed capital
and received official approval to establish
Park Meridian Bank in 1990. In 2001, they
sold it to Regions Bank, with the investors
realizing a 17.1 percent return, compounded
over 11 years.
Pausing, he says, “We’re starting another
bank. Right now, we’re raising capital, but
we’re almost there. We go before the
Banking Commission soon and, if all goes as
expected, we’ll open in October 2006.”
Carroll will serve as chairman of the board.
In the national spotlight
Although Carroll hosted a local radio
show on financial planning for five years, he
exploded onto the national media scene in
1987 after being elected chair of the 24,000-
member International Association for
Financial Planning.
Fame begat fortune and vice versa. In
October 2004, he was the only person in the
two Carolinas to be included on Worth
Magazine’s list of “The Nation’s 100 Most
Exclusive Wealth Managers.” His managed
account returns have exceeded Standard &
Poor’s over the past one-, three-, five- and
10-year periods.
Carroll had proven his worth, literally, so
as IAFP chair, he was tapped often when the
media needed an expert on financial planning.
He was interviewed on “NBC Nightly
News” with Tom Brokaw and on CNN with
Stuart Varney. He was quoted in Money,
Newsweek, The New York Times, Medical
Economics, The Wall Street Journal,
Business Week, U.S. News and World
Report, American Banker and other financial
publications.
Although jovial and pleasant, Carroll
makes no claim on being the life of the party.
He listens as much or more than he talks.
But when it comes to his career field, no one
can hold a candle to him. He’s knowledgeable,
intelligent, passionate and inspirational.
He was the speaker at the 2006 APSU
Tower Club dinner. President Sherry Hoppe
previously considered Carroll to be relatively
reserved. But he was on fire that night, talking
about giving to APSU. When he sat
down, Hoppe said, “Well, where did that
come from?”
Mrs. Carroll could have told her.
Discussing her husband’s ease in fielding
questions in front of an audience, she simply
says, “Larry’s very good live.”
Home and hearth
It’s no secret: Carroll is a workaholic.
“Larry’s a classic type A personality,” his wife
says. “He doesn’t do anything half way.”
Most of that drive has been directed
toward establishing and growing his company.
How does he relax? Although Carroll
enjoys it, he says he plays golf poorly. He
loves country music and reads voraciously,
especially fast-paced thrillers by James
Patterson. The couple merged their love of
good food and good books in their dining
room, which doubles as a library. Sunlight
filters into the room through a Tiffany-styled
stained glass window made up of 700 pieces
of glass. Centered by the family crest, the
window took eight months to create.
“No one ever wants to get up after dinner,”
Mrs. Carroll says. “We sit, drink coffee and
talk.”
When they started to build their current
home, they wanted to create a comfortable
place that replicated a French country villa.
Accompanied by Leo Dowell, a local designer
renowned for his old-style European
design, they made several trips to Europe to
buy authentic antiques.
The home’s exterior has a crumbling castle
look—rough limestone, terra-cotta tile roof, gas
lanterns and iron flower boxes. Much of the
flooring is antique heart of pine, and interior
walls are textured to resemble aged plaster.
The house offers great spaces for entertaining.
The dining room is open to the large
living room. With its hand-carved mantle
featuring a faded mural, the living room fireplace
is one of five in the home. Open to the
living room, the French-country kitchen has
a countertop fireplace.
The master bedroom, with its heated tile
floor, was designed around antiques purchased
on European excursions, such as the
18 th century, 9-foot-tall French armoire. The
canopy above the bed is held by an arm and
hand protruding from the wall. The arm
once held a store sign in an Italian village.
The master bath, with another stained-glass
window, sunken Jacuzzi, marble shower and
carved columns is remindful of Rome’s
ancient baths.
French doors open from the living room
and master bedroom onto an expansive patio,
where the couple can seat 140 dinner
guests—perfect for their annual October barbeque.
Several walls in the home feature handpainted
murals. The New York artist who
painted the murals in the Carroll home also
painted murals in the home of singing star
Rod Stewart.
Upstairs is a walk-in, temperature-controlled
wine vault, where the two resident
wine connoisseurs store their amazing cache,
each bottle tagged and logged into an electronic
file. Each upstairs bedroom is large
and unique—dramatic angles and vaulted
ceilings. One boasts a cozy fireplace and
Juliet-style balcony.
But the jaw-dropper is the home theater.
“Leo went a bit over the top with this room,”
Mrs. Carroll says. “But it’s great place to host a
movie-viewing party.” Eighteenth-century
palace doors from Paris open to a foyer complete
with a box office. The theatre requires 18
different lighting systems. Running floor lights
illuminate the steps, while pin lights glow from
the ceiling. Leather love seats are arranged stadium
style before a wide-screen TV.
Although Mrs. Carroll enjoys frequent
trips to Europe to sightsee, antique and perfect
her painting techniques, her husband
prefers to spend his days in the office and his
evenings in his own home. It’s as close to
Europe as he wants to be now.
For Carroll, like Dorothy in “The Wizard
of Oz,” there’s no place like home. And,
without doubt, his home truly is his castle.
Titans (continued from Page 11)
pasta, shrimp and broccoli.(11) Throughout
camp, Clauss said he selected foods that not
only would taste good but also would help
him to maintain new bulk.
Some rest before Round 2
Titans coaches build in a couple of hours of
downtime each day for the players to rest during
training camps.
Some players take naps, while others keep
themselves occupied with certain comforts
from home to make life more enjoyable in
their rooms at Sevier Hall, a women’s residence
hall during the academic year. Items
such as iPods, books, laptop computers, televisions
and DVDs help the team members get
through the day.
Cornerback Pacman Jones actually brought
his Jet Ski, and running back Travis Henry
kept a 50-inch plasma screen TV and massage
chair in his room.
Clauss, however, has kept amenities to a
minimum.
“It’s pretty simple,” says Clauss, pointing
at his television, notebook computer, clothes
and two alarm clocks to ensure awaking on
time each morning. “We don’t come up here
to have fun or relax. It’s time to work. We’ve
had months off to relax. Time to work now.”
Two twin beds are placed together for Clauss
to sleep in a near queen-size arrangement.
“I find myself each morning in the middle,
kind of sinking in, but I’m sleeping good,”
says Clauss, standing near his bed.(12)
Following a nap between two-a-day practices,
Clauss returns his concentration to football.
That means an afternoon of more practice
in sweltering heat that’s unbearable,(13) then
dinner and finally a series of team meetings and
conferences that last well into the night.(14)
Sleep isn’t an option until about 11 p.m.
For observers, it’s an amazing snapshot of
a professional football team’s 16-hour day in
training at Austin Peay.
But for Clauss, it’s all part of a day’s work.
6
7
8
9
9b
11
12
13
14
10
26 Austin Peay/Fall 2006

Alumni News and Calendar of Events
Attending an alumni dinner in Charlotte, N.C., on June 20 were (left to right) Roy Gregory, APSU; Jeff Stec
(’94), Samantha Stec; Margaret Bentley, APSU; Danny Smithson; James Blanford (’81); Janet Blanford; and
Linda Smithson (’78).
Bill Persinger/APSU
Calling all alums!
This Fall, APSU will conduct its annual scholarship
Phonathon. Faculty, staff and students will
be calling you to request pledges, remind you of
upcoming you events, update your information
and answer any questions about APSU. It’s one
way we stay in touch. Please take a moment or
two to speak with our callers.
We need your help!
Please help locate our “lost” alums! Go to
www.apsu.edu/alumni/lost1.asp on the Web to view
the current list of lost alumni. We appreciate any
information to help us locate them. We appreciate
your response, whether by e-mail, telephone or fax.
Celebrating 50 years - the Class of 1956
The Class of 1956 celebrated its 50-year reunion April 29. Classmates attending the reunion dinner included (front row, left to right) Suzanne McWilliams Clardy, Eva
Clark Byrd, Mary Dudley McClendon Ferguson, Peggy Steed Knight, Lorraine Chesnut. (back row, left to right) Bill Alexander, Bill Heaton, Robert Glover, John
Rendek, Billy Cleghern, Ed Goodlett, Bob Gossett, Charles Marable, Thomas Cox, Tom Hurt, John Gresham, Billy Byrd, Tate Rogers and Richard Sullivan.
The last living Pushkinist and APSU alum visits campus
Roy Gregory, APSU executive director for University Advancement, gets a “Russian hug” from Dr. J. Thomas
Shaw (’38), professor emeritus of Slavic languages, University of Wisconsin-Madison, during Shaw’s latesummer
visit to campus. Shaw, who earned his doctorate from Harvard University, recently gave $50,000 to
APSU to establish an endowment for literature. The Shaw Collection is housed in the Woodward Library.
Bill Persinger/APSU
Calendar of Events
Oct. 3
Alumni Reception
6-8 p.m. at the home of Larry Carroll (’76)
Charlotte, N.C.
Oct. 12
“The Inside/Outside of a Woman”
Exhibit and Reception
A black and white photographic exhibit by alumna
Suzan Isabel Davis (’98)
6-8 p.m., Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill, free
and open to the public
Nov. 2-4
Homecoming
March 10
Candlelight Ball
Hilton Downtown Nashville
Admissions receptions for prospective
students will be held in the following
locations on the dates listed. Alumni
are welcome to attend. Additional
details will be announced later.
Jan. 23 . . . . . . . .Nashville
Jan. 25 . . . . . . . .Cheatham County
Jan. 29 . . . . . . . .Montgomery County
Feb. 5 . . . . . . . . .Memphis
Feb. 8 . . . . . . . . .Jackson
Feb. 12 . . . . . . . .Chattanooga
Feb. 19 . . . . . . . .Johnson City
Feb. 20 . . . . . . . .Knoxville
Photo by Meghann Heiskell
Alumnus Dr. William Russo ( ‘67) talks with Rose
Roe at a book signing and reception held in the
spring at the Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill in
recognition of the release of Russo’s latest book “A
Perception of Reality.”
Alumnus Dr. James W. Taylor (‘40) discusses his
new book with APSU provost and vice president
for academic and student affairs Dr. Bruce Speck,
at a book signing and reception at the Pace Alumni
Center at Emerald Hill.
The Cheatham County Alumni Chapter set up an information tent at the Pleasant View Picnic in July, staffed
by Cheryl Bidwell (’85), chapter president, and Lisa Ellis (’87).
WE NEED YOUR TWO CENTS!
Have an idea for Homecoming festivities? Wish you could help plan alumni
events? Want to see a specific topic in Austin Peay magazine?
We want to know what you think.
From Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2006, log on to www.apsu.edu/alumni to take our 10-minute alumni
survey. Through the survey, you’ll tell us which alumni events you most enjoy. Suggest events
that are of interest to you and/or your family. Shape the content of Austin Peay magazine.
Have the opportunity to volunteer.
Your input is invaluable in planning the future of the APSU National Alumni Association, and we
look forward to hearing from you.
See more alumni event photos on Page 40.
28
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
29
Update your alumni information online atwww.apsu.edu
Shelia Boone/APSU
Shelia Boone/APSU
Shelia Boone/APSU

Sports News
Govs return to OVC,
scholarship football
The Govs will play as a Division I-AA independent
during the 2006 season before returning
to the Ohio Valley Conference in 2007.
With Austin Peay returning, a total of 10
football teams now belong to the OVC.
OVC Commissioner Dr. Jon A.
Steinbrecher told The (Clarksville) Leaf-
Chronicle in a July 26, 2006, story that members
will play an eight-game conference
schedule when the Govs enter in 2007.
Austin Peay, which has played football in
the OVC since 1963, is scheduled to play
three OVC schools – Southeast Missouri,
Samford and Tennessee-Martin – this season.
Also this fall, Austin Peay will have the
equivalent of 30 full scholarships, and will
add another 30 when the University steps
back into the OVC in Fall 2007.
Get your tickets now for
the 2007 OVC basketball
tournament
The 2007 O’Reilly Ohio Valley
Conference Basketball Tournament will
be held March 2-3, at the Gaylord
Entertainment Center in Nashville. You’re
invited to attend, support your favorite
men’s and women’s teams and enjoy college
basketball and the beginning of
March Madness!
Tickets are only $22 per session (two
games per session) or $40 for an all-tournament
ticket (all six games). Tickets
may be purchased through your institution’s
box office, the Gaylord
Entertainment Center Box Office or any
Ticketmaster location (615-255-9600).
Also, you can order tickets through the
OVC Web site. Groups of 10 or more can
qualify for a reduced ticket price. To
order group tickets, contact Kyle Yeager
in the OVC Office at (615) 371-1698.
For additional information, visit
ovcsports.com.
Head coach Carroll McCray observes players during Austin Peay’s summer football camp.
Former hoops star to coach
Lady Govs
Carrie Daniels
(’96) is APSU’s
new women’s basketball
coach, succeeding
Andy
Blackston, who
resigned.
Daniels, 33,
returned to APSU
following a sevenyear
career as an
Carrie Daniels
assistant coach at
Western Kentucky
University, Bowling Green.
In June, Daniels signed a three-year deal
that makes her the Lady Govs’ 10th coach.
“This is a wonderful community with so
many familiar faces who were here when I
played,” Daniels said in the June 22, 2006,
edition of The (Clarksville) Leaf-Chronicle.
“It’s great to come home to Austin Peay and
to be welcomed. It’s all been wonderful.”
Daniels was assistant coach at the
University of Nevada-Las Vegas from 1996
to 1999 under former Austin Peay head coach
LaDonna Wilson-McClain.
In her seven years at WKU, Daniels helped
guide the Lady Hilltoppers to seven postseasons
and a 146-78 record under three different
head coaches.
At APSU, Daniels takes over a program
APSU Sports Information
that went 15-13 overall last season and finished
fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference
with a 12-8 record.
“I want Austin Peay to be at the forefront
of the OVC each and every year,” she said in
a local sports story. “I am asking for a little
patience. It’s not going to happen overnight.
But there’s talent here, and we’re going to get
it done.”
The former Carrie Thompson, Daniels was
a standout for Austin Peay from 1991-96 and
led the Lady Govs to their first Ohio Valley
Conference Tournament championship and
first NCAA berth. She also was the 1996
winner of the Female Joy Award, given to the
top senior athlete at Austin Peay.
Daniels finished her Lady Govs career as
the second player in school history to amass
1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and
200 steals.
Carrie Daniels is married to former Austin
Peay basketball player Billy Daniels. They
have a 3-year-old son, Dalton.
Bill Persinger/APSU
Austin Peay student-athletes
post highest GPA in 2 years
Austin Peay student-athletes recorded their
highest collective grade-point average in two
years, posting a 2.804 during the spring semester.
The department named 118 student-athletes to
the Spring 2006 Athletics Director’s Honor Roll.
Eight of the department’s 18 teams posted
a 3.0 GPA for the semester, the women’s tennis
leading with a 3.65. Also posting 3.0
GPAs in the spring were women’s rifle (3.42),
women’s golf (3.304), softball (3.266),
women’s volleyball (3.247), women’s cross
country (3.175), men’s golf (3.14, the highest
men’s GPA) and women’s soccer (3.09).
Twelve student-athletes were named to the
President’s List, earning perfect 4.0 gradepoint
marks during the spring, and 50 student-athletes
were named to APSU’s Dean’s
List, earning a 3.5 or better GPA.
Lady Govs volleyball
receives NCAA recognition
Austin Peay’s volleyball team received a
public commendation from the National
Collegiate Athletics Association, the only
APSU team in history in receive the honor.
The team received a perfect 1,000 according
to this year’s academic progress rate (APR).
Only 47 Division I women’s volleyball
teams and three Ohio Valley Conference
squads (APSU, Murray State and Tennessee
Tech) received recognition.
APSU extends McCray’s
football coaching contract
through 2008
Austin Peay State University has extended
the contract of head football coach Carroll
McCray though the 2008 season.
The three-year extension takes place as
McCray leads the Governors football program’s
return to scholarship football in 2006
and the Ohio Valley Conference in 2007.
New athletic academic
center dedicated to
Dr. David P. Roe (’67)
During the Aug. 12, 2006, dedication of the Dr.
David P. Roe Academic Center in the Dunn Center,
Roe (‘67), right, a Johnson City obstetrician/gynecologist,
visits with Dewayne McKinney (’66,’74),
Hendersonville, center, and Carroll McCray, APSU
head football coach. With its computer lab, study
areas, rooms for group study sessions and an
office for the director of academic services for athletics,
the center was made possible by a generous
gift from Roe.
McCray recently completed his third season
as Austin Peay’s head man.
Govs football hires Gregory
as defensive line, strength,
conditioning coach
Brendan Gregory is the defensive line
coach and strength and conditioning coordinator
for Austin Peay’s
football team. He
joined the Govs during
spring practice.
Gregory comes to
Austin Peay from
Taylor County High
Bill Persinger/APSU
School in Perry, Fla.,
Brendan Gregory where he was coach of
the defensive line, head
strength and conditioning, and physical education
instructor. He also was former defensive
lineman on two Ohio Valley Conference
championship teams at Eastern Kentucky
University
The Barbourville, Ky., native received both
his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
EKU. He played four seasons, 1989-93, as a
Colonels defensive lineman.
Assistant baseball coach
gets new position
Assistant baseball coach Brian Hetland has
been assigned new responsibilities within the
athletic department, working as the
University’s new strength and conditioning
coordinator/coach.
Looking for
Austin Peay
sports schedules,
news and the
most up-to-date
information?
Get it all online at
www.apsu.edu
This year, Hetland
completed his 18th season
as the Govs assistant
coach, the only
coaching position he
has had. He joined the
staff as a graduate
assistant in 1998 and
Brian Hetland was promoted to assistant
coach by head
coach Gary McClure the next season.
Bill Persinger/APSU
Governors sign prep post
player Roberson
Duran Roberson, a 6-foot-8 post player
from Holt, Mich., has signed to play basketball
at Austin Peay.
The Everett High School (Lansing, Mich.)
product averaged 14 points, nine rebounds
and three blocks per game as a senior. He also
was a 78 percent free-throw shooter.
continued on Page 38
Bill Persinger/APSU
30
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
31

Class Notes
Class notes
1950s
WILLIAM (BILL) HEYDEL (’55) was
inducted into the inaugural class of the
American Family Life Assurance Co.
(AFLAC) Hall of Fame, the company’s
highest honor. In Heydel’s 20-year
career with AFLAC, he broke all sales
records. Named Outstanding
Tennessean in 1983, Heydel is a founding
member of the Cracker Barrel Old
Country Stores Board of Directors. He
and his wife, June, live in Lebanon,
headquarters for Cracker Barrel Old
Country Stores.
1960s
BOBBY POWERS (’65) was named
National Broker of the Year for
Prudential Professional Real Estate
Affiliates Inc.
BARBARA SLEDD (’66), Hopkinsville,
Ky., gave the opening address to
prospective adult students attending
APSU’s College and Career Event for
Personal Information
Name
Street
Date
(first) (middle) (maiden) (last)
City State Zip
Phone SSN Grad Class
E-mail address
I would like my name and e-mail address to be included in an online directory of APSU
alumni: ❏ Yes ❏ No
Campus Affiliations and Activities
Personal News
Employer
Address
Position
If retired, former occupation and retirement date
Flaherty is first to earn online M.S. in Nursing
Phone
“If the degree weren’t online, I
couldn’t do it,” says Tamara Flaherty,
the first APSU student to earn the
online M.S. in Nursing.
Attending college never was easy for
her. One of six children, she married at
19, had three sons and adopted a baby
daughter with cerebral palsy. Now remarried
to a soldier serving in Iraq, Flaherty is
stepmother to his three children.
Caring for her daughter with disabilities
showed Flaherty the dire need for
registered nurses. The first in her family
to attend college, she entered APSU’s
baccalaureate nursing program, taking
main-campus, Fort Campbell, night and
online classes.
“Lack of education was the family
legacy,” Flaherty says. “I want future
generations of my family to view a college
education as not only possible, but
necessary.”
Been promoted? Honored? Awarded?
Recently moved? Married? Had a baby? What’s the scoop about you and your family?
We want to hear from you!
Adults on April 3, 2006. Besides her
national award-winning career as a
sales director for Mary Kay Inc., Sledd
launched her own company, Visions,
through which she works as a training
specialist and motivational speaker. Her
husband, SELDON SLEDD (’65), a
retired FBI agent, owns and operates
Sledd Private Investigations. They have
two grown sons.
DR. CAMILLE HOLT (’67, ’71), former
professor of education at APSU, is
director of the intern program at
Vanderbilt University Department of
Teaching and Learning, Nashville.
CHUCK BABCOCK (’69, ’74), who won
three state titles at Northwest High
School in the 1970s, retired this year
as boy’s track and field coach from
Kenwood High School after a 38-year
teaching and coaching career in
Montgomery County. This year, he
helped Kenwood win its first section
title in the school’s nine-year history.
Colleges/universities attended (include undergraduate and professional schools even if
degrees were not earned)
Institution
Major/Minor
Degree
Family Information
Spouse’s Name
Year
SSN Did spouse attend APSU? Grad Class
Spouse’s Employer
Address
Position
Children’s names and ages
Phone
Attended APSU? Class SSN
Bill Persinger/APSU
Please return survey to Alumni Office, P.O. Box 4676, Clarksville, TN 37044,
or complete the online form at www.apsu.edu/alumni.
1970s
DAVID L. BIBB (’70), acting administrator
of U.S. General Services
Administration, was guest speaker at a
“power breakfast” sponsored by the
Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce
in April 2006. He is married to REBEC-
CA TAYLOR BIBB (’72).
DR. DONNA DILLINGHAM-EVANS
(’70) is vice president for academics at
Dixie State College in St. George, Utah.
CECELIA VAUGHN O’NEAL (’71) is
operations director for network development
at McLean Hospital in Belmont,
Mass. She oversees new satellite clinical
program development, hospital outreach
and marketing.
PEGGY VADEN (’72) succeeded MARY
STONE (’67) as principal of Barksdale
Elementary School. Vaden had been
assistant principal at the school since
1994. Stone, who retired at the end of
the 2005-06 academic year, has been
Barksdale’s principal since 1992.
BRENDA CORLEW (’73), who retired
May 23, 2006, following more than 31
years of teaching in the Clarksville-
Montgomery County School System,
was selected Fox 17 News’ Top
Teacher for the week of April 13, 2006.
She most recently was second-grade
teacher at Cumberland Heights
Elementary School, where the 2005-06
yearbook was dedicated in her honor.
SARA E. STEVENSON (’73), Ph.D., is
senior consultant, president and CEO of
S.E. Stevenson and Associates
(Organization Development Consulting
and Training) in Hickory, N.C.
LINDA PEARSON CLARK (’74, ’76), a
program analyst in the Dallas Regional
Audit Office of the U.S. Department of
Justice, Office of the Inspector General,
received the Honor Award from the
Office of the Inspector General for helping
to produce the FBI Foreign
Language Translation Program followup
audit and for developing congressional
testimony on the subject. She lives in
Allen, Texas.
Two for Texas
By Dennie B. Burke
There’s a French inflection to her
speech. His has a slight Southern
accent. She’s from Quebec. He’s from
Clarksville. She is a physics major; his
major is biology. She swings a mean
golf club. He doesn’t play at all.
Canadian Pier-Anne Lachance came
to APSU on a golf scholarship and, until
an injury sidelined her, was one of the
top players on the women’s golf team.
She graduated May 5, 2006.
Kyle Covington, Clarksville, also
graduated May 5, having completed his
undergraduate studies in just three
years—a rare occurrence these days
when many students, especially those
in the sciences, sometimes take five.
Covington and Lachance are
engaged to wed. What brought these
seemingly dissimilar people together?
Quantum physics. And it was a powerful
interaction.
“Although Kyle was a biology major,
he took a quantum physics class I also
was taking,” Lachance says. “There
was an immediate attraction, but…”
“But we both were very shy,” he
says, finishing her sentence. “We tried
to just be friends but before the end of
the semester, we were dating.”
Their shared interest in science and a
desire to continue their education proved
to be a catalyst that changed thier friendship
into a committed relationship.
In their junior year as they started
getting ready for graduate work, they
asked Dr. Gilbert Pitts, instructor of
physiology in the department of biology,
if they could be his student
research assistants. Lachance’s
research involved efforts to start new
immortalized cell lines, while Covington
studied synchronization of neurons
associated with reproduction.
This past summer, their research
took them to a new level, as both headed
to Houston for graduate work.
And the sweethearts received sweet
deals from Baylor College of Medicine,
with each one’s financial package worth
$33,180, including an annual stipend of
about $23,000 each, plus tuition, fees
and health care benefits, for the duration
of their Ph.D. studies.
Initially, it seemed as if the couple’s
chances of staying together during doctoral
studies were slim. After considering
several graduate programs, Lachance
flew to Houston to interview in January.
“Baylor’s a great school,” she says. “But
pharmacology is not one of its strong
programs. And Kyle wanted to do graduate
work in pharmacology.”
However, while at Baylor, Lachance
told the physiology department chair
about Covington and his research interests.
She learned that, a year ago,
Baylor had launched a new program in
translational biology. To her, it seemed
to mesh with what Covington wanted,
but it already was a month after the
application deadline.
“That Monday, Kyle sent an application
to Baylor. He got a call on
Wednesday,” Lachance says, proudly.
“He flew out to Houston Thursday for
an interview. And he’s been accepted
into the program—the only one of its
kind in the nation.”
Everything is coming together for
the couple. She began research in
applied biophysics in June. Covington,
whose research begins in the fall, is
excited about being part of a new program—one
that will enable him to
translate his research directly to treatment
protocols.
“‘Bench to Bedside’ it’s called,”
Covington says. “Besides research, I’ll
have clinical rotations, which means I’ll
get to see the results of my research.”
The couple is delighted with the
prospects of their future at Baylor
College of Medicine. Both will be working
in one of the world’s largest and
most prestigious medical centers, one
considered on par with the Medical
Research Triangle in North Carolina.
Lachance and Covington will be working
in a geographical area that encompasses
10 world-renowned hospitals,
including M.D. Anderson. According to
Covington, Baylor is No. 10 among medical
schools and No. 22 for its Ph.D. program
in biomedical research.
Baylor’s Cancer Institute recently
received a gift of more than $100 million
from the Duncan family, an energy
entrepreneur and a member of Baylor’s
board of trustees.
“Baylor puts a lot of money into
good facilities,” Covington says. And
into good people, one might add.
Bill Persinger/APSU
DAVID GUNTER (’74), Richmond, Va.,
has been named to the Virginia Tech
Advisory Board of the Department of
Kitchen Design. He is employed as a
territory manager for Miele Appliance
Co. of Germany. He also was scheduled
to earn an M.B.A. in June from Baker
College in Michigan.
JACK JACKSON (’75), Dayton, Ohio,
has been nominated for induction into
the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
Athletic Hall of Fame. Jackson, who
earned a master’s degree from APSU,
attended EKU on a partial track scholarship
and received his bachelor’s degree
in 1971. Among EKU’s first black athletes,
Jackson was the recipient of the
APSU National Alumni Association’s
2002 Outstanding Alumnus Award. He
is a consultant for Fortune High Tech
Marketing and a youth adviser for the
Dayton public schools.
DAVID JONES (’77) is an attorney
with Kennedy Covington Attorneys at
Law in Charlotte, N.C.
DARRELL SMITH (’77) is president of
The UP Group Inc., in Old Hickory.
PENNY HICKEY (’78) is the author of
“Bread of Heaven: A Treasury of
Carmelite Prayers and Devotions on the
Eucharist,” a book that offers meditations,
prayers and poems on the
Eucharist collected from five centuries
of Carmelite saints and writers.
H. WAYNE GRAVES (’79) is an attorney
with Herndon, Coleman, Brading
and McKee law firm in Johnson City.
KEVIN C. KENNEDY (’79), senior attorney
with the Kennedy Law Firm PLLC,
has opened the firm’s third law office
location on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard.
The firm’s main office is in downtown
Clarksville.
1980s
ELIZABETH RAWLINS (’80) is senior
attorney for the Office of Chief Counsel,
Internal Revenue Service, Washington, D.C.
TONY MARABLE (’81) was elected
vice regent at the Sigma Nu Grand
Chapter biennial legislative convention
32 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
33

Class Notes
held July 14-18, 2006, Indianapolis,
Ind. He will serve a two-year term.
WALLY BURCHETT (‘82), Clarksville,
manages sales and marketing for the
new Your Health monthly magazine.
TERESA (TERRI) ANN HOLLIFIELD
(’83) received a Master of Arts in
Education with an emphasis in curriculum
and instruction supervision from
Western Carolina University in
Cullowhee, N.C., in May. She is federal
programs coordinator for the Jackson
County Public Schools in Sylva, N.C.,
and has been named acting director for
exceptional children.
MIKE ANDREWS (’85) is an art
teacher at Montgomery Central High
School. His work has been commissioned
for the Nashville Arts Center in
Centennial Park, the Nashville
International Airport and Austin Peay
State University.
JOANNE BOWERS (’85) is head coach
of the women’s gymnastics program at
the University of Washington. She previously
spent five years as assistant
coach at the University of Michigan,
where she helped to lead the team to a
seventh-place finish at the 2006 NCAA
Championships.
R. JEFFERY HARRIS (’85) is vice president
of finance at Fort Campbell
Federal Credit Union. He oversees the
financial management activities of the
credit union. Harris is a 2005 graduate
of Leadership Clarksville and serves as
vice president of marketing for the
Tennessee Automated Clearinghouse
Association’s Board of Directors.
JEFF HUNTER (’85) pitched the championship
game of the NABA (National
Adult Baseball Association) World
Series (age 38 and older) in November
2005 in Phoenix. His team, Bluff City
White Sox of Memphis, won the
Series.
DAVID PUTERBAUGH (’85) is product
marketing manager for Lexmark
International in Lexington, Ky.
C. NELSON BOEHMS JR. (’86) is vice
She’s in the Army now — APSU alumna, Fort Campbell chief
of protocol travels with troops to Iraq
By Melony Leazer
in unbelievable luxury with his three
Communication Specialist
wives and various mistresses.”
At night, Kohler said Tikrit
is haunted by the fear
Saddam’s people faced.
“I would walk by Saddam’s
main palace at night, that was
bombed during the conflict,
and could feel the ghosts of
his victims that he tortured
and murdered there for his
amusement,” she recalled. “I
heard tales of his cruelty daily.
One tale that was told was
that Saddam had kept alligators
on his complex and threw
his guests in the water to
watch them swim for their
lives.”
For more than 25 years, Mary Regan
Kohler (’87, ’89) has seen troops with
the 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault) leave their posts at Fort
Campbell, Ky., for missions overseas.
As the installation’s chief of protocol,
Kohler decided to take a first-hand
look at what a soldier’s deployed life is
like – she traveled to Iraq with 101st
troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Since October 2005, Kohler has lived
with the troops, mostly male, despite a
hostile environment of daily mortar
attacks from Tikrit.
“Most of the soldiers were young
enough to be my children but despite
my modesty of not getting undressed
in front of them, I was one of them,”
she wrote from Kuwait. “The soldiers
were a diverse crowd … and gave me
tips on how to survive in a combat
environment.
“To them, I am eternally grateful.”
In Iraq, Kohler first was assigned as
the liaison to the Joint Visitors Bureau
in the 42nd Infantry Division, a National
Guard unit located at Forward
Operating Base Danger in the middle of
Tikrit. There, amid gorgeous and elaborate
palaces, she saw how former Iraqi
President Saddam Hussein’s people
sought survival.
“I could see poverty everywhere,”
Kohler said. “Children played in the
streets in front of ramshackle mud and
stone structures. Women were carrying
water from a well. The men were hanging
around the street corners since
there is nothing else to do.
“I have never seen a manufactured
good from Iraq since I have been here.
Saddam’s people starved while he lived
Photos contributed
After the U.S. government
turned Forward Operating
Base Danger back to the Iraqis, Kohler
moved to the middle of the desert to
Speicher – where the better side of Iraq
could be seen.
“Things are quieter here since we are
in the middle of the desert,” Kohler said.
“The sunrises and sunsets here are
breathtaking. The colors are the most
beautiful shades of oranges and blues.
“In this desolate desert, I can feel
the power of the past,” Kohler continued.
“Iraqis are proud to be from Iraq,
and they love their country. And when I
look at the sky at night, I can see why.”
Thanks to the U.S. Army, Kohler said
she is in “the best shape of my life”
because she has had to walk everywhere.
But she has gained new perspectives
on the war, America and herself.
“I have learned there are still
unselfish people in the world who truly
do things because it is the right thing
to do,” said Kohler, who complimented
the intelligence and dedication of the
Army’s leaders.
“Watching America from the outside,
I am appalled at the materialistic,
frivolous way of life Americans seem to
admire,” she said. “But the last six
months have been a true adventure,
and I know now that I could never have
made it in the Army.”
president for commercial lending at
F&M Bank, Clarksville.
PHIL SKINNER (’86) is vice president
of general licensing operations for the
American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers. He and his
wife Cindy reside in Sharpsburg, Ga.,
with their 8-year-old son, Auman.
MARK HOLLEMAN (’87), president of
Coldwell Banker/Conroy, Marable and
Holleman, was named to the Planters
Bank Board of Directors in Clarksville.
Holleman served 12 years on Clarksville
City Council. He is past president and
member of the Clarksville Association
of Realtors and current member of the
Clarksville Rotary Club and Clarksville
River District Commission.
GARY “BO” CLAYTON (’88) is the
command leading petty officer at Naval
Station in Newport, R.I., and unit leader
for the Navy Band Northeast
Showband, in which he plays trumpet.
DAVID ALFORD (‘89), executive artistic
director with the Tennessee
Repertory Theatre, starred in David
Mamet’s “Oleanna” throughout March
2006 at the Tennessee Performing Arts
Center’s Johnson Theater in Nashville.
MAJ. NATHAN “NATE” HINES III
(’89) is regimental command officer of
the 3 rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S.
Army, Fort Hood, Texas.
1990s
CAROL M. JOINER (’91) is a partner in
the law firm of Batson, Nolan,
Williamson, Pearson and Miller in
Clarksville. She joined the firm in 1998.
She practices in the areas of probate,
estate planning, wills and estates,
commercial litigation and business formation,
as well as real estate.
SARAH NEWMAN (’91, ’95) is the first
principal of the new Martin Luther King
Jr. Elementary School, Hopkinsville, Ky.
The school will open in Fall 2007. She’s
been a teacher and administrator at
Highland Elementary School, also in
Hopkinsville, for 15 years and is a Rank
1 certified educator.
GEORGIA ELLIS (’92, ‘93) is in charge
of enrollment and academic advisement
for the Bethel College’s
“Success” program in Clarksville.
HEATHER BOYET (’94) is vice president
in the personal trust division of
wealth management at AmSouth Bank,
Nashville.
FRANCES CAMP (‘95) is assistant
principal at the new Barkers Mill
Elementary School in Clarksville. She
ended the 2005-06 academic year as
curriculum specialist at Hazelwood
Elementary School, where she taught
first grade for 10 years.
DANIEL NEWTON (’96) principal at
Sycamore High School in Ashland City,
is pursuing an Education Specialist
degree at APSU.
CINDY ADAMS (’98) is assistant principal
at both Sango and Glenellen elementary
schools in Clarksville. She formerly
was a third-grade teacher at
Norman Smith Elementary School,
Clarksville, and has been with the local
school system for the past seven years.
DIANE M. CARR (’98), Hopkinsville,
Ky., is assistant controller at White
Hydraulics, Hopkinsville.
KANYA ALLEN (’99) was awarded certification
as a global career development
facilitator following completion of
a 12-hour course curriculum by the
Center for Credentialing and Education.
NANCY A. WASHINGTON (’99) is an
attourney in the Tennessee Board of
Regents Office of General Counsel,
Nashville.
2000s
CHAD CAROBENE (’00) is yacht and
brokerage manager at Erwin Marine
Sales, Hendersonville. He oversees all
business operations and retail sales of
vessels 42 feet long and larger. He
began his career with the company as
a sales consultant.
MICHAEL A. WALL (’00) is an attorney
with Hall, Booth, Smith and Slover
Grandkids, cattle give Hunt ‘plenty to do’ in retirement
By Melony Leazer
Communication Specialist
During his retirement reception in April
2006, Dr. Gaines Hunt (’66) was asked
what he plans to do after working for 35
years at Austin Peay State University.
He has “plenty to do,” he told an
attendee.
“I’ve got cattle to take care of and two
grandchildren to see,” he recalled saying.
Then he chuckled and said, “I was
teased for putting them in that order.”
Hunt retired June 30 as dean of the
College of Science and Mathematics.
He began teaching at APSU in 1971 in
the agriculture department, becoming
chair in 1978.
Since 1995, he has held interim and
permanent administrative positions in
almost every academic program at APSU,
except for business and education.
Hunt’s wife, Lynda Hunt, who
earned a Master of Science from APSU
in 1985, also worked on campus for
three years.
“APSU has been a family affair. It has
permeated our whole life,” his wife said.
Hunt has been looking forward to
retirement, especially since his wife
retired as a school librarian about two
years ago. But what he will miss most
is teaching and advising students.
“I am most proud of helping and
encouraging students,” Hunt said. “I’ve
influenced a lot of them to pursue
advanced education.”
One of the students Hunt helped to
go on to graduate school was Dr.
Lannett Edwards (’89), who was invited
to study cloning research in 1998 with
Dr. Ian Wilmut, the famous scientist
from Scotland best known for cloning
Dolly, the sheep.
Although Hunt has been a strong
advocate of academics, he also demonstrates
a passion for athletics. Hunt
calls himself a sports “spectator,” and
Gaines Hunt in the recessional
at commencement, May 2006.
he is a devoted Govs fan.
But in many cases, Hunt has been
the torch to help the Austin Peay Govs
shine. He has followed the Govs to
many away games, having traveled as
far as Hawaii and the Virgin Islands to
cheer on Austin Peay. For 15 years, he
was chair of APSU’s Athletic
Committee, participating in NCAA and
OVC meetings.
In 1991, Hunt took the lead to help
investigate a series of allegations made
by the NCAA charging APSU with
major and minor violations. The committee
responded with a report – more
than 460 pages – in which APSU could
not admit nor refute the claims but
imposed penalties on itself. The NCAA
dropped the charges for the primary
violations and accepted APSU’s selfimposed
penalties for the secondary
ones. As a result, the University set a
precedent for NCAA institutions who
were charged with violations.
“That was a team effort. I was
pleased with the outcome,” Hunt said.
The spirit Hunt has for academics
and athletics never subsided when he
was diagnosed four years ago with non-
Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After two rounds
of chemotherapy and one monoclonal
antibody, Rituxin, Hunt has been cancer-free
for three and one-half years.
Impressively, Hunt missed only three
days of work while on chemo.
“At times, his white count prevented
group contact and shaking hands, but
he was at work,” Hunt’s wife said.
Hunt and his wife live in Clarksville.
The couple has two grown daughters:
Laura Hunt Daniels, 34, an art teacher
at Waverly Junior High School, and
Leslie Camille Hunt, 26, a doctoral student
in biomedical engineering in a joint
program at the University of Memphis/
University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Bill Persinger/APSU
in Atlanta and also serves as a political
and legal consultant.
LINA COLLINS (’02) is an analytic linguist
with the U.S. Department of
Defense in Washington, D.C. She previously
was an interpreter and translator
in Iraq and later an adviser to the
Ministry of Trade in Iraq.
REBECCA FLEENOR (’02) received the
Outstanding Student Award in Finance
at Tennessee State University, where
she graduated May 6, 2006, summa
cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in
accounting and finance. She is a member
of Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma
Sigma honor societies, and received a
Wall Street Journal Award.
MARK HAWKINS (’02), who received
a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in
December 2005 from Logan College of
Chiropractic near St. Louis, has opened
In Motion Spine and Joint Center at
Campbell Station in Spring Hill.
TODD ALLEN PETERS (’04), an environmental
chemist with Clean Harbors
Environmental Inc., was promoted from
the company’s Greenbrier office to the
Tucker, Ga., location. He resides in
Stone Mountain, Ga.
RICHARD JOHN NOLL (’05), Geronimo,
Okla., was inducted into the Manchester
Who’s Who of Professionals. He is a
staff nurse with the U.S. Army and
assigned to Fort Sill, Okla.
ROGER GROVE (’05) is management
and membership services coordinator
at the Clarksville Area YMCA.
JUSTIN ROPER (’05), Sparta, is pursuing
a master’s degree in medical
physics at Duke University, where he
was awarded an assistantship with an
annual stipend of $24,000, plus tuition
waiver and medical benefits. He was
recognized for having the highest
grade-point average among all firstyear
master’s degree candidates in the
medical physics program.
34 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
35

Class Notes
Births
ANGELA NEAL (’98) and Jeff Neal
announce the birth of their second son,
Spencer Clinton, on March 27, 2006.
The mother is a senior program assistant
with AARP in New York and serves
as District XI representative of the
APSU National Alumni Association.
TARA RENEE GARGUS-FIESE (’99)
and Bruce Alan Fiese announce the
birth of their son, Gabriel Martin Fiese,
on Feb. 14, 2005. The mother is a therapist
at Pennyrile Allied Community
Services, Hopkinsville, Ky., and the
father is employed by Commonwealth
Agri-Energy, also in Hopkinsville. The
family lives in Cerulean, Ky.
TRACEY LYNN JERNIGAN DIMON
(’99) and THOMAS DIMON (’98)
announce the birth of their daughter,
Isabella Grace, on Feb. 19, 2006. The
baby weighed 3 pounds, 7 ounces and
measured 17 inches long. The family
lives in Tullahoma.
Marriages
SUSAN ZANE MARTIN (’96) and
Charlie Beard Davis were married Nov.
12, 2005, in Greensboro, N.C. She
works in marketing and public relations
in Greensboro. He is a professional
sales representative with UCB Pharma
Inc. The couple resides in Greensboro.
KYLIE RAE FITTS JERNIGAN (’01)
and Paul Jernigan were married April
29, 2006. She is an attorney in Atmore,
Ala. He works in radiology at D.W.
McMillian Hospital in Brewton, Ala. The
couple resides in Brewton.
ROBERT PRICE (’03) and Pamela
Covington were married March 3,
2006. Price is a supervisor at the
Wilson County Youth Ranch and a
counselor intern at Cumberland Heights
Treatment Facility for Alcohol and Drug
Abuse, Nashville. The couple lives in
Murfreesboro with their six children.
Deaths
ANNA BELLE DARDEN (’32, ’53), Fort
Walton Beach, Fla., died May 3, 2006.
She was a teacher and principal at
APSU student finds new purpose in life following near tragic fall
By Melony Leazer
Communication Specialist
Jeremy Golden learned the difficult
way what his calling in life is.
On the night of Oct. 14, 2005, Golden
fell three stories off a Killebrew Hall balcony
and hit the pavement, shattering
his vertebrae. Following a grueling 11-
hour surgery, doctors gave the 19-yearold
Austin Peay State University student
from Las Vegas, Nev., little hope that he
would walk again.
Golden proved them wrong – he’s
continuing his education at Austin Peay
and walks like nothing happened. Yet,
the near tragedy changed the young
man’s future.
On that night before his accident,
Golden and a couple of his friends were
playing video games in the dorm room
on Killebrew’s third floor.
And Golden was intoxicated. “We
were doing something we shouldn’t
have been doing,” Golden said.
Not remembering why, Golden said he
became angry with one of his friends and
charged at him. Instead of making physical
contact with his friend, Golden hit the
rail. Unable to regain his balance, he toppled
over hitting the concrete below.
He was transported by helicopter to
Gateway Hospital and then to Vanderbilt
University Medical Center, Nashville.
Golden said he had no recollection
of that night, and it wasn’t until after
the surgery that he began to remember
pieces of the event.
“I remember waking up. I couldn’t
move,” he said of the moment when he
gained consciousness. “I had a tube in
Jarod Leonard/The All State
my throat.
“After my surgery, people tried to tell
me what had happened, and every time
I passed out.”
Doctors at Vanderbilt informed
Golden he was paralyzed and told him
to prepare for a life of little movement.
For rehabilitation, Golden reported to
Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo., outside
of Denver. But a few days before
he left for Craig, he moved a finger.
Then a toe.
“I think that surprised the doctors a
little bit,” he said.
According to its Web site, Craig
Hospital is world renowned in specialty
rehabilitation and research for people with
spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.
Not long after he arrived at Craig,
movement in other parts of Golden’s
body began to return – developments
that baffled doctors.
“Doctors kept coming in and asking,
‘OK, what’s working today?’” Golden
said, smiling.
One of the most important benefits
of Craig Hospital is the opportunity for
patients with similar ages, backgrounds
and injuries to teach, encourage and
support one another.
Last November, Golden began walking
again. On Dec. 12 – one and a half
months after he arrived – he left Craig
recovered.
But it was at Craig where Golden
discovered his path in life. His rapid
recovery inspired other patients there,
and Golden encouraged them to work
on their progress.
“I feel like I was able to show them
that you can’t give up,” he said. “I think I
helped them to realize that there is hope.”
A former marketing major, Golden
has changed his focus of study to
physical therapy, working one day
“hopefully for Craig,” he said.
“I just know I can use my experience
to help them in a way a doctor
can’t,” he said. “I can come to the
patient’s level.”
Not undergoing additional therapy or
taking any medication, Golden has
regained his power. He is able to type
again and is working to rebuild his
muscles.
Golden is, however, afraid of heights
as a result of the three-story fall. And
he quickly admits, “I don’t like to drink
anymore.”
Byrns Darden Elementary School,
which was named after her husband in
1959. She started in 1949 when it was
called Austin Peay Demonstration
School and served as the school’s top
administrator until her retirement in
1977. Under her leadership, Byrns
Darden in 1966 was the first school in
the unified Clarksville-Montgomery
County School System to be accredited
by the Southern Association of
Colleges.
JASPER WILLARD GRIGGS (’65),
Franklin, died April 8, 2006.
DIANNE LORBESKE (’91),
Hopkinsville, Ky., died Sept. 3, 2005.
She was honored posthumously as an
Arthritis Walk Honoree on June 17,
2006, at Louisville Slugger Field in
Louisville, Ky.
ALEXANDER BRUCE McMILLAN
(’53), Erin, died April 9, 2006. He was a
retired teacher and school administrator.
He also was an Army veteran serving
in the Korean War. He is survived
by his wife, Mary Jane McMillan, Erin;
two sons, Jay Ellis, Nashville, and Jeff
Ellis, Bradenton, Fla.; and four daughters,
Lynn Wolf, St. Petersburg, Fla.,
Robin Tripp, Brentwood, Karen Clark,
Fort Drum, N.Y., and Jodi Clark, Erin.
In Memoriam
Teena Smith Little
Former North Carolina Sen. Teena
Smith Little (‘62) of Southern Pines,
N.C., who died May 23, 2006, at age
65 of cancer, left behind an outstanding
legacy of public service.
Photo Contributed
Little, who earned a bachelor’s
degree from Austin Peay with a double
major in English and health and physical
education, was called “a warrior for
education at every level” by Phil Kirk,
president emeritus of North Carolina
Citizens for Business and Industry.
A school teacher early in her career,
Little was well-known across the state
of North Carolina. Not only did she
serve as state senator in 1994-95, she
was active in the Republican Party
along with her husband, George, who
ran for governor in 2004. They worked
together in 2000 to achieve the passage
of a $3.1 billion statewide higher
education bond package.
She was elected to the Moore
County (N.C.) Board of Education in the
mid-1980s, serving seven years. She
was appointed to serve on the State
Board of Education and the University
of North Carolina (UNC) Board of
Governors, becoming the only woman
ever to serve as vice chair of that
board.
In addition to her appointment to the
UNC Board of Governors, Little was
appointed to the University of North
Carolina-Wilmington Watson School of
Education Board of Advisers and the
Western Carolina University Board of
Trustees.
Little also took on leadership roles in
many other organizations, including the
North Carolina Breast Cancer Fund.
In February when the Distinguished
Citizen Award was presented to Little,
former North Carolina Gov. Jim
Holshouser told the assembled crowd
that, in working with her on the UNC
Board of Governors, he never saw anyone
who was more prepared.
In addition to her husband, Little is
survived by a son, George W. Little Jr.,
Southern Pines, two daughters, Cynthia
L. Frazier of Pinehurst and Lindsay L.
Browning of Florence, S.C., and three
grandchildren.
Harvard bound
APSU alumna receives full-tuition scholarship, pursues Ph.D.
By Melony Leazer
Communication Specialist
The dream to study molecular biology
with an emphasis on cancer began
for Jamie Dempsey (’03) while a student
at Austin Peay State University.
But to continue the ambition with a
full-tuition scholarship at prestigious
Harvard University Medical School is
something Dempsey, 27, never thought
would become a reality.
“Harvard was my dream in the ‘Oh
wow, that will never happen’ kind of
dream,” said Dempsey, a former
sion for cancer research,” Dempsey said.
Hopkinsville, Ky., resident. “I actually
For the past two years, Dempsey
was not even going to apply, but a
has worked at the National Institutes of
friend of mine who was accepted to
Health, Bethesda. She has been
Harvard Law (School) told me that
involved in lung cancer research, working
mainly with cell cultures taken from
someone has to go there. Why not us?”
Dempsey began work in August in
lung cancer patients and comparing
Harvard’s Ph.D. Program of Biomedical
those to normal cells.
Sciences in the Division of Medical
“I have been working to better
Sciences. In the first year of studies,
understand the aberrant internal cellular
she will take courses and rotate for
signals in lung cancer. Simply put, cancer
is uncontrollable cell growth, and I
about six weeks through various
research labs that are affiliated with
have been trying to understand what in
Harvard’s Medical School.
the cell is telling it to grow when it
“The rotations will give me a chance
shouldn’t be,” Dempsey said.
to gauge the environment of the lab as
Another important aspect of lung
well as get a taste of what kinds of
cancer, Dempsey said, is chemotherapeutic
resistance.
projects are available for a dissertation,”
Dempsey said. “Once I choose a
“This part of my project involves
lab, I will begin working in the lab part
deciphering why certain lung cancer
time for the second year while I finish
cell lines are responsive to chemotherapy
and others are not,” Dempsey said.
up my course requirements.”
In addition to her course work and
Dempsey credits a couple of APSU
lab rotations, Dempsey will have to fulfill
courses with her success today –
a teaching requirement. She will have
Cellular and Molecular Biology and
the option to be a teaching assistant at
Recombinant DNA Technology.
Harvard’s main campus or a tutor at
“Both of these courses got me excited
about molecular biology and made
after-school programs with the public
school system in Cambridge, Mass.
me want to gain more experience doing
Dempsey said she anticipates the
biological research,” Dempsey said.
program to take five years for her to
Harvard University, an Ivy League
complete. Following her studies at
school that celebrated its 350th
Harvard, she plans to pursue academics,
through both teaching and research.
anniversary in 1986, is the oldest institution
of higher learning in the U.S.,
Scholarships for graduate study at
according to the university’s Web site.
Harvard, particularly in the biomedical
Though most of her classmates at
and biological sciences, are common,
Harvard received an Ivy League undergraduate
education, Dempsey is quick
Dempsey said. She noted further that
many students who are attending graduate
school on a full-time basis to pur-
to inform about the education she
received at Austin Peay.
sue a Ph.D. are granted a full-tuition
“I am proud to tell them that I went
scholarship, as well as an additional
to a state school in Tennessee,”
stipend for living expenses.
Dempsey said. “The small class size (at
Following graduation from APSU in
APSU) really facilitated the one-on-one
December 2003, Dempsey was awarded
a two-year fellowship to conduct
attention that I was able to get from
my teachers, and my education is better
because of that.”
cancer research at the National Cancer
Institute, Bethesda, Md.
“Since I’ve been here, my interests in
molecular biology have grown to a pas-
Photo Contributed
36 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
Austin Peay/Fall 2006
37

Sports (continued from Page 31)
Other basketball signees for the upcoming
season are guard Wes Channels and forward
Ernest Fields, both from Ridgeway High
School in Memphis.
4 athletes take honors
Four Austin Peay State University athletes
were recognized in April with APSU’s most
esteemed athletic honors.
Senior pitching star Rowdy Hardy, Austin
Peay’s and the Ohio Valley Conference’s alltime
wins leader, was named Most
Outstanding Male Athlete for a second
straight year.
Senior track star Sherlonda Johnson, who
was named the OVC Indoor Track Female
Athlete of the Year and later the OVC Indoor
Track Championship Female Athlete of the
Meet, received the Most Outstanding Female
Athlete award for a second consecutive year.
Women’s basketball star Ashley Haynes,
who led the Lady Govs to an OVC tourney
berth while ranking second in the nation in
rebounds, received the Female Joy Award,
which honors the most valuable senior athlete.
Men’s basketball standout Zac Schlader, who
earned first-team All-OVC as a senior while
earning third-team Academic All-America, was
named Male Joy Award recipient.
Record set at Governors Bass Tournament
The 12th annual Governors Bass
Tournament at Kentucky Lake set a record for
the number of entrants – 264 boats.
Nearly $27,000 was raised for APSU
Athletics. More than $11,000 was awarded to
the top 30 finishers in the tournament.
The father-and-son team of Mike Walker
and Jeremy Walker, Pegram, checked in a
five-bass limit weighing 21.82 pounds to
claim the $3,000 first-place prize.
Second place of $1,500 went to the team of
David Fields and John Morgan, Murray, Ky.
Sam Lashlee, Camden, and Rusty Rust,
Mount Juliet, placed third with five bass
weighing 19.20 pounds, including the tournament’s
big bass, a 7.18-pound largemouth.
Their efforts earned $2,544, including $1,544
for the big bass.
Fourth-place prize of $600 went to David
Griffey and Donald Stewart, Clarksville, with
five bass weighing 17.19 pounds. Nick Manzella
and Art Hunter, of Clarksville, captured fifth
place and $1,416 with five bass weighing 16.75
pounds, including the second big bass, a 5.49-
pound smallmouth worth $1,016.
In addition, junior soccer player Adonia
Bivins was named Female Scholar-Athlete.
Senior tennis player Ankur Singla earned
Male Scholar-Athlete.
Schlader earns 2 top honors
Zac Schlader, APSU’s senior center, has
been named third-team ESPN The Magazine
Academic All-America, as selected by the
College Sports Information Directors of
America.
Schlader, who graduated May 5, is the first
men’s basketball player in Austin Peay history
to earn Academic All-America honors.
Previously, he was named to the District IV
Academic All-District team for a second
straight year.
The Columbia, Mo., native also received
the 2005-06 Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship
Award, presented annually to an Ohio Valley
Conference male or female student-athlete of
junior or senior standing who best exemplifies
the characteristics of the late Morehead
State student-athlete, coach and administrator.
Schlader became the fourth Austin Peay
athlete to earn the award in its eight years of
existence and the second male athlete to earn
the honor.
Freshman Gilboy Govs’ lone
first-team All-OVC honoree
Freshman Ryan Gilboy was APSU’s only
representative to receive first-team All-OVC
baseball honors.
Gilboy, Racine, Wis., became the first
APSU freshman to receive first-team recognition
since A.J. Ellis in 2000. He finished the
2006 campaign leading all OVC freshmen in
batting average with a .361, the eighth best in
the conference.
APSU’s 73rd all-time first-team selection,
Gilboy was named to the OVC’s All-
Freshman team.
Four seniors were named to the All-OVC
second team: outfielders Ryan Kane and
Cody Youngblood as well as starting pitcher
Rowdy Hardy and reliever Brad Daniel. A
third Govs pitcher, junior Shawn Kelley, was
named OVC all-tourney.
Hardy, Kane achieve
milestones
Senior pitcher Rowdy Hardy, the all-time
wins leader for both APSU and the Ohio
Valley Conference, signed a deal with the
Idaho Falls Chukars, a member of the Pioneer
Rip Watts, left, director of corporate relations, and Carroll McCray, head football coach, right, present a
check to the winners of the 2006 APSU Bass Tournament Mike Walker, left and Jeremy Walker.
Sharon Silva/APSU
Linda Davis concert raises over $30K for athletic scholarships
APSU music student
Lindsey Wise joins Linda
Davis on stage to perform
“Does He Love You,” a hit
duet Linda sang with country
music superstar Reba
McEntire.
League composed of eight teams in Idaho,
Utah, Montana and Wyoming.
Hardy, a Bethel Springs native, recorded 32
wins in three seasons as a Governor.
In addition, senior leftfielder Ryan Kane
pieced together a 36-game hit streak – the
second-longest streak in OVC and APSU history
– in early season. That record also tied
for the nation’s longest hit streak during the
2006 season.
Venable selected ESPN
The Magazine Academic
All-District Softball
Brianna Venable, Austin Peay’s second baseman
who graduated recently, has been named
first-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-
District IV softball, by the College Sports
Information Directors of America.
It is the second straight year Venable has
earned university division academic all-district
honors. Last season, the Edmonds,
Wash., native was second-team all-district.
Also, Venable was named second-team All-
Ohio Valley Conference for the third time.
Venable became the first Lady Gov to
record three straight double-digit, home-run
seasons. She leaves as APSU’s all-time leader
with 39 home runs.
Singla, Yago named Arthur
Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars
Two APSU senior athletes have been named
to the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars teams.
Senior men’s tennis player Ankur Singla
was awarded first-team honors, while senior
women’s soccer player Kaylee Yago received
third-team honors.
Singla, Chandigarh, India, graduated
magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in
business administration. He played the No. 1
seed for three years, maintaining a 3.79
grade-point average.
Yago, Greeley, Colo., is in her final year of
APSU’s elementary education program. She is
a two-sport athlete, starting for the women’s
soccer team and running the 3,000-meter steeplechase—holding
the school record—for the
Lady Govs track and field team.
Barron named first-team
All-OVC golf, Yamamoto
second-team
Two APSU golfers have earned All-Ohio
Valley Conference honors.
Chris Barron was named first-team All-
OVC. Junior Yoshio Yamamoto, who has had
five top 10 finishes during the season was
named second-team.
It is the first All-OVC award for Barron
and the second straight year Yamamoto has
earned second-team honors.
Johnson finishes 16th
in region
Senior track star Sherlonda Johnson finished
16th at the NCAA Outdoor Track and
Field Mideast Regional on May 26 at
University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
This was the third time Johnson had qualified
for NCAA Regional competition.
Raines named OVC Female
Track and Field Freshman
of the Year
Lady Govs track and field standout Anna
Claire Raines was tabbed the Ohio Valley
Conference’s Female Track and Field
Freshman of the Year.
Raines, of Nashville Christian School,
competed for the Lady Govs cross country
and track and field teams.
The distance runner edged into the league’s
top 10 in the 10,000 meters at the Raleigh
Relays, shattering a decade-old Austin Peay
record.
Bill Persinger/APSU
38 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
39

Feedback
I would like to make a contribution to
APSU’s political science department … in
loving memory of Dr. Vernon Warren, who
was my adviser and cherished friend.
I received a fabulous education … and
remember my professors with deep fondness
and appreciation. (I owe) much to the professors
of the political science department, especially
Dr. Warren, and the history department
in which I double majored.
What I learned from them gave me not only
four years of happiness and wonder, but also a
marvelously enduring perspective on our
world as it changes from today to tomorrow.
Elizabeth Rawlins (’80)
Senior Attorney, Office of Chief Counsel
Internal Revenue Service
Washington, D.C.
Your Web site is excellent! As a member
of the Tennessee Board of Regents, I had to
review all of the Web sites. The APSU site
was the best!
Robbie Melton
Associate Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs
Tennessee Board of Regents
Nashville
Thank you and everyone involved in making
the piece (“Finding a Forever Family,”
Spring/Summer 2006 edition) happen. And on
behalf of children-in-waiting around the
world, I deeply appreciate your interest in the
work of “Adoption Means Love” and
“Adoption Tribe Publishing.”
I am in New Mexico for the next couple of
Alumni news and events (continued from Page 29)
weeks…(and) will be receiving the 2006
Governor’s Award for Outstanding New
Mexico Women on May 5.
Michelle Madrid-Branch (‘92)
Santa Fe, N.M.
(Austin Peay is) an outstanding publication
that makes one proud to be an APSU grad … So
many superlatives and awesome recognitions.
The tremendous student growth is simply
amazing; so many wonderful things are happening
at APSU.
Jim Nolen (‘52)
Louisville, Ky.
Congratulations on the summer football
camp with the Tennessee Titans. That is a huge
score for the University, and I’m sure there’s
been much excitement and buzz about it.
Also, congratulations on the beautiful Web
site! I visit it every now and then to check out
the lastest Austin Peay happenings. It really
grabs my attention and feels “active” and
“happy.” Kudos.
Cristina Henley (‘01)
Herndon, Va.
I graduated from APSU in May 2003 with
a B.S. in Communication. As a nontraditional
student, it took me a while to get through the
four-year program. I was going to school
when the tornado hit Clarksville.
I was recently on campus for a program
and went to the UC and walked the campus a
bit. The campus looks great— tastefully done
and cheerful.
Let’s Go Peay!
Mary Reid (’03)
Clarksville
I have already received some responses
from APSU alumni in Tennessee: a Shaw
graduate of APSU from Sumner County wants
to swap family genealogical information
…The other was from Ashland City, the
daughter (born the year I left Ashland City for
Austin Peay in 1936) who well remembered
my father and his relationship with her father
(she is an Austin Peay graduate, as I understand
her). You see that Austin Peay gets read!
What I hope the article (about him) will
arouse in students or prospective students of
Austin Peay and their parents: that there’s
nothing to keep any of them to do as well, or
go as far academically, as I did.
I’m planning to visit Cheatham County this
summer for the family reunion of the descendants
of my maternal grandparents (Mr. and
Mrs. T. J. Pace), God and health permitting,
and to visit Austin Peay while there.
Dr. J. Thomas Shaw (‘38)
Madison, Wis.
I read (the Shaw) article in the APSU
alumni paper. Do you know how I might get
in touch with J. Thomas Shaw? I am a Shaw
descendant. Thank you.
James Thomas Law (’70)
Cottontown, Tenn.
(Editor’s Note: We provided James Thomas
Law with the address of Dr. J. Thomas Shaw.)
Physics is fun at Austin Peay
Bill Persinger/APSU
Proceeds of $1,766 from the second annual Cheatham County Alumni Chapter
Scholarship Golf Tournament were presented to Erma Weakley, her daughter,
Alice Lindahl, and son-in-law, Johnny Lindahl, for the Dorris Weakley Memorial
Scholarship Fund. Presenting the check is Cheryl Bidwell (’85), chapter president,
along with Cheatham County alumni Sheila Townley (’96) and Darrin
Wiseman (’05).
Shelia Boone/APSU
Participating in the second annual Cheatham County Alumni Scholarship Golf
Tournament last spring were (left to right) Tim Chilcutt (’71), Tom Jones (’67),
Tommy Bates and John Ogles (’67).
Shelia Boone/APSU
Is it any wonder Austin Peay State
University has more physics majors than any
other university in Tennessee, including UT-
Knoxville?
Our physics majors (and their children) discover
physics is fun! Here, in a physics lab,
Lori Schultz (‘06) enjoys the excitement on
the face of her son, Austin, as he launches
metal rings with a coil of wire using
Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetism.
After declining a graduate assistantship at
Vanderbilt University, Schultz is continuing
her studies at the University of Alabama,
Huntsville, where her research focuses on tornadoes
spawned by hurricanes. To entice
Schultz to the University of Alabama, she
received a $19,200 stipend as well as a waiver
of tuition and fees.
“In general, people do not realize that
physics graduates get paid to go to (graduate)
school,” says Dr. Jaime Taylor, chair of the
department of physics and astronomy.
When Shultz graduated from high school,
she wanted to study aviation in college, but
she lacked the financial means, so she joined
the Army and began a 12-year career that
would lead her to her husband and, ultimately,
to Austin Peay where she majored in physics.
“After my sophomore year, I was ready to
quit,” says Schultz with a laugh. “But my
professors wouldn’t let me.” Certainly she
had no plans to attend graduate school—until
she received a 2005 Summer Undergraduate
Research Fellowship in Oceanography in
Rhode Island, which whetted her appetite for
more education and research.
“With a master’s degree from UAH, I
know I will be able to line up a job after
graduation,” she says.
No doctorate? “I don’t ever want to close
the door on anything,” Shultz says. “Being
open to change is what makes life fun.”
For more information about the APSU
Department of Physics and Astronomy, contact
Taylor by telephone at (931) 221-6116 or
e-mail at taylorj@apsu.edu.
40 Austin Peay/Fall 2006 Austin Peay/Fall 2006
41

Tennesse Titans quarterback Vince Young signs autographs for fans after an evening practice during the Titans’ two-week camp held at Austin Peay.
©2006 Bill Persinger Photography
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