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Govs on the Go
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In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Ebony Walton, a 2019 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Art + Design. Now working as a Content Developer for Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in North Carolina, Ebony shares how her time at APSU helped her discover her creative voice and build a career in graphic design. She reflects on her growth from student projects to designing professional content for major corporate events, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she’s turned her passion for design into a thriving profession.
Join Dean Hoon and Christian Hodges, an alum of the Department of Communication, as they talk about Christian growing up in a military family, the role of sports in his life, finding his path in college, and where he is now.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon talks with Joe Weyant, a 1998 Austin Peay State University graduate with dual degrees in Communication Arts and Political Science. Now a Nashville-based attorney with extensive experience in state, federal, and appellate courts, Joe has built a reputation as a creative and tenacious advocate. He has served as a Montgomery County Commissioner, provided legal assistance to the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, taught Business Law and Ethics as an APSU adjunct, and completed formal mediation training through the Lipscomb Institute for Conflict Management. Dean Hoon and Joe discuss his path to APSU, the mentors who shaped his journey, and the experiences that led him to a distinguished career in law and public service.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Dr. Joseph Miller, an alumnus of Austin Peay State University’s Department of History & Philosophy who earned his bachelor's degree in 2002 and now serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing at Winthrop University. Dr. Miller shares how his APSU experience laid the foundation for a successful career in higher education leadership—leading enrollment, marketing, and student success efforts across the Southeast.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Tori Felton, a 2015 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Art + Design. Now a designer with M&S Brands, Tori brings more than eight years of experience leading creative teams and developing impactful visual strategies across diverse media platforms. She and Dean Hoon discuss her journey to APSU, the mentors who shaped her path, and how her time as a Gov continues to influence her creative career.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Will Roberts, a two-time graduate of Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Communication. Now serving as Communications Director for Ardent Health in Nashville, Will reflects on his path from growing up in Maryville, Tennessee, to finding community and direction at APSU through mentors, fraternity life, and the Department of Communication.
In this episode, Dean Hoon catches up with Art Ruangtip, a 1997 graduate of the APSU Department of Music. With over 25 years of experience as a music educator in Texas, Art currently serves as the Director of Wind and Percussion Studies at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Art shares stories from his time at Austin Peay, reflecting on the faculty and students who made a difference in his life!
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon talks with Kali Woodward, a 1989 graduate of Austin Peay State University with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Communication. Kali is the founder and executive director of the American Youth Literacy Foundation, which he has led for the past 18 years. A former Spanish and Arabic linguist with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kali now devotes his work to helping children across the nation learn to read through innovative literacy programs.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Jonathan Castile, a 2004 theatre graduate of Austin Peay State University. An award-winning actor, filmmaker, and magician, Jonathan has performed on stage and screen, co-founded Runes Picture Company in Los Angeles, and created illusions for film, music videos, and television. From his early days performing sketch comedy at APSU to his creative work in Hollywood, Jonathan shares how his passion for storytelling has shaped his career.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon speaks with Arthur Orr, a 2023 graduate of Austin Peay State University with a Master’s in History with a concentration in Military History. Arthur currently serves as Executive Vice President at Cook’s Pest Control and has represented North Alabama in the State Senate for nearly two decades, where he chairs the Appropriations Committee. A former Peace Corps volunteer and Habitat for Humanity leader in Asia, Arthur shares how his faith, service, and commitment to hard work have shaped a career spanning law, business, public service, and international development.
In this episode, Dean Hoon sits down with Darren Michael, professor of acting and directing in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Austin Peay State University. A seasoned performer, director, and published playwright, Darren shares insights from more than two decades of professional theatre experience across the South and beyond. From his early love of performance to his nationally produced plays and deep commitment to theatre education, Darren discusses his creative journey, his teaching philosophy, and the vibrant world of stagecraft at APSU.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Zacharie Kinslow, a 2019 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of History and Philosophy. Now the Executive Director of the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum in Dickson, Tennessee, Zacharie shares his academic journey, his time working at the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, and his ongoing research on slavery, the American presidency, and Jacksonian America. The White House Historical Association, the Tennessee Historical Quarterly, and the University of Tennessee Press have published his work.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Faculty Spotlight Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon talks with Dr. Linda Crenshaw, a longtime faculty member in the Department of Languages and Literature at Austin Peay. A scholar of Southern literature, Dr. Crenshaw shares how her academic journey—from the University of Arkansas to Vanderbilt University—shaped her love for authors like Faulkner, O’Connor, and Welty. She reflects on her decades of teaching, her time as director of the APSU Honors Program, and her ongoing passion for connecting students to the rich literary traditions of the South.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Kyle Christmas, a dedicated APSU alumnus who has earned a bachelor's and master's degree from the Department of Languages and Literature, a master's degree from the College of Education and is currently completing his EdD in Higher Education. Now serving as the Executive Director of Accreditation & External Compliance at APSU, Kyle discusses his journey from teaching English literature and writing to shaping academic initiatives at the university. Tune in to hear about his role in accreditation, program development, and his passion for higher education.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Faculty Spotlight Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon talks with Professor Lauren Edmonds, assistant professor of music and director of Austin Peay’s Music Therapy program. A board-certified music therapist, Lauren has worked extensively with children with disabilities and in mental health settings. She shares how she’s transforming APSU’s Music Therapy program with a methods-based approach, a cutting-edge model in the field. Lauren also discusses her efforts to connect with the community, including launching an on-campus music therapy group for autistic individuals, with plans to expand access for children with disabilities.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Lakyn Earhart, a 2016 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Communication. Now a Personal Executive Assistant and Client Success Manager at Project 2231 Profit—the parent company of Miss Lucille’s, The City Forum, and Dock 17—Lakyn shares how a teacher’s advice sparked her passion for event planning, her journey from UT Chattanooga to APSU, and how the launch of APSU’s Event Planning Minor shaped her career.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Faculty Spotlight Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Wansoo Kim, a professor in the Department of Art + Design at APSU. Born and raised in a small town in South Korea, Kim discovered his passion for art at an early age. After studying abroad at Grand Valley State University and earning his graduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kim now teaches APSU students not only how to craft ceramic pieces but also how to think about product design, functionality, and user experience. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and insights into the world of ceramics and design.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Shana Thornton, a two-time graduate of Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor's and Master's in English. Now the Managing Editor of Second & Commerce, a magazine published by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, Shana is also an accomplished author, playwright, and community leader.
In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon chats with Richard Ripani, a 1998 graduate of APSU’s Master’s of Music program and founder of the Nashville Jazz Youth Ensemble. Richard shares his journey as an educator, his transition into retirement (which hasn’t slowed him down!), and his passion for providing Middle Tennessee students with opportunities to grow through jazz music. Discover how his father’s love for music influenced his career and how Richard continues to give back to the APSU community through mentorship and performance.
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 APSU’s History Department. He shares how Austin Peay’s strong reputation in History and English shaped his academic journey and prepared him for a career dedicated to preserving historical narratives.




















