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Board committee forwards $38.5M Military Academic Building and $12.3M deferred-maintenance request to THEC
Summary
The committee approved Austin Peay State University's capital outlay request including a Military Academic Building not-to-exceed $38.5 million and six deferred maintenance projects totaling $12.3 million; trustees discussed long-term maintenance funding challenges and state match requirements.
The Austin Peay State University Business and Finance Committee on April 11 approved the university—s capital outlay and deferred maintenance request for fiscal year 2026–27, which includes a Military Academic Building with a not-to-exceed budget of $38,500,000 and six deferred maintenance requests totaling $12,300,000.
Art Brunner, director of capital planning, design and construction, presented the project list. He described the Military Academic Building as a renovation that will create space for culinary arts, ROTC, the Institute for National Security and Military Studies, communications with a focus on sports broadcasting and athletics. Brunner said this was the third consecutive year the project had been submitted to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).
The deferred maintenance list includes power-plant exterior improvements and a new filter, fire-alarm upgrades and centralization, a second chiller replacement in the power plant, a $2.5 million request for Senquist fuel hood and HVAC improvements (an additional request beyond prior funding), modular boiler installation and repairs to the music, mass communications and art-design areas, and envelope repairs for Browning, Woodward and Claxton buildings. Brunner said the university previously received $1,500,000 toward the Senquist improvements but could not complete the project with those funds.
Trustees questioned funding and the state—s role. Brunner and other speakers said the deferred-maintenance requests are funded by the state when THEC approves projects, but the systemwide deferred-maintenance shortfall remains substantial and universities often receive less than requested. He said renovation projects require a gift match (4% for renovation; 6% for new construction was cited as the matching requirement for THEC proposals). The presentation flagged end-of-life chillers in the power plant as among the most pressing items.
Trustees raised the idea of creating an internal renewal and replacement reserve to smooth future large capital repairs; university staff said those discussions have occurred but a dedicated fund has not been fully established in the operating budget. Trustees also asked about emergency replacement procedures if THEC funding is not available; the transcript records the question and staff response but no formal emergency-funding policy was adopted in this meeting.
The committee moved, seconded and the secretary called the roll: Trustee Cannata — yes; Trustee Jenkins — yes; Trustee McInnis — yes; Trustee Webb — yes. The minutes record the motion carried. The transcript records some roll-call responses as "yes" and indicates the motion carried.
