CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University (APSU) has been designated as Tennessee’s first Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Bravo Campus by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). APSU’s Newton Military Family Resource Center hosted a formal recognition ceremony on April 14, showcasing the university’s commitment to and support for military-affiliated students.
The VETS Bravo Campus designation is the highest recognition under the Tennessee VETS Act. It honors institutions that have maintained VETS Campus status for at least three consecutive years and demonstrate excellence by implementing specific programs, including established student support initiatives and tailored career placement services to assist veterans in transitioning into the workforce.
Austin Peay, which earned VETS Campus status in 2015, is Tennessee’s leading higher education institution for military-affiliated students, who make up 30% of the student body. The university boasts the state’s largest military student center, the 5,200-square-foot Newton Military Family Resource Center, a comprehensive support-services hub.
“Here at Austin Peay, we like to say that we’re going to be the first, the best and the only – and this is another one of those instances where we are certainly the first,” said APSU President Dr. Mike Licari. “It is great to be recognized as the first and, therefore, the only [campus] in the state to have this designation. I am proud of all of the work that is done by everybody on campus and grateful for THEC to put together this new VETS Bravo designation.”
The university fulfills the VETS Bravo criteria through initiatives led by its Military and Veterans Affairs Division, which focuses on supporting military-affiliated student success from enrollment to graduation. A dedicated team provides support services encompassing counseling, career guidance, VA benefits assistance, and specialized career development offered through the new Military-Affiliated Professionals Program (MAPP). Established in April 2024, the MAPP program provides tailored career readiness, entrepreneurship support, and educational advancement services for military-affiliated students.
“From helping students get enrolled and mentoring them while they’re here to helping them secure meaningful employment as they finish their time with us and move on to the next phase in their lives, our team ensures at all times that students know we are here for one purpose: to serve them,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Walt Lord, vice president for Military and Veterans Affairs at Austin Peay. “Much of what we’ve done and much of what we continue to do day to day to earn this designation happens here at the Newton Center.”
During the ceremony, THEC presented Austin Peay with an official letter recognizing the Bravo distinction. Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC executive director, said he was not surprised to see APSU become the first campus recognized.
“A year ago, the General Assembly and the governor thought about how we can go even further to ensure that our campuses are providing student mentorship, regularly surveying and talking to their veterans and military families to ask what we can do more for them and opening up direct lines of contact to local career and entrepreneurship opportunities,” he said. “The moment we put this application out, Austin Peay responded quickly, and so it’s my honor to recognize Austin Peay for this Bravo-level designation.
“As the state’s first VETS Bravo Campus, Austin Peay’s leadership sets a powerful example and reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to those who have served our nation,” Gentile added.
Achieving VETS Bravo status highlights Austin Peay State University’s commitment to fostering an environment where military-affiliated students thrive academically and are equipped for meaningful careers. The university’s Military and Veterans Affairs Division is less than two years old, but it supports nearly 3,200 military-affiliated students.