Austin Peay State University (APSU)
Clarksville, TN – Dr. Tucker Brown, chair of the Austin Peay State University (APSU) Department of Sociology, was recently named dean of the University’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences.
Dr. David Denton, former dean of the college, decided to return to the classroom in 2017, leaving the position open. Dr. Rebecca Corvey, professor of nursing, served as interim dean while the University conducted a national search to fill the position.
Brown arrived at Austin Peay State University in 2007 as assistant professor of sociology and coordinator of the program’s Family Studies minor. In 2013, he was named chair of that department.
During his time at Austin Peay State University, Brown has taken on several leadership roles, including president of the APSU Faculty Senate, chair of the Faculty Development Planning Committee, co-chair of the Quality Enhancement Plan’s Grant Review Committee and the president’s faculty appointee to the APSU Academic Council.
“I’ve worked with Dr. Tucker Brown for several years, and in that time I’ve been impressed by his leadership and his commitment to the University,” Dr. Rex Gandy, APSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “He is highly regarded among the faculty, staff and students, and I know he’ll continue to move the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences forward.”
Brown is a well-regarded academic, having published several scholarly articles and delivered more than 17 conference presentations. In recent years, his focus has shifted to improving the University experience for students through grant-funded research.
He, along with several APSU colleagues, received a $144,407 Tennessee Higher Education Commission grant for “improving campus climate for increased degree attainment” at Austin Peay.
He also collaborated with faculty from the Department of Political Science on a $110,000 Tennessee Board of Regents Access and Diversity Grant. That grant targeted nontraditional military spouses and provided participants with stipends for child care and books in exchange for completing leadership and service-learning coursework and projects.
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State. He received a Master of Science and his Ph.D. in sociology from Arizona State University.
