Austin Peay Board approves multiple campus naming requests honoring community leaders

Austin Peay State University (APSU) is set to honor several key figures and organizations with the naming of various spaces on campus, following a recent Board of Trustees meeting held on April 11, 2025. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to enhance the university's reputation and strengthen community ties.

The Board approved multiple naming requests, including the Turner Events Center, which will recognize Jack and Margie Turner for their longstanding support and contributions to APSU. Their involvement spans decades, including participation in various university events and sponsorships that bolster the ROTC program and military affiliations at the university.

Another significant naming is the Fisher Roberts Lobby at Forterra Stadium, honoring the Roberts family for their generous support of the football program. Red Roberts, a notable alumnus and former team member, has a legacy intertwined with APSU athletics, further emphasized by his family's deep-rooted connections to the university.

The meeting also highlighted the naming of several spaces within the new Health Professions Building. The Wendy Araya Family Clinical Simulation Lab will honor Wendy Araya, a dedicated nursing professional and APSU alumna. The Curtis G. Johnson Atrium will recognize the former state representative's efforts in securing funding for the building, while the Bill Wyden Enrichment Center will acknowledge the contributions of Bill Wyden, a distinguished alumnus committed to community health.

Additionally, the Clarksville Montgomery County Community Health Foundation will have the outdoor courtyard named in recognition of their transformational gift, which has significantly impacted the university's health programs.

The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to honoring those who have made substantial contributions to APSU and the surrounding community. These naming opportunities not only celebrate individual legacies but also reinforce the university's mission to foster educational excellence and community engagement.

Looking ahead, the Board also approved a calendar of meeting dates for 2026, ensuring continued governance and oversight of university initiatives. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of outgoing and incoming student trustees, emphasizing the importance of student representation in university governance.