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.