APSU Board of Trustees Awards
At the summer meeting, the Board of Trustees approve the recipients of three awards to deserving alumni/friends/organizations. The awards are: APSU Philanthropist of the Year, Board of Trustees Military Service Award, and Board of Trustees Service Award.
2023 Recipients
APSU Philanthropist of the YearGoogle
Google has since partnered with APSU's Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI), a collaboration of leaders in international biodiversity conservation in the APSU College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) to restore a 50-acre area around the data center to its original biodiversity. In December 2022, Google announced a second phase of this project to extend it an additional 50 acres, allowing SGI to leverage federal grant dollars to help provide research, consultation and education to address the most imperiled ecosystem in eastern North America. Google partnered with the APSU College of STEM to launch the "Innovation Games," a community event to encourage K-12 STEM education through APSU GIS-supervised drone events. Google has also supported the APSU Center for Rural Education, the Candlelight Ball and various camps and projects hosted by the APSU College of STEM. |
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Board of Trustees Military Service AwardBill and Phil Harpel
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Board of Trustees Service AwardJim Durrett Jim Durrett is the former mayor of Montgomery County, Tennessee. He was previously the director of streets for the city of Clarksville, where he served for 20 years. He then served as chief of staff for the city of Clarksville. From 2014 to 2022, he completed two terms as mayor, and in that time, his administration completed several projects that have benefited to the local community and Austin Peay State University. In 2017, Montgomery County was one of only seven Army communities worldwide to be recognized in Washington, D.C., with an Army Community Partnership Award. By August 2016, the Durrett administration broke ground for the Downtown Commons, an outdoor gathering space in the heart of Clarksville. In November 2020, the county broke ground on F&M Bank Arena, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose event center located at 101 Main St. in Clarksville. The 250,000-square-foot facility is home to the Austin Peay men's and women's basketball teams, and will begin hosting events for the University and its surrounding communities in July 2023. Over the years, Jim and his wife Mary have personally supported Austin Peay through the Candlelight Ball and various other athletic and academic funds. |
Criteria and past recipients
This award recognizes an individual or organization that has given a large amount of resources to Austin Peay State University. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.
Criteria:
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Generous giving of resources to Austin Peay State University.
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Significant influence on others to become involved in fundraising or supporting APSU.
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Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity.
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A continued commitment and philanthropic effort that has improved the quality of life for Austin Peay State University.
Past Recipients:
2022 - Tom Kane
2021 - The Band Foundation
2020 - Joe and Cathi Maynard
2019 - Wilma Newton
2018 - Doug and Linda Downey
Austin Peay State University established the Board of Trustees Military Service Award award to give special recognition to an individual or organization who demonstrates support of APSU through leadership, service and advocacy. His/her efforts have provided honor and distinction to APSU. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.
Criteria:
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Service, leadership, or advocacy to Austin Peay State University.
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Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity.
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This individual must fall into one these three categories: is a veteran, active duty, or significantly supports the APSU military community.
Past Recipients:
2022 - Yolonda M. Williams
2021 - Retired CW4 Joe Shakeenab
2020 - Retired Lt. Col. Thomas E. Mercer Sr.
2019 - Jack Turner
2018 - Lt. Gen. Ron Bailey
Austin Peay State University established the Board of Trustees Service Award to give special recognition to an individual who demonstrates support through leadership, service and advocacy. His/her efforts have provided honor and distinction to APSU. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.
Criteria:
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Service, leadership, or advocacy to Austin Peay State University.
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Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity
Past Recipients
2022 - George and Sharon Mabry
2021 - 2021 Candlelight Ball Committee Co-Chairs, Kathryn Minniehan and Kayla Morgan
2020 - Tom and Susie Perry
2019 - Ben Kimbrough Sr.
2018 - Jim and Mark Holleman