Govs on the Go

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Lexi Putter, a 2021 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Now based in Chicago, Lexi has spent the past four years building a career as an actor, comedian, and improviser, performing with several theaters across the city. Originally from Flower Mound, Texas, Lexi reflects on her decision to attend APSU, the opportunity to audition and perform from her first year on campus, and how those early experiences helped launch her professional career in one of the nation’s most competitive theatre scenes.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon sits down with Darcy Schein, a 1994 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Communication and co-founder of the nationally recognized bakery Pie Junkie. What began as a home-cooking hobby evolved into a thriving business in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District, with Pie Junkie earning features in People, Vogue, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. Darcy reflects on her path from APSU to entrepreneurship, the influence of family and tradition, and how communication skills helped turn a passion for pie into a celebrated brand.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Hoon talks with Joe Weyant, a 1998 Austin Peay State University graduate with dual degrees in Communication Arts and Political Science. Now a Nashville-based attorney with extensive experience in state, federal, and appellate courts, Joe has built a reputation as a creative and tenacious advocate. He has served as a Montgomery County Commissioner, provided legal assistance to the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, taught Business Law and Ethics as an APSU adjunct, and completed formal mediation training through the Lipscomb Institute for Conflict Management. Dean Hoon and Joe discuss his path to APSU, the mentors who shaped his journey, and the experiences that led him to a distinguished career in law and public service.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Dr. Joseph Miller, an alumnus of Austin Peay State University’s Department of History & Philosophy who earned his bachelor's degree in 2002 and now serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing at Winthrop University. Dr. Miller shares how his APSU experience laid the foundation for a successful career in higher education leadership—leading enrollment, marketing, and student success efforts across the Southeast.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Tori Felton, a 2015 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Art + Design. Now a designer with M&S Brands, Tori brings more than eight years of experience leading creative teams and developing impactful visual strategies across diverse media platforms. She and Dean Hoon discuss her journey to APSU, the mentors who shaped her path, and how her time as a Gov continues to influence her creative career.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Ebony Walton, a 2019 graduate of Austin Peay State University’s Department of Art + Design. Now working as a Content Developer for Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in North Carolina, Ebony shares how her time at APSU helped her discover her creative voice and build a career in graphic design. She reflects on her growth from student projects to designing professional content for major corporate events, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she’s turned her passion for design into a thriving profession.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Will Roberts, a two-time graduate of Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Communication. Now serving as Communications Director for Ardent Health in Nashville, Will reflects on his path from growing up in Maryville, Tennessee, to finding community and direction at APSU through mentors, fraternity life, and the Department of Communication.

In this episode, Dean Hoon catches up with Art Ruangtip, a 1997 graduate of the APSU Department of Music. With over 25 years of experience as a music educator in Texas, Art currently serves as the Director of Wind and Percussion Studies at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Art shares stories from his time at Austin Peay, reflecting on the faculty and students who made a difference in his life!

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon talks with Kali Woodward, a 1989 graduate of Austin Peay State University with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Communication. Kali is the founder and executive director of the American Youth Literacy Foundation, which he has led for the past 18 years. A former Spanish and Arabic linguist with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kali now devotes his work to helping children across the nation learn to read through innovative literacy programs.

In this episode of Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition, Dean Buzz Hoon sits down with Jonathan Castile, a 2004 theatre graduate of Austin Peay State University. An award-winning actor, filmmaker, and magician, Jonathan has performed on stage and screen, co-founded Runes Picture Company in Los Angeles, and created illusions for film, music videos, and television. From his early days performing sketch comedy at APSU to his creative work in Hollywood, Jonathan shares how his passion for storytelling has shaped his career.