Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition: Recent Episodes
CoAL - APSU
Join Dr. Buzz Hoon, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, in exploring the stories of graduates in the College of Arts and Letters at Austin Peay State University.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon speaks with Sophia Eisenbart, a 2017 graduate of APSU’s Department of Art + Design and now a high school art teacher. Sophia shares her journey from starting as a Biology major to changing majors to pursue her passion for Art, with the encouragement of her advisor and her mother’s unwavering support. She discusses how art has been a steadying force in her life and how she brings that message into her classroom to inspire her students. Sophia also talks about her current art show at the Customs House Museum and reflects on what has influenced her artistry.
In this episode, Dean Hoon speaks with Dr. Mike Gotcher, a proud alum of the APSU Department of Communication and former Chair of APSU's Department of Communication and Theatre. Now serving as Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Tennessee Tech University, Dr. Gotcher shares insights from his journey in higher education, which spans over 28 years. He reflects on his time at APSU as both a student and faculty member and how his career path led him to leadership roles in academia.
In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon chats with Sydney Hawkins, a 2020 alum of the APSU Department of Communication. Sydney recently transitioned to WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, OH, where she serves as a weekend morning anchor. Growing up in Madison County, TN, Sydney was an active 4-H member, a band kid, and participated in numerous camps. Her journey to becoming a journalist began with a lightbulb moment during a high school speech, leading her to APSU, where she thrived in APSU TV News. Sydney shares insights into her career, the challenges of balancing mental health with reporting, and the importance of actively listening as a journalist.
In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon sits down with Natalie Kilgore, a 2001 alumna of APSU’s Department of Communication. Growing up in Greenbrier, TN, Natalie developed a deep love for music, nurtured by her small town’s strong arts programs. Her passion for communication led her to a hands-on education at APSU, where she worked with the campus radio station, WAPX-FM, and other student media outlets such as the student newspaper, The All State. Now, with over two decades of industry experience, Natalie serves as the VP of Publicity for Brown Sellers Brown, promoting artists under the label’s Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records. Tune in to hear her journey from radio DJ to working with icons like Reba McEntire and leading major music publicity departments in Nashville.
In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon speaks with Alejandro "Jandro" Herrera, a proud Clarksville native and alum of the APSU Department of Communication's sports broadcasting program, Jandro has a deep love for all sports. He played soccer in high school and now coaches a soccer league, all while serving as the Director of Recruitment and Orientation at Austin Peay State University.
In this episode of Govs On The Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with APSU Art + Design alumnus Dan Colón, the creative mind behind the famous KFC design. Dan’s journey is filled with unique twists, including a break from college to become a monk before finding his way to Austin Peay in a very non-traditional way.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dr. Buzz Hoon chats with APSU Department of Music alumna Vanessa Cobb. Vanessa, originally from White House, TN, moved to Clarksville in 2011 to attend APSU, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and two master's degrees, one in Music Education and another in Conducting. Her impressive journey includes performing in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and being honored as one of the 29 nationwide educators for the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 2024 class of Music Teachers of Excellence. Vanessa has been working in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, most recently at Montgomery Central High School. Tune in to hear her inspiring story!
Join Dr. Buzz Hoon as he sits down with APSU communication alumna and business owner Kaylee Edmonson. Kaylee shares her journey to Austin Peay and the impactful time she spent with her professors. She delves into her love for continuous learning, which has propelled her to success in the marketing world, ultimately leading her to start her own company, Demand Loops. In this episode, Kaylee discusses her career path, likening it to building a product and constantly seeking the next thing to learn for operationalization.
In this episode of “Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition,” DeanHoon speaks with Lawson Mabry, who graduated in 1977 with a degree in English and a minor in History. Lawson is now a successful real estate investor and developer in Clarksville. With deep roots in the area dating back to the early 1800s, Lawson shares his unique perspective on the city's growth from a small town of 20,000 to its present state. He also discusses the influence of his family, including his mother who taught in the APSU English Department, and the invaluable lessons learned from his father in the real estate business. Lawson highlights the importance of strong writing skills and offers advice on professional growth, emphasizing the benefits of effective communication and a bit of accounting knowledge.
In this episode, Dean Hoon chats with Dr. Jeffrey Wood, a distinguished figure in the Department of Music at APSU for nearly four decades. Coming from a lineage of educators, Dr. Wood's journey began with piano lessons at age seven, leading him to prestigious institutions like the Interlochen Arts Academy and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. With a Ph.D. in composition, his works have graced venues nationwide, earning accolades such as the Broadcast Music, Inc., Awards.
Join Dr. Buzz Hoon as he sits down with Treston Henderson, a graduate of the musical theatre program at Austin Peay State University who is now making waves in Brooklyn, NY. Treston shares his inspiring story of initially doubting college due to the perceived workload, only to find his passion and excel in the Musical Theatre program. From landing the lead role in his freshman year to becoming a Governors Ambassador and practicing with the APSU Cheerleading team, Treston's journey is one of determination and success. Tune in to hear how his time at Austin Peay shaped his career in the arts!
Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Dr. Katherine Honea, a professor in the Department of Languages and Literature at APSU. Teaching Spanish and linguistics, Katherine brings a unique perspective to language education. With an undergraduate background in marketing and experience as a stockbroker, Katherine's path took an unexpected turn when she moved to Chile, sparking her passion for language learning.
In this episode Dean Hoon catches up with Lindsey McClendon, an APSU alumna who graduated with a degree in Music in 2016. Originally from Greenbrier, TN, Lindsey now resides in Kleinrinderfeld, Germany where she crafts handmade jewelry. During her time at APSU, Lindsey's passion for music and language blossomed. As a Music Major, she honed her skills while also delving into the study of German under the guidance of Dr. Beatrix Brockman.
In this episode, Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Rob Baron,Chair of the Department of Communication at Austin Peay State University. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Baron's journey to academia was shaped by his early love for speech and debate. Hailing from Minnesota, he followed his passion through high school and college, eventually coaching speech and debate at the high school level. Dr. Baron pursued a master's degree in communication, propelling his career forward. Now a digital rhetorician, his research delves into the intersection of technology and human communication, exploring topics such as social media dynamics, video games as cultural texts, and the evolution of indie gaming culture.
In this episode, Dean Hoon speaks with Margaret Rennerfeldt, a passionate educator and dancer hailing from Illinois. Margaret's journey led her to Austin Peay after years of diverse experiences, including teaching dance, running a dance company, and working as a visiting professor and adjunct faculty. Now a member of the Department of Theatre and Dance faculty, Margaret brings her expertise in somatic movement education and somatic experiencing to APSU.
In this episode, Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Cameron Sutt, a longstanding member of the APSU community. Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Sutt joined APSU after completing his Ph.D. in Europe, and has been a valued faculty member for 15 years. As a passionate educator, Dr. Sutt teaches a range of courses, from introductory to graduate-level, relishing the opportunity to engage with students at every stage of their academic journey. With a specialization in social history of the Medieval Ages, Dr. Sutt shares his love for history and insights into the fascinating world of medieval life, influenced by childhood curiosity and a love for literature.
In this episode, your host Dr. Buzz Hoon engages in a captivating conversation with recent Art + Design alumnae Shirley Layer. Shirley's journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a focus on animation, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a veteran, a business owner, and a creative force in the digital realm. Not only has Shirley's work garnered attention online, with a viral TikTok video under her belt, but she also made her mark offline, designing billboards while still in college.
Dr. Buzz Hoon sits down with APSU illustration and drawing professor Billy Renkl. Originally from Birmingham, AL, Billy brings a wealth of experience and talent to our community. With an impressive exhibition history and a diverse portfolio of illustration work, including collaborations with renowned clients like The New York Times and Southwest Airlines, Billy's creative vision enriches both our campus and beyond.
In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon chats with Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, a standout alumna of APSU's Department of Theatre and Dance. Jennifer shares about her journey from a musical upbringing to the Nashville stage, and talks about her versatile arts career and how Austin Peay prepared her for it.
In this episode, we feature Sports Broadcasting Professor Barry Gresham, tracing his path from Kentucky to Tennessee. A former basketball player turned broadcasting enthusiast, Gresham discovered his passion for sports journalism in high school. With experience in broadcasting marketing, sales, and time at Western Kentucky University, Tennessee State University at the TN Radio Network in Nashville, he brings a wealth of knowledge to APSU. But what truly sets him apart is his dedication to students, often taking them to cover local high school football games. Tune in as Professor Gresham shares his insights on sports interviewing, writing, and the importance of effective communication in the world of sports media. Join us for this captivating conversation on "Govs on the Go."
In this episode of “Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition,” Dean Hoon speaks with Nicole Robinson-Hamilton, a distinguished alumna of the Department of Languages and Literature at APSU. Nicole's journey from Cincinnati, Ohio, to APSU was driven by her passion for literature and her father's unwavering support for her education. With a major in French, Nicole's path led her to become the Lead Content Manager at Ingram Content Group in La Vergne, TN, where she continues to immerse herself in the world of books.
Join Dr. Buzz Hoon and Chancellor Ben Dean as they explore his journey from APSU Department of History graduate to Chancery Court Judge. Discover the unique experiences that shaped Chancellor Dean's career, including growing up in the oil industry with his father and his family's connection to a funeral home. Learn about his choice of Austin Peay, influenced by his parents' legacy, and gain insights into the responsibilities of a Chancery Court Judge serving Montgomery and Robertson County from Springfield, TN. Don't miss this compelling conversation about education, family, and a career in the judiciary.
Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Department of Communication alum, Keith Kaufman. Keith witnessed the inception of WAPX-FM/Magic 91.9 with Dr. David von Palko at Austin Peay! Keith discusses his career journey, from radio roots to iHeartMedia and now steering Center Stage Tour Promotions, where he promotes with country radio stations throughout the country.
Join Dean Hoon in a fascinating conversation with Reggie Edelmann, a distinguished 1989 Communication Department alum. Reggie's unique journey began with her passion for the flute, leading her to audition for the Marine Corps Band and a surprising turn towards financial aid and APSU. Tune in as Reggie shares her experiences, from winning the Miss APSU Pageant in 1985 to competing for Miss Tennessee and Miss America, to taking lessons from top performers through the Roy Acuff Chair of Excellence.
Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Dzavid Dzanic, a renowned historian of modern Europe at APSU. Delving into Dzavid's academic journey, they discuss his education at the University of British Columbia, followed by his Ph.D. at Harvard. Join the conversation as Dzavid shares insights into his research focus on France and the French Empire, exploring the ideological origins of French imperialism, and how much he enjoys engaging with students and seeing their enthusiasm. Learn about his experiences teaching various history courses and the vibrant intersections between his academic pursuits and his role at APSU since 2016. Tune in to unravel the layers of history and academia with Dzavid Dzanic!
Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Andrea Yarbrough, a 2012 Languages and Literature alum with a BA in Foreign Languages (German). From winning the 2011 Edelweiß-Club scholarship to supervising the Filtration Science Lab at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, Andrea shares how her APSU education shaped her global career. Don't miss this inspiring journey – from being born in Germany to juggling classes as a devoted mother of three. Tune in for a dose of international perspective and career insights!
Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Deonte Warren, Assistant Professor of Music Theatre Voice at Austin Peay State University. Born and raised in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Deonte's journey began from the Nashville Gospel scene and led to performing on Broadway, where he was Standby for Genie, Babkak, and The Sultan in Aladdin. After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the theatre industry, Deonte returned to university to complete his degree and entered the job search to share his passion for music and theatre through teaching.
Join us in this episode as we catch up with Greg Jackson, an APSU Department of Music alumni who now serves as the Director of Orchestras at South Cobb High School. Greg shares insights from his educational journey, including how he came to find his love of music, his career plan growing up, and his current role shaping young musicians at South Cobb High School.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with David Steinquest, Professor of Percussion at APSU since 1985. With a wealth of experience, Steinquest teaches percussion, conducts ensembles, and coordinates the Mid-South Jazz Festival. His impressive career includes performances with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, recordings for prestigious companies, and compositions featured on "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood." Tune in to learn more about this accomplished musician and educator's journey in the world of percussion.
Join Dean Hoon in this episode as he speaks with APSU Department of History & Philosophy alumnae Larissa Dougherty. Larissa reflects on her time at Austin Peay and how that set her up for her future military career where she serves as a Mass Communication Specialist, Petty Officer 3rd Class.
In this episode of 'Govs on the Go: Faculty Spotlight Edition,' Dean Hoon interviews Dr. Pam Gray, a professor in the Department of Communication. Dr. Gray's recent recognition as the recipient of the College of Arts and Letters' Excellence in Teaching Award speaks volumes about her commitment to education. She’s an interesting character in the College, and Dean Hoon and Dr. Gray discuss everything from her dynamic teaching approach, Study Abroad trips, and her (soon to return) show, “2 Crazy Ladies on a Golf Cart” featuring herself and Dr. Tracy Nichols.
Our latest Govs on the Go podcast episode features the incredible journey of Melissa Otero, an alum of the Department of Languages & Literature!
Melissa came to APSU married and with one child. Both she and her husband enrolled together, making APSU a family affair! They resided in family housing and even welcomed another child, their son, right here on campus. Melissa majored in English, driven by the versatile opportunities it offered, whether in law school or any field requiring strong English skills.
Join Dean Hoon for a special Faculty Spotlight edition of Govs on the Go featuring McLean Fahnestock, Chair of the Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay!
In this episode, McLean shares her incredible journey in the world of art, drawing inspiration from her artistic family roots. Growing up surrounded by creativity, with a great uncle who was a renowned illustrator and both parents as talented musicians, McLean's passion for art was destined to bloom and we are grateful to have her at APSU.
Our podcast is going beyond the studio and onto the picturesque Cumberland River during the final Riverfest event on September 9, 2023. Don't miss out on this unique setting and the opportunity to hear about the journey of Department of Theatre & Dance alumni David Alford, also known as Nashville's Bucky Dawes, from APSU to the big screen.
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Join Dean Hoon for our first Govs on the Gov Faculty Spotlight of the season with the incredible Mickey Wadia, one of our Languages and Literature professors.
Join Dean Hoon for a unique Govs on the Go alumni edition with Department of Music, Austin Peay State University alum, Alan Mearns! Hailing from Ireland, Alan is a talented guitarist, composer, poet, and songwriter. Join us to hear his incredible journey from Ireland to Austin Peay and beyond.
Join Dean Hoon on this episode of Govs on the Go featuring none other than Austin Peay Department of History and Philosophy alumnus and the City of Clarksville, TN Government Mayor Joe Pitts!
From ruling the court to ruling the canvas 🙌 Join Dean Hoon on this episode of Govs on the Go as we uncover the twists and turns that shaped @khari.Raheem’s evolution from Austin Peay’s mascot and APSU Department of Art and Design student to a well-known artistic sensation now living in NYC.
Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Mike Andrews, a 1985 APSU Department of Art and Design, a long-time Clarksville-Montgomery County School System teacher, and a renowned artist in Clarksville.
Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Brice Bement, a 2019 APSU Department of Communication graduate. Starting as an Austin Peay Women’s Soccer player, she brought her passion for sports to the field, and along the way, discovered her love for sports broadcasting.
Join Dean Hoon as he talks with Celeste Malone, a 2015 and 2017 graduate of APSU Department of Communication. She shares the impact that Austin Peay State University made on her career and talks about what it's like working as a Communication Strategist for Vanderbilt University.
Join Dean Hoon and Susan Lawrence, an alum of the Department of Languages and Literature! They talk about her career, growing up in Clarksville and relocating, her love of reading, and the educators who pushed her (both the good and bad experiences)! She talks about how Drs. Barry Kitterman and Ken Cervelli played a role in changing majors from Nursing to English, and being a nontraditional student who had to balance work, two children with a third on the way, and her studies!
Join Dean Hoon and Pete Olson, an alum of the Department of Music! They talk about growing up in Clarksville and attending the Austin Peay Demonstration School, how he chose to pursue Music Education, the educators who had an impact on his life, his connection to the movie Dead Poets Society, being the first Director of Arts Education for the State of Tennessee and creating the Tennessee Arts Academy.
Join Dean Hoon and Pete Olson, an alum of the Department of History and Philosophy! They talk about relocating to Clarksville and joining Austin Peay, being surrounded by educators growing up, finding a support team outside of your family who encourages, the importance of being involved in the entire university experience, the importance of creating personal relationships, and having a vision for the future.
Join Dean Hoon and Jerry Winsett, an alum of the Department of Theatre and Dance (formerly, Communication and Theatre)! They catch up on where Jerry is now, how growing up in Clarksville influenced who he is, being the first in his family to attend college, his time at Austin Peay State University, and getting into the Theatre business. While trying to enter the industry, Jerry also worked for a local veterinarian, resulting in an interesting resume to try and transition into acting.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Scott Raymond, Associate Professor in the Department of Art + Design. They discuss how he got into animation, his educational journey (and many major changes), moving into animation work, how he joined the faculty at Austin Peay, his favorite class to teach, and building the animation program in Art + Design.
Join Dean Hoon and Dr. Andrea Brown, an alum of the Department of Music! They talk about her working as the Associate Director of Bands and Athletic Bands at the University of Maryland, being born and raised in a small town and how that has effected her, her introduction to music, making connections and friends in during university, and teaching both in high school and university!
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Leni Dyer, Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. They discuss how she found her passion for theatre and costume design, joining Austin Peay State University, her favorite class to teach, and recognizing and fostering passion in students.
Join Dean Hoon and Lorilee Rager, an alum of the Department of Art and Design! They talk about her working as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Art and Design with our College, getting to share her 20 years of experience from her professional work with her students, growing up on a grain farm in Kentucky and how it impacted her life, learning to be young adult, and her time in University.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Florian Gargaillo, Associate Professor in the Department of Languages and Literature. They discuss growing up in France and moving to the United States, coming to Austin Peay, his love of poetry, and his favorite courses!
Join Dean Hoon and Lauren Lynch-Eidson, an alum of both the Department of Theatre and Dance and Languages and Literature! They talk about her work at the Phamaly Theatre Company, the longest-running disability affirmative theatre in the country, and working as an adjunct at the University of Denver. They also discuss growing up with a strong interest in acting, how being in theatre helped her break out of her shell, and her grandfather's impact on her career path.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Michael Chandler, Assistant Professor of Music in the Department of Music. They discuss his experience working as an elementary school music teacher in Texas, why he moved into higher education and came to Austin Peay, the importance of a student being happy in their program of study, and his favorite class: Introduction to Music Education.
Join Dean Hoon and Christian Hodges, an alum of the Department of Communication, as they talk about Christian growing up in a military family, the role of sports in his life, finding his path in college, and where he is now.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Minoa, Professor of Women's and Southern History in the Department of History and Philosophy! They discuss how she and her parents came to Austin Peay, living on campus, choosing her profession, her yearly tradition involving her father, her favorite courses to teach, and her publications.
Join Dean Hoon and Ron Carter, an alum of the Department of History and Philosophy (and Political Science), as they discuss the importance of making solid connections, being a perpetual student, how he came to be at Austin Peay, the opportunities he had in the College of Arts and Letters to engage with his professors, and how he's put his History Degree to work for him.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Tracy Nichols, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication! They discuss how she came to teach at Austin Peay, how theatre impacted her life, the courses she teaches, service learning, and a shared passion project between herself, Mike Dunn, Rob Baron, and Jessica Morris: an in-house textbook free to all students on campus for the Public Speaking courses.
Join Dean Hoon and Diana Pelham, an alum of the Department of Languages and Literature, as they discuss family, growing up, how she chose Austin Peay State University to attend, her extensive student organization experience, and meeting her husband at Austin Peay!
Join Dean Hoon in this special edition of the Govs on the Go: Faculty Spotlight as he interviews Dr. Sharon Mabry, Professor Emerita from the Department of Music, and Dr. Martina Malvasi, Director of the Woodward Library. Dr. Mabry's new book, "The Postmaster's Daughter," was published in October 2022, and Dr. Malvasi began as the Woodward Library Director in early 2023. Join us on February 21st for a presentation and reading of "The Postmaster's Daughter" at 5:30 PM in Art + Design, Heydel Hall, at APSU.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Allie Johnston, Director of the Writing Center and Assistant Professor in the Department of Languages and Literature! They discuss what classes she's teaching, including a new graduate class she will be teaching in the Fall 2023 semester, encouraging students in their writing journey, and the work being done in the Writing Center at Austin Peay.
Join Dean Hoon and Dr. Hallie Hogan, an alum of the Department of Music, as they discuss growing up in an artistic home, her subjects of interest in college, Dr. Sharon Mabry's influence on her education, going through graduate school, and her career journey.
Join Dean Hoon in the latest episode of the Faculty Spotlight Edition, featuring Talon Beeson, Professor of Acting, as they discuss how he came to join the faculty of Austin Peay State University, his voice over class, how his recent publication, Starting Your Career in Voice-Overs, came to be, and his voice over work and film making--including his latest audiobook narration and animated series voice over.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Maxie Shatoya McClintock, an alum of the Department of Theatre and Dance, as they discuss her family, her educational journey, getting into Theatre, working in the entertainment industry, and continuing her Acting education.
Join Dean Hoon in the latest episode of the Faculty Spotlight Edition, featuring Dr. Tamara Smithers from the Department of Art + Design, as they discuss her classes in Early Modern Italian Art, her study abroad program to Rome, Italy, and her recently published book, The Cults of Raphael and Michelangelo: Artistic Sainthood and Memorials as a Second Life.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with David Britton, an alum of the Department of History and Philosophy, as they discuss what he's been doing since graduating, his work with Tennessee State Parks, and his educational journey.
Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with Dr. Stanley Yates, Professor of Music - Guitar, in the latest episode of Govs on the Go, as they discuss classical guitar, concert locations, and his "The Beatles: Music, Society and Culture" course.
Join Dr. Hoon in this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition" as he speaks to Charles Knight, a Department of Languages and Literature graduate.
The first episode in the Faculty Spotlight edition features Dr. Jordy Rocheleau from APSU’s Department of History and Philosophy discussing his new book, “New Interventionist Just War Theory: A Critique.”
In this episode of ”Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dr. Hoon speaks with Communications alum Brittney Hitch.
In the first episode of ”Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dr. Hoon speaks with Arts + Design alum Ashante Kindle.