CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The agreement that separated an embattled psychology professor from Austin Peay State University included a $56,000 severance package.
The hiring of Logan Smith ignited a protest at APSU over his alleged connections to a website that promotes hate group activity. On Sept. 20, the university and Smith “mutually agreed to end employment, effective immediately.”
According to a copy of the separation agreement obtained through a Clarksville Now public records request, APSU is paying Smith severance equal to 10 months’ wages, totaling $56,666, in 10 installments through July 31, 2025. The agreement excludes any retirement pay or other benefits.
In exchange, Smith is giving up any right to file legal complaints or charges against APSU. Those protections also extend to all APSU administrators, faculty, employees and students. Smith is also precluded from making any disparaging statements about the university. Both parties agreed that the agreement was to be confidential, though subject to public records requests.
Clarksville Now has previously reached out to Smith for comment.
According to previous Clarksville Now reports, Smith was hired as first-year tenure-track faculty member.
A website that tracks hate group activity has documented alleged connections between Smith and online sites and posts promoting extreme ideologies. Links to those findings were shared on the PeayMobile app. APSU was first made aware of the allegations on Sept. 9, after Smith informed his department chair. Multiple sources have said Smith denied the allegations.
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