In the season premiere ofGovs on the Go: The Legacy Series, we sit down with Dr. Joe Filippo, whose impact on APSU’s then Department of Speech and Theatre spans decades. When he arrived in 1968 as department chair, the program had only three faculty members—and no theater building after a fire destroyed it. Thanks to his leadership and President Joe Morgan’s promise, APSU’s new theater opened in 1974, marking a turning point for the department’s growth.
By the time he stepped down as chair in 1985, Dr. Filippo had expanded the program to include radio, video, journalism, public relations, and interpersonal communication. A prolific director, producer, and scholar, he has earned numerous accolades, including the APSU Distinguished Professor Award and the Suzanne B. Davis Lifetime Achievement Award in Theatre. Even in retirement, Dr. Filippo remains deeply involved in the arts and historical preservation in Clarksville.
Join us as we explore his legacy and the stories behind his transformative career.