Austin Peay seeks amendment to campus master plan as enrollment climbs 20%

Austin Peay State University asked the State Building Commission to approve an amendment to its 2024 campus master plan to address an urgent and growing need for on-campus student housing. Dr. Charuzer Pabar, vice president for finance and administration, said enrollment has jumped about 20% over three years and the university’s current inventory of 1,775 beds is already roughly 90% occupied.

"Since the plan was drafted using fall 20 23 data, our enrollment has increased by an astounding 20% over 3 years," Dr. Pabar said, asking for approval of the amendment the Tennessee Higher Education Commission has already reviewed and approved. The commission adopted the amendment by voice vote, clearing the way for the university and state reviewers to proceed with planning for additional housing capacity.