Govs on the Go

Join Dean Hoon as he speaks with James "Jim" Thweatt, a proud 1991 graduate of Austin Peay with dual degrees in History and English. Now serving as an archivist in the History of Medicine Collection at Vanderbilt University, Jim reflects on his upbringing in Clarksville, where gardening and a passion for history were instilled by his parents—his father, a historian and archivist, also taught in AP...

In this episode , Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Jill Vogel, a 2018 graduate of Austin Peay's Department of Music and Assistant Professor of Music at Hollins University. Growing up in Middle Tennessee with a love for dance and music, Jill’s journey to APSU started with a Psychology major and Dance minor, but shifted to music thanks to her love for music. Her mother, a professor in APSU's Math Depart...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition , Dean Hoon speaks with Davey Edmaiston, a 2017 graduate of Austin Peay’s Department of Music and current Director of Bands at Milan High School in Milan, Tennessee. A native of Troy, TN, Davey shares his journey in music education, reflecting on his time at APSU where he met his wife, Rachel, and discovered his passion for teaching music.

In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon talks with Dr. Johnny Sparks, a two-time graduate of Austin Peay’s Department of Communication, with a Bachelor's Degree in 2000 and a Master’s in 2002. Dr. Sparks currently serves as the Director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication at Ball State University, a role he’s held for nine years. Growing up between Nashvi...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon speaks with Sophia Eisenbart, a 2017 graduate of APSU’s Department of Art + Design and now a high school art teacher. Sophia shares her journey from starting as a Biology major to changing majors to pursue her passion for Art, with the encouragement of her advisor and her mother’s unwavering support. She discusses how art has been a stea...

In this episode, Dean Hoon speaks with Dr. Mike Gotcher, a proud alum of the APSU Department of Communication and former Chair of APSU's Department of Communication and Theatre. Now serving as Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Tennessee Tech University, Dr. Gotcher shares insights from his journey in higher education, which spans over 28 years. He reflects on his time at APSU...

In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon chats with Sydney Hawkins, a 2020 alum of the APSU Department of Communication. Sydney recently transitioned to WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, OH, where she serves as a weekend morning anchor. Growing up in Madison County, TN, Sydney was an active 4-H member, a band kid, and participated in numerous camps. Her journey to becoming a j...

In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon sits down with Natalie Kilgore, a 2001 alumna of APSU’s Department of Communication. Growing up in Greenbrier, TN, Natalie developed a deep love for music, nurtured by her small town’s strong arts programs. Her passion for communication led her to a hands-on education at APSU where she worked in student media outlets such as...

In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon speaks with Alejandro "Jandro" Herrera, a proud Clarksville native and alum of the APSU Department of Communication 's sports broadcasting program, Jandro has a deep love for all sports. He played soccer in high school and now coaches a soccer league, all while serving as the Director of Recruitment and Orientat...

In this episode of Govs On The Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with APSU Art + Design alumnus Dan Colón, the creative mind behind the famous KFC design. Dan’s journey is filled with unique twists, including a break from college to become a monk before finding his way to Austin Peay in a very non-traditional way.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dr. Buzz Hoon chats with APSU Department of Music alumna Vanessa Cobb. Vanessa, originally from White House, TN, moved to Clarksville in 2011 to attend APSU, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and two master's degrees, one in Music Education and another in Conducting. Her impressive journey includes performing in the 2...

Join Dr. Buzz Hoon as he sits down with APSU communication alumna and business owner Kaylee Edmonson. Kaylee shares her journey to Austin Peay and the impactful time she spent with her professors. She delves into her love for continuous learning, which has propelled her to success in the marketing world, ultimately leading her to start her own company, Demand Loops. In this episode, Kaylee discuss...

In this episode of “Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition,” Dean Hoon speaks with Lawson Mabry, who graduated in 1977 with a degree in English and a minor in History. Lawson is now a successful real estate investor and developer in Clarksville. With deep roots in the area dating back to the early 1800s, Lawson shares his unique perspective on the city's growth from a small town of 20,000 to its prese...

In this episode, Dean Hoon chats with Dr. Jeffrey Wood, a distinguished figure in the Department of Music at APSU for nearly four decades. Coming from a lineage of educators, Dr. Wood's journey began with piano lessons at age seven, leading him to prestigious institutions like the Interlochen Arts Academy and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. With a Ph. D. in composition, his works have g...

Join Dr. Buzz Hoon as he sits down with Treston Henderson, a graduate of the musical theatre program at Austin Peay State University who is now making waves in Brooklyn, NY. Treston shares his inspiring story of initially doubting college due to the perceived workload, only to find his passion and excel in the Musical Theatre program. From landing the lead role in his freshman year to becoming a G...

Join Dean Hoon as he sits down with Dr. Katherine Honea, a professor in the Department of Languages and Literature at APSU. Teaching Spanish and linguistics, Katherine brings a unique perspective to language education. With an undergraduate background in marketing and experience as a stockbroker, Katherine's path took an unexpected turn when she moved to Chile, sparking her passion for languag...

In this episode Dean Hoon catches up with Lindsey McClendon, an APSU alumna who graduated with a degree in Music in 2016. Originally from Greenbrier, TN, Lindsey now resides in Kleinrinderfeld, Germany where she crafts handmade jewelry. During her time at APSU, Lindsey's passion for music and language blossomed. As a Music Major, she honed her skills while also delving into the study of German...

In this episode, Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Rob Baron, Chair of the Department of Communication at Austin Peay State University. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Baron's journey to academia was shaped by his early love for speech and debate. Hailing from Minnesota, he followed his passion through high school and college, eventually coaching speech and debate at the high school level....

In this episode, Dean Hoon speaks with Margaret Rennerfeldt, a passionate educator and dancer hailing from Illinois. Margaret's journey led her to Austin Peay after years of diverse experiences, including teaching dance, running a dance company, and working as a visiting professor and adjunct faculty. Now a member of the Department of Theatre and Dance faculty, Margaret brings her expertise in...

In this episode, Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Cameron Sutt, a longstanding member of the APSU community. Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Sutt joined APSU after completing his Ph. D. in Europe, and has been a valued faculty member for 15 years. As a passionate educator, Dr. Sutt teaches a range of courses, from introductory to graduate-level, relishing the opportunity to engage with students at ev...

In this episode, your host Dr. Buzz Hoon engages in a captivating conversation with recent Art + Design alumnae Shirley Layer. Shirley's journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a focus on animation, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a veteran, a business owner, and a creative force in the digital realm. Not only has Shirley's work garnered attention online, w...

Dr. Buzz Hoon sits down with APSU illustration and drawing professor Billy Renkl. Originally from Birmingham, AL, Billy brings a wealth of experience and talent to our community. With an impressive exhibition history and a diverse portfolio of illustration work, including collaborations with renowned clients like The New York Times and Southwest Airlines, Billy's creative vision enriches both...

In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon chats with Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, a standout alumna of APSU's Department of Theatre and Dance. Jennifer shares about her journey from a musical upbringing to the Nashville stage, and talks about her versatile arts career and how Austin Peay prepared her for it.

In this episode, we feature Sports Broadcasting Professor Barry Gresham, tracing his path from Kentucky to Tennessee. A former basketball player turned broadcasting enthusiast, Gresham discovered his passion for sports journalism in high school. With experience in broadcasting marketing, sales, and time at Western Kentucky University, Tennessee State University at the TN Radio Network in Nashville...

In this episode of “Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition,” Dean Hoon speaks with Nicole Robinson-Hamilton, a distinguished alumna of the Department of Languages and Literature at APSU. Nicole's journey from Cincinnati, Ohio, to APSU was driven by her passion for literature and her father's unwavering support for her education. With a major in French, Nicole's path led her to become the Lead...