Govs on the Go

In this episode, Dean Hoon talks with Dr. Brandi Fuglsby, Professor of English at Austin Peay State University. Fuglsby discusses her journey from a love of literature to a career in technical writing, her international classroom collaborations, and how she helps students use AI critically and responsibly. She also shares why practical writing experience, communication skills, and student mentorship are central to her teaching.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dr. Buzz Hoon talks with Sean McCully, a 2018 graduate of APSU’s Department of Communication and Assistant Director for Visual Communications at Austin Peay. McCully shares his journey from Communication student to university storyteller, discussing his career in visual media and the experiences that have shaped his work at APSU.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Faculty Spotlight, Dr. Buzz Hoon talks with Dr. Kelsey Smith, Assistant Professor of Music at Austin Peay State University. Smith discusses her work as a cellist and educator, her research into the intersection of classical music and jazz, and her experiences performing and teaching across the country.

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, using available resources, and being willing to pivot when opportunities arise.

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. Now operating a boutique advertising agency in Chattanooga, Paris also offers advice to current Govs: stay curious, explore every opportunity, and “just be everywhere.”

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 studies, Brian reflects on his journey from APSU to the classroom and the stage, the influences that shaped his path, and his passion for helping students grow as artists and performers.

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 for his work.

With hundreds of poems appearing in prominent literary journals and numerous awards to his name, Jeff reflects on his journey from APSU to the broader literary world, the influences that shaped his voice, and his enduring commitment to teaching and the craft of poetry.

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.

Together, they reflect on their time at Austin Peay, the experiences and relationships that shaped their journeys, and their careers.

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 on his journey from APSU to senior leadership and the experiences that shaped his path.

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 reflects on his time at APSU, and how his experiences there laid the foundation for a career in legislative affairs and public communications.