APSU celebrates 14 years with Director of Alumni Relations Nikki Peterson as she prepares for new career opportunity

CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Austin Peay State University Division of University Advancement has announced that Director of Alumni Relations Nikki Peterson (’04, ’06) will soon leave Austin Peay to pursue a new career opportunity. Her last day with APSU will be May 31.

While in her position, it has been her department’s priority to engage alumni and current students and serve as ambassadors and advocates for Austin Peay.

“Although I am super excited to start this new chapter in my life and my family’s lives, it is going to be hard not coming to the Peay every day,” Peterson said. “This has not only been my career for 14 years, it has been home for more than 30 years for me and my family. I thank President Licari and Kris Phillips for all you have done for me in my career and personal journey. You, along with the University faculty and staff and our community, have supported me in an unmatched way. I also want to thank our APSU National Alumni Association (NAA), Candlelight Ball Committee, Tonya Leszczak, Janie Land, Lacey Dillon, alumni, donors and friends for allowing me to work with you. It has been a privilege to be part of the APSU family.”

Under Peterson’s leadership, Austin Peay has initiated new ways to engage with over 120,000 alumni including online newsletters and magazines, social media tools, an updated website and giving opportunities like scholarship support for students.

“While we will miss Nikki and her expertise, we are excited for her to begin her new career,” APSU President Mike Licari said. “I have been impressed by the efforts demonstrated by her and the Alumni Relations staff. Nikki will of course always be a beloved member of our Austin Peay family.”

During Peterson’s time at Austin Peay, the APSU NAA Board has increased its membership by over 100%. The number of APSU alumni chapters also increased by 100%, going from 15 chapters to more than 30 total chapters across the country. She also served on many committees like her current role on the University’s strategic planning committee.

Peterson has helped expand the annual Candlelight Ball from an event with 150 attendees to now having 700 guests at the most recent Ball on March 12, 2022. Currently, the event takes in over $125,000 in underwriting each year and over $40,000 in live auction contributions.

Peterson’s position will soon be posted on the APSU website and a search for the new APSU director of Alumni Relations will begin in the near future.

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (931) 221-7979 or alumni@apsu.edu.