Austin Peay State University Named First VETS Bravo Campus in Tennessee

Media Contact
Jessie Greene
Jessie.Greene@tn.gov
615-519-7730
Press Release  

NASHVILLE, TN – April 15, 2025 – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) proudly congratulates Austin Peay State University (APSU) on becoming the first designated VETS Bravo Campus in the state of Tennessee. This milestone recognizes APSU’s outstanding commitment to serving military-connected students and their families through robust support services, workforce engagement, and student success initiatives.

Starting in July 2024—ten years after the Tennessee Veterans Transition Support (VETS) Act was signed into law—campuses that are recognized as Tennessee’s VETS Campuses can earn the additional VETS Bravo designation. To achieve this honor, institutions must meet elevated criteria that ensure veterans receive a tailored, quality experience, including:
       •   Establishing a peer mentoring or support program specifically for military-connected students, maintained for at                    least one academic year.
       •   Facilitating career services tailored to military-connected students
       •   Identifying a VETS Bravo Campus Liaison, and ongoing professional development.
       •   Utilizing insights from the annual student veteran survey to improve services.

With a strong history of serving military-connected students—bolstered by its proximity to Fort Campbell—APSU continues to be a beacon of excellence for the military community. They offer a welcoming and encouraging academic environment, allowing veterans and military dependents the support they need to achieve their educational goals.

“Veterans have served Tennessee and our country, and when they pursue a credential from a Tennessee college, we want to ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “Becoming a VETS Bravo Campus requires vision, effort, and sustained support for student veterans. As the state’s first VETS Bravo Campus, Austin Peay’s leadership sets a powerful example and reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to those who have served our nation.”

“I want to personally congratulate APSU and their Military & Veterans Team for their ongoing innovation in supporting veterans and their family members,” said Kathleen Staple, Director of Veteran Initiatives at THEC. “The environment created at the Newton Military Family Resource Center makes a significant impact on the successful completion of Veterans’ higher education goals.”

To learn more about THEC’s Veteran initiatives, visit https://www.tn.gov/thec/forinstitutions/veteran-initiatives.html. 

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The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Commission develops, implements, evaluates postsecondary education policies and programs in Tennessee while coordinating the state’s systems of higher education, and is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.