Alumnus creates Joe Shakeenab Achievers & Scholars Endowed Scholarship for APSU students

CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University alumnus Joe Shakeenab (’04, ’14) recently made a generous gift to establish the Joe Shakeenab Achievers and Scholars Endowed Scholarship for APSU students.

“Many have facilitated my education, amazing experiences and colorful achievements,” Shakeenab said. “Today, I’m simply honored to help achievers and scholars through this endeavor.”

The scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate member of the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center (WNDAACC) Achievers and Scholars Program each year. The scholarship will also be awarded to one undergraduate assistant of the WNDAACC each year. To qualify, applicants must be full-time students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be members of an underrepresented population on the APSU campus. This scholarship will be awarded only during spring semesters.

Shakeenab grew up in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17, and went on to have a colorful career in Special Operations, where he served as an Army Ranger and in Special Forces (Green Beret).

Shakeenab retired from the U.S. Army in 2010 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4). He has immeasurable experience in planning, directing and advising in support of military and civilian organizations, at the international, national, and community levels. He is active in APSU alumni activities and in the Clarksville community. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public management in 2004 and a master’s degree in strategic leadership in 2014, both from Austin Peay.

“Joe is one of our most dedicated alumni,” APSU Vice President for University Advancement Kris Phillips said. “He supports his alma mater in a variety of meaningful ways, and we are honored that he has expanded his commitment to the University through this scholarship.”

Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan. To support APSU fundraising initiatives, contact the Office of University Advancement at 931-221-7127.