CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The professor whose hiring ignited a recent protest at Austin Peay State University – over his alleged connections to a website that promotes Nazism, racism and hate group activity – has separated from the university.
“On Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, Austin Peay State University and Dr. Logan Smith mutually agreed to end employment, effective immediately,” said APSU President Dr. Michael Licari in an email to the student and university body.
“I understand these recent events have been difficult for many in our community. As we move forward together, it is important that we focus on healing and reaffirming our collective commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all students, faculty and staff. We are committed to working diligently to make Austin Peay State University a place where everyone feels valued, supported and heard. Thank you for your commitment to Austin Peay and our shared mission of education and community,” Licari said.
The university had not previously named the professor, who was hired into the Psychology Department this fall. Clarksville Now has previously reached out to Smith for comment. Monday afternoon, his name no longer appeared in the university directory or on Psychology Department program materials online.
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According to previous Clarksville Now reports, Smith was a first-year tenure-track faculty member. The process at the time of his hiring was a criminal background check, application and letter of reference, none of which resulted in any cause for alarm, APSU spokesman Bill Persinger said.
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, and APSU officials began investigating the matter. Several students have since dropped out of the professor’s Psychology courses in protest.
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.
On Sept. 17, APSU President Dr. Mike Licari sent an email to the university body on the situation, informing students that the university is revamping their hiring practice in response to the situation.
On Friday, over 50 students gathered outside the APSU Board of Trustees meeting to protest Smith’s presence at the university. The regular board meeting became a standing-room-only gathering, with students both inside and outside the building holding up signs in protest. Students assembled around the board room and marched onto campus.
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