Austin Peay announces Tennessee’s first military-to-degree equivalency for staff positions

Austin Peay State University has announced a major hiring initiative that recognizes military service and ranks as equivalent to college degrees.

By Ethan Steinquest

APSU, Contributed

October 6, 2025 1:49 pm

ContributedAustin Peay State University is Tennessee’s leading higher education provider for military-affiliated students, who represent approximately 32% of the student body. Its new degree equivalency aims to strengthen its support for hiring veteran employees. (Photo by Robyn White, Contributed)

CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University has announced a major hiring initiative that recognizes military service and ranks as equivalent to college degrees for most staff positions, becoming the state’s first higher education institution to offer this pathway to veterans.

The decision addresses a critical need in the Clarksville region, since thousands of soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell transition into civilian life each year. Veterans whose service duties align with a university job posting can now qualify based on their military pay grades, with equivalencies ranging from E-4 (associate degree) to O-7 or WO-5 (doctorate).

“Nearly 40% of Fort Campbell’s soldiers choose to call Clarksville home after their time in service, and we have a responsibility to ensure these veterans can build meaningful careers here,” said retired Maj. Gen. Walt Lord, Austin Peay’s vice president for Military and Veterans Affairs. “This initiative opens new doors for them and recognizes that military leadership experience is just as valuable as traditional academic credentials for many positions.”

Dr. Shahrooz Roohparvar, APSU’s vice president for Finance and Administration, developed the program and partnered with Lord and APSU’s Military and Veterans Affairs Division to finalize it. The initiative was designed as a bridge between military service and civilian success.

“We’ve seen firsthand that veterans bring exceptional organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership experience that translates directly to success in higher education,” Roohparvar said. “This lets us tap into a highly trained and qualified workforce that will strengthen our institution and the economic vitality of our entire region.”

APSU’s full list of military grade equivalencies for the college degrees required for staff positions includes:

Associate degree: E-4 or higher
Bachelor’s degree: E-6, WO-1, O-1, or higher
Master’s degree: E-7, WO-3, O-4, or higher
Doctorate: WO-5, O-7, or higher

Exceptions apply for positions that require professional degrees due to law or accreditation standards. Military pay grade equivalencies will be included in all applicable job postings and advertisements.

The university has also developed a free public webpage to explain these equivalencies and support veterans seeking employment beyond APSU. The resources include common military ranks and civilian job titles, along with a list of military duties that correspond to civilian responsibilities for resumes.

“Austin Peay has always been a leader in supporting our military community, and this initiative represents our continued commitment to our service members,” APSU President Mike Licari said. “We’re proud to be the first university in the state to offer these equivalencies, and we’re working to ensure that those who have served our country have every opportunity to build successful careers.”