New Women Faculty at Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, Tennessee, has 32 new tenure or tenure-track faculty on campus this fall. Among the 32 new faculty members are 16 women.

Folashade Agusto is an assistant professor of mathematics. She has been conducting research on aquatic systems in Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in mathematical sciences from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria.

Tara L. Alvey is a new instructor of teaching and learning. A graduate of Thomas More College in Crestview, Kentucky, she holds a master’s degree and is completing a doctorate at Vanderbilt University.

Tanya Beard was appointed assistant professor of nursing. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, she holds a master’s degree from the University of Toledo.

Beatrix Brockman was hired as an instructor of languages and literature. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Austin Peay State University. She is currently completing her doctorate in German at Vanderbilt University.

Deborah Buchanan is a new assistant professor of psychology. She is completing her doctorate in counselor education at the University of Tennessee.

Jennifer Fillingim was appointed assistant professor of mathematics. She was an adjunct professor at the university. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Mississippi.

Melissa Gomez was appointed assistant professor of health and human performance. She was associate dean of student affairs at Hopkinsville Community College in Kentucky. A graduate of Clemson University, Dr. Gomez earned a master’s degree from APSU and a doctorate at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Jessica Hatz was named assistant professor of psychology. She was a visiting assistant professor at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. A graduate of Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, Dr. Hatz earned a master’s degree at Wake Forest University and a Ph.D. in social psychology at the University of Wyoming.

Shondell Hickson is an assistant professor of nursing. Since 2006, she has been an instructor at the university. A graduate of APSU, she holds a master’s degree from Murray State University.

Jeannine St. Pierre Hirtle is a new associate professor of education. A public school teacher for more than two decades, she holds an educational doctorate from the University of Houston.

Regina Kakhnovets was named assistant professor of psychology. She held a similar position at Auburn University. A graduate of the University of Texas, she holds master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Ohio State University.

Eli Lara is a new instructor of music. She holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry and a master’s degree in music from Yale University. She recently received a doctor of musical arts degree at the Julliard School.

Tracy Shearon Nichols is a new instructor of communications. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from APSU and has worked as an adjunct professor atthe university for the past three years.

Margaret Rennerfeldt was hired as an assistant professor of theater and dance. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.

Joely Thornhill Schroder is an assistant professor of nursing. She was an instructor at Hopkinsville Community College. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Phoenix.

Lindsay Ann Szramek is a new assistant professor of geography and geology. A graduate of Bowdoin College, she earned a Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin.