APSU Inducts Largest First-Year Class into Alpha Lambda Delta in Over a Decade

The honor society recognized 143 students for academic excellence in their freshman year.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:20pm

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a group of students in academic regalia gathered together, with warm pools of light and color creating a celebratory, intimate atmosphere.The induction ceremony for Austin Peay State University's Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society celebrated the academic achievements of its largest first-year class in over a decade.Clarksville Today

Austin Peay State University's chapter of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society recently inducted 143 first-year students during a ceremony, making this year's cohort the largest since 2014. Alpha Lambda Delta recognizes students who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher during their freshman year, providing leadership opportunities and a cross-disciplinary network.

Why it matters

The large induction class highlights the university's efforts to encourage early academic success and build a sense of community for first-year students, which can be crucial for retention and long-term achievement.

The details

The induction ceremony took place in the Clement Auditorium, with family members on hand to celebrate the students' accomplishments. Alpha Lambda Delta membership provides access to leadership roles within the organization as well as scholarship opportunities. The university's New Student Programs and Initiatives department has worked to grow the chapter's presence on campus in recent years, reaching out directly to eligible students through the AP Navigate platform.

  • The induction ceremony was held on March 19, 2026.
  • Alpha Lambda Delta has had a chapter at Austin Peay since 1980.

The players

Emma Becker

A junior political science major from Clarksville who currently serves as the president of the Alpha Lambda Delta chapter at Austin Peay.

Dr. Ryan Combs

The director of New Student Programs and Initiatives at Austin Peay, who has helped grow the Alpha Lambda Delta program on campus.

Charli Beth Hill

The coordinator for New Student Programs and Initiatives and the advisor for the Alpha Lambda Delta chapter at Austin Peay.

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What they’re saying

“We all share a common goal of trying to achieve academic success. So we're trying to share what else we have in common and encourage other people.”

— Emma Becker, Alpha Lambda Delta Chapter President

“We are excited to honor first-year academic success. We constantly encourage our students to make the most out of their first semester. When students go to their classes, get involved, and have a fantastic start to their academic journey, they deserve to be celebrated for it.”

— Dr. Ryan Combs, Director of New Student Programs and Initiatives

“I'm getting the opportunity to lead a group of students who are just continuing to grow. You can see the desire in the students to become more active and engaged on their campus, so that means a lot because they're taking ownership.”

— Charli Beth Hill, Coordinator for New Student Programs and Initiatives, Alpha Lambda Delta Advisor

What’s next

The university plans to continue its efforts to promote the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and recognize academic excellence among first-year students.

The takeaway

Austin Peay's large induction class for Alpha Lambda Delta demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering a supportive community for high-achieving first-year students, which can have long-term benefits for student retention and success.