Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Board of Trustees has approved naming the campus food pantry the Millan Foundation Impact Center, recognizing a historic gift-in-place donation that will significantly expand the university’s ability to address student hunger.
The Millan Foundation’s contribution marks APSU’s first privately-funded gift-in-place donation and will enable the food pantry to serve 35% more students experiencing food insecurity. The board approved the naming during its quarterly meeting on Friday, December 5th.
Unlike many campus food pantries that offer only non-perishable goods, APSU’s facility provides students and their families with fresh produce, meat, and eggs alongside shelf-stable items.
“The Millan Foundation’s generous commitment to complete the buildout of our new food pantry facility is nothing short of remarkable,” said APSU President Dr. Mike Licari. “This partnership represents our values of community collaboration and shared purpose at Austin Peay—uniting with organizations that share our commitment to student success.”
The expanded facility will increase monthly food distribution from 4,800 items to 6,500 and boost fresh food distribution from 50 pounds to 100 pounds monthly. Shelf-stable storage will grow from 1,400 to 1,800 items, and the number of hydroponic towers for growing fresh greens on-site will double. The new location will also improve visibility and accessibility for students.
During the 2024-25 academic year, the food pantry served 505 new students through 3,889 visits, averaging 220 students monthly. The program also feeds 312 family members each month, a family-inclusive approach that distinguishes APSU from most university food assistance programs.
“At the Millan Foundation, our mission is to create a legacy of impact by partnering with good people and great organizations to broaden and strengthen their footprint,” said Leo Millan, president of the Millan Foundation. “We work to remove obstacles so our partners can fully carry out their mission. This partnership with Austin Peay State University reflects our commitment to collaborative efforts that uplift local organizations.”
Kris Phillips, vice president for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, emphasized the deeper significance of the collaboration.
“We’re fortunate to have partners like the Millan Foundation, who understand that true generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about transforming lives and building futures,” Phillips said. “This partnership is about more than facilities and infrastructure—it’s about hope, dignity, and opportunity for Austin Peay students.”
The partnership was celebrated during APSU’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Breakfast on Wednesday, November 19th, followed by an unlocking ceremony at the future home of the food pantry. University leadership also launched a campaign to establish a permanent endowment ensuring long-term sustainability for the pantry’s operations.
For more information about supporting the APSU Food Pantry, visit givetoapsu.com/foodpantry or contact Victor Felts, director of philanthropy for the Division of Student Affairs and University College, at 931-221-7167 or feltsv@apsu.edu.
To establish a corporate partnership, endowment, or support other fundraising initiatives, contact the APSU Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or give@apsu.edu.
