APSU's University College celebrates inaugural graduating class
By: Ethan Steinquest August 7, 2023
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University (APSU) celebrated a historic milestone as the inaugural class of its University College, consisting of approximately 155 graduates, crossed the Dunn Center stage on Aug. 4 during summer commencement.
The University College was officially established on Aug. 1 and houses areas within Austin Peay that are outside of an academic college, including general studies and associate degree programs. Its goal is to help students transition into higher education and set them up for success.
鈥淭he University College proactively engages in structuring initiatives, thoughtfully designed programming and degree opportunities to ensure the success of our students from admissions through graduation and beyond,鈥 said Dr. Loretta Griffy, dean of APSU鈥檚 University College. 鈥淚t was a great honor for me to present the graduates of our University College to President [Mike] Licari during APSU鈥檚 commencement ceremony. We celebrate their achievements and are confident in their ability to thrive as they continue their education journeys and professional careers.鈥
Kinsley Andrews, who graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in general studies, overcame many obstacles to reach the milestone of commencement. She started at APSU through the Middle College program in high school and enrolled in 2019 as a broadcast major, but the COVID-19 pandemic nearly led her to drop out.
鈥淐OVID-19 happened shortly after I started college, and I struggled with online school,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hat put me in a stressful position where I didn鈥檛 know where I stood at college, and I started to think college wasn鈥檛 right for me 鈥 that I was never going to get a bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥
However, Andrews got back on track when in-person classes resumed and recently learned she had enough credits for a multi-disciplinary general studies degree.
鈥淚t feels great,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 the first one out of all my siblings to graduate from college, and my mom is a single parent, so she didn鈥檛 graduate with her degree until she was in her late 30s. I鈥檓 just happy to make my family proud, and it鈥檚 been a big relief.鈥
Graduating also further motivated Andrews to finish her broadcasting degree, with only eight credit hours remaining. She plans to finish those classes while working as a social media manager, sales representative and content creator for LOCAL Clarksville.
Specialist Mekele Chambers, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), is another University College graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in general studies. She started at APSU in 2022 and said the University played a crucial role in helping her balance her military and academic obligations.
鈥淚 definitely think my time at APSU has prepared me for the career field I鈥檇 like to enter,鈥 said Chambers, who opted for a health concentration. 鈥淚鈥檒l be pursuing my master鈥檚 in public health at Pennsylvania State University starting Aug. 21, and eventually, I plan to go to nursing school to become a nurse anesthetist.鈥
Chambers said she was excited to graduate and start working toward her goal, adding that a master鈥檚 in public health will also allow her to gain administrative experience.
鈥淚鈥檝e had two jobs in the healthcare field, and for me, it鈥檚 the thrill of helping someone feel better,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 worked on labor and delivery, and the epidurals are given to patients by nurse anesthetists. They enjoy what they do, they鈥檙e always available to talk and that鈥檚 definitely a career path that I want to take.鈥
Chambers also encouraged other service members to contact their commanding officers about going to college and thanked her leadership for supporting her path to graduation.
鈥淣owadays in the military, there seems to be a big shift toward getting any kind of education done,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 a couple of credits, an associate degree or a bachelor鈥檚, it gives you something to have after the Army if you choose to get out.鈥
For more information about APSU鈥檚 University College, call 931-221-6200.