Govs on the Go

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dr. Buzz Hoon talks with Korean Harris, a 2018 and 2020 graduate of APSU’s Department of Communication. Now a success advisor at Jackson State Community College, Harris shares her journey as a first-generation college student, her experiences getting involved at APSU, and how her communication skills have shaped her career. She also discusses the importance of finding support...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon talks with Nea Paris, a 2010 Austin Peay State University Communication Arts graduate with an emphasis in print and web journalism. Paris shares her journey from The All State to a career in journalism, public relations, advertising, and entrepreneurship, and discusses how her Austin Peay experiences helped prepare her for an ever-changing communications industry. No...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Brian Hogg, a 1996 Austin Peay State University alumnus from the Department of Music and an accomplished musician and educator. Now an associate professor at Northern Kentucky University, Brian has built a career that blends performance, teaching, and mentorship in the world of jazz.With experience as both a professional musician and director of jazz studie...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon is joined by Jeff Hardin, a 1990 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Languages and Literature with a degree in English and an accomplished poet and educator. Now a professor of English at Columbia State Community College, Jeff has built a distinguished literary career, publishing multiple collections of poetry and earning national recognition fo...

In this special episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with dual APSU alumni Austin and Erin Leigh McKain, both from the Department of Communication. Austin, now a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, and Erin, a Program Coordinator for Engagement and Belonging at Maryville University, have each built careers centered on helping others plan for the future and find success in their own paths.

Toget...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Daniel Armitage, a 1983 graduate of Austin Peay State University with a degree in Speech, Communication, and Theatre. Now serving as Associate Vice President in Student Affairs at the University of North Texas, Daniel brings decades of experience in higher education leadership and student engagement.

As he wraps up his tenth year at UNT, Daniel reflects...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Mason Devers, a 2018 graduate of Austin Peay State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. Now serving as Communications Director for House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, Mason leads national media strategy, legislative messaging, and constituent communications at the highest levels of federal government.Mason refle...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Lexi Putter, a 2021 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Now based in Chicago, Lexi has spent the past four years building a career as an actor, comedian, and improviser, performing with several theaters across the city. Originally from Flower Mound, Texas, Lexi reflects on her decision to attend APSU, the opport...

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Darcy Schein, a 1994 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Communication and co-founder of the nationally recognized bakery Pie Junkie. What began as a home-cooking hobby evolved into a thriving business in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District, with Pie Junkie earning features in People, Vogue, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more....

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 assistanc...

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...

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 p...

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 desi...

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 Depa...

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 ...