The Legacy Series celebrates retirees who have dedicated themselves to improving Austin Peay State University, the College of Arts and Letters, and the Clarksville, TN community.
In this special episode of Govs on the Go: The Legacy Series, we sit down with two giants of the APSU arts community—Drs. George and Sharon Mabry. With a combined legacy spanning more than 80 years, this remarkable couple helped shape not only the Department of Music at Austin Peay but also the cultural landscape of Clarksville.
George, a celebrated choral director and composer, joined APSU in 1970 and later became the inaugural director of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA). Sharon, an internationally recognized performer, professor of music education and voice, and longtime contributor to the NATS Journal of Singing, retired in 2022 as the longest-serving employee in University history. Together, they mentored generations of students and brought world-class performances to the region.
From their early days at Florida State University to the renaming of APSU’s concert hall in their honor, the Mabrys’ story is one of partnership, passion, and purpose.
13 Mar 2025
Dr. Dewey Browder
In this episode of Govs on the Go: The Legacy Series, we sit down with Dr. Dewey Browder, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and former chair of APSU’s Department of History and Philosophy. With a military career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Browder’s service took him from Vietnam to NATO strategy meetings, earning him numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.After transitioning to academia, Dr. Browder joined APSU in 1992, where he spent 21 years educating and mentoring students. He developed APSU’s graduate degree in Military History and a study-abroad program focused on the Holocaust. An accomplished historian and author, his research has provided invaluable insight into American and European history.
13 Feb 2025
Dr. Joe Filippo
In the season premiere ofGovs on the Go: The Legacy Series, we sit down with Dr. Joe Filippo, whose impact on APSU’s then Department of Speech and Theatre spans decades. When he arrived in 1968 as department chair, the program had only three faculty members—and no theater building after a fire destroyed it. Thanks to his leadership and President Joe Morgan’s promise, APSU’s new theater opened in 1974, marking a turning point for the department’s growth.
By the time he stepped down as chair in 1985, Dr. Filippo had expanded the program to include radio, video, journalism, public relations, and interpersonal communication. A prolific director, producer, and scholar, he has earned numerous accolades, including the APSU Distinguished Professor Award and the Suzanne B. Davis Lifetime Achievement Award in Theatre. Even in retirement, Dr. Filippo remains deeply involved in the arts and historical preservation in Clarksville.
Join us as we explore his legacy and the stories behind his transformative career.
14 Nov 2024
Ellen Kanervo
In the season finale of Govs on the Go: The Legacy Series, we spotlight Dr. Ellen Kanervo, APSU professor emerita of mass communication. With an impressive career in teaching, research, and service, Dr. Kanervo represented APSU in Leadership Clarksville and served on the planning committee for the Tennessee Women in Higher Education convention.
Since her retirement in 2007, Dr. Kanervo has authored and edited six books chronicling Clarksville’s history and has served as executive director of the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council. Join us as Dr. Kanervo shares insights from her work in education and community service, including her impact on the local arts scene and her continued dedication to Clarksville’s cultural development.
17 Oct 2024
Dr. Jim Diehr
In this episode of Govs on the Go: The Legacy Series, we explore the incredible career of Dr. Jim Diehr, a distinguished artist and educator whose work in pottery and sculpture combines spirituality with whimsy. With 44 years in education, Dr. Diehr has left an indelible mark on countless students. As a Fulbright Scholar, guest professor in China, head of product design at Pittsburg State, chair of APSU’s Department of Art + Design, and dean of the College of Arts and Letters, his contributions are vast.Dr. Diehr is celebrated for his innovative multimedia pieces using materials like Colorado alabaster and wood from his own farm, Long Thunder. His legacy includes founding APSU’s ceramics program and mentoring generations of artists. Join us as Dr. Diehr reflects on his impactful career and continued artistic journey in retirement.
19 Sept 2024
Dr. Solie Fott
In the debut episode of Govs on the Go: The Legacy Series, Dean Hoon sits down with Dr. Solie Fott, who dedicated over four decades to Austin Peay State University. From his pivotal role as the founding president of the Faculty Senate to chairing the Department of Music for 20 years, Dr. Fott’s contributions to APSU are profound. Arriving in Clarksville in 1958 for what was supposed to be a one-year teaching position, his tenure evolved into a lasting legacy. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Fott played on over 2,000 recording sessions for legendary artists like Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.
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