APSU committee approves program closures, three new graduate degrees and two tenure appointments

Austin Peay State University’s Academic Affairs Committee approved a package of program changes and personnel actions during its meeting, voting to terminate two low-enrolled undergraduate certificate programs, authorize three new graduate degrees and grant tenure upon appointment to two incoming campus leaders.

Dr. Maria Cronley, provost and vice president for academic affairs, opened the meeting’s substantive business by saying, “We at Austin Peay are consistently reviewing our program offerings, trying to ensure that we're aligning with student and workforce demands.” She explained the committee’s rationale for the terminations and the proposals that followed.

Why it matters: The committee’s approvals reshape graduate offerings and consolidate certain undergraduate certificate options, reflecting university enrollment patterns and regional workforce needs. New graduate programs aim to create local pipelines for high-demand careers, while tenure-on-appointment decisions secure leadership for upcoming academic units.

What the committee approved

- Terminate the executive graduate certificate in health care administration: The certificate never developed significant enrollment after the university’s master’s program expanded; termination was approved by voice vote.

- Terminate the undergraduate TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate: Low undergraduate enrollment prompted trustees to approve ending the standalone undergraduate certificate while preserving TESOL training through minors and elective courses.

- Create a Master of Education in TESOL: The committee approved development of a standalone M.Ed. in TESOL; administrators said no new faculty or resources are required because the necessary courses already exist.

- Create a Master of Athletic Training (MAT): Presenters described letters of support from local high schools, APSU athletics, Fort Campbell and the Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance and said the program would seek accreditation (referred to in the meeting as “CATE”). The presenter said the inaugural cohort would enroll in 2027, with an anticipated cohort size of about 10 students per year.

- Create a Master of Science in Environmental Science: The interdisciplinary program — involving STEM, arts and letters, and behavioral and health sciences — is intended to serve regional demand; a Hanover feasibility study was cited, and presenters said the nearest comparable program is more than 100 miles away. The program is expected to begin enrolling students in 2026 with an initial cohort of roughly 10 students.

Personnel actions

- Grant tenure upon appointment to Dr. Mitchell Cordova, incoming provost and vice president for academic affairs, who is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025. Trustees said Cordova meets departmental criteria and faculty and administration support the recommendation.

- Grant tenure upon appointment to Dr. Philip Monken, incoming chair of the Department of Social Work, who is expected to begin on Aug. 1, 2025; faculty and college leadership recommended the appointment and trustees approved it.

Votes at a glance

All motions described above were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting.

Who spoke (selected)

Dr. Maria Cronley, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs — introduced program closures and new degree proposals and answered trustee questions. Dr. Kron — presented the Master of Athletic Training proposal and described anticipated cohort size and accreditation planning. Dr. Connolly — presented the Master of Science in Environmental Science proposal and discussed interdisciplinary participation and market demand.

Next steps

New programs approved by the committee will proceed through any remaining institutional approvals and relevant state review processes; presenters indicated the MAT program will pursue accreditation and the university will work with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission where required. Tenure appointments will take effect on the start dates stated in committee materials.

The committee adjourned following the approvals.