College of Arts and Letters Advisors

Crystal Ellis Student Success Director (931) 221-7894 elliscd@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee, Master of Science in Education from the University of Memphis Location: McReynolds 108

Crystal Ellis joined the University Student Success team in 2025. With a strong background in higher education leadership and student support, she is dedicated to creating inclusive pathways that empower students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Before joining Austin Peay, Crystal gained extensive experience in student success programming, academic advising, and persistence strategies serving 11 years at Middle Tennessee State University.  She has developed and implemented retention-focused initiatives, facilitated cross-campus collaborations, and provided individualized support to help students navigate barriers and reach their academic and career goals. As a proud Nashville native, Crystal is actively rounding out her educational experience in the EdD program at Tennessee State University. Her research is centered on supporting first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students by examining persistence trends pre-, during, and post-COVID.  Passionate about helping students unlock their potential, Crystal approaches her work with compassion, innovation, and a commitment to student-centered leadership.

Ryan Horton Student Success Coordinator (931) 221-7568 hortonr@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Master of Science in Management from Austin Peay State University Majors Advised: English, Dance, History, Philosophy and Religion, World Languages, Literature, Music, and Theatre  Location: Harned Hall 107

Ryan Horton grew up in Clarksville and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Master of Science in Management from Austin Peay in 2016 and 2018 respectively. He began his career with Austin Peay in 2020 and has worked as an academic advisor and admissions counselor, as well as teaching freshman seminar classes. He is extremely excited to help CoAL students discover and pursue their passions! In his free time, he enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time outdoors.

Jacob Duchscher  Academic Advisor (931) 221-7197 duchscherj@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Science in Communication, and Master of Arts in Media Management from Austin Peay State University Majors Advised: Art and Communications  Location: McReynolds

Jacob Duchscher is a proud APSU alumnus, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication in 2015, followed by a Master of Arts in Media Management in 2017. After transitioning from a Graduate Teaching Assistant role, Jacob served as an Adjunct Instructor in the Communication Department from 2017 to 2024 and as a Visiting Instructor from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. With a strong commitment to student success and a deep understanding of the APSU community, Jacob is dedicated to guiding students through their academic journeys and helping them achieve their educational and career goals.