APSU's Career Readiness Academy Boosts Student Preparedness

University's $2.5 million federal grant funds faculty training to embed key job skills into courses

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Austin Peay State University has launched a Career Readiness Academy, using a $2.5 million federal grant to train 16 faculty members on embedding key job competencies into their courses. The goal is to increase students' knowledge, confidence and preparedness for the workforce, with professors incorporating activities like group projects, presentations, lab work, case studies, field observations, and service learning to develop skills like professionalism, communication, and critical thinking.

Why it matters

Equipping students with in-demand career skills is crucial for their success after graduation. By directly integrating these competencies into coursework, APSU is helping ensure its students are workforce-ready upon completing their degrees.

The details

The Career Readiness Academy provided faculty with training on using labor market tools like Lightcast and Forage to inform curriculum development. Professors then implemented new activities and assignments in their classes starting in Fall 2025 to build skills like professionalism, communication, and critical thinking. For example, an introductory physical education course added field observations and teaching simulations, while a public speaking class incorporated service learning projects with local nonprofits.

  • The Career Readiness Academy was funded by a $2.5 million federal grant awarded to APSU's University College.
  • The 16 faculty members participated in the extended workshop series in 2025.
  • New career-focused activities and assignments were implemented in classes starting in the Fall 2025 semester.

The players

Dr. Kacie de Saint Georges

Executive director of University Partnerships and Success Initiatives at APSU.

Dr. Alex Adams

Assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at APSU.

Dr. Tracy Nichols

Associate professor in the Department of Communication and assistant director of Honors and PELP at APSU.

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What they’re saying

“With this program, we're really wanting to focus on increasing student knowledge, confidence, and preparedness. Making sure our students understand how their activities and assignments are helping them develop these career competencies that employers are expecting is very important.”

— Dr. Kacie de Saint Georges, Executive director of University Partnerships and Success Initiatives (clarksvillenow.com)

“Some of the skills I really wanted to focus on were professionalism and communication, and we did that by adding a field observation. Students had to do one hour of observation at elementary, middle and high schools, and they had to write 'welcome' and 'thank you' emails to make sure they were practicing their professionalism.”

— Dr. Alex Adams, Assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance (clarksvillenow.com)

“One of my passions is service learning, and for this class I wanted a small, value-driven project that students wouldn't feel was taking too much of their time. The students told me their interests, and I found nonprofit organizations in town for them to spend five hours with. It wasn't just volunteering; they had to unpack information based on what they were learning in class, present about what was going on with their organizations, and network while spending time in the community.”

— Dr. Tracy Nichols, Associate professor in the Department of Communication and assistant director of Honors and PELP (clarksvillenow.com)

What’s next

APSU plans to continue expanding the Career Readiness Academy to train more faculty and further integrate career-focused activities across the curriculum.

The takeaway

By directly embedding key job competencies into coursework, APSU is ensuring its students gain the practical skills and real-world experience needed to thrive in their careers after graduation, setting them up for long-term success.