The Rotary Club of Hopkinsville got a visit from Austin Peay State University President Dr. Michael Licari Tuesday as he discussed the challenges, goals and success of the university.
Austin Peay has called this region home since 1927 but housed many educational programs and opportunities for a long time before that, and Dr. Licari says it shows they have a history of educational excellence that they continue to offer. He says they have a close relationship with Fort Campbell and they are helping keep that alive by making it so their Tennessee tuition rate extends to military-affiliated students, no matter where they are.
He says they’re also working to help address the teacher shortage, not just in Tennessee but everywhere, by creating and sharing their “Grow Your Own” program.
Dr. Licari says the university faces its share of challenges, as all universities and colleges do, but one most people don’t consider is the traffic. He says he’s hopeful more will be done in the future to help with traffic congestion, but he chooses to take it as a sign of growth, which is a good thing.
He discussed a variety of other topics, including their health and wellness clinics they offer, what’s happening with Austin Peay athletics, and more.