President Tim Hall

State and local officials, as well supporters of Austin Peay and members of the university community, were on hand today at the groundbreaking for the new chemical engineering tech building at the corner of College and Eighth Streets. For the first time, Austin Peay–Tennessee’s fastest growing public university–will cross Eighth Street to build a new academic facility.

Rick Doornbos, president and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor Group, presented a $2 million check to APSU to purchase laboratory equipment for the building. Construction on the facility, with funds provided through the office of Governor Bredesen, will begin later in the month. The $2 million gift from Hemlock Semiconductor Group is one of the largest ever received by Austin Peay. When Rick unveiled the check, I wondered whether protocol would allow me to give him a big hug, but settled on a vigorous handshake and profound thanks!

Austin Peay’s Governors School for Computational Physics wrapped up its program last week. The school brought an unbelievably talented group of high school students to our campus from every part of Tennessee. If last year’s school is any indicator, a number of these students will choose to attend Austin Peay when they graduate from high school. Those who don’t, though, are sure to spread the word back home about the good things happening at APSU.

In the photograph, one of the Governors School students–Ryan Adams–is joined by me, APSU’s vice president for academic affairs Tristan Denley, state representative Joe Pitts, and state senator Tim Barnes. We especially appreciate our legislators for their continued support of the Governors School.